Dr. John J. Quinn
Introduction to Political Science
POL 171
Office: McClain 206D x4578
This course outlines — in broad parameters — some core ideas and approaches to political science. As the field is very broad and ever increasing, we will emphasize a more traditional approach to study the field. This course will emphasize institutions, ideas, and political relationships between people and their nations, their foundational ideologies, as well as basic interactions among nations. Books are available at both the Truman State Bookstore and Patty’s University Book Store. The required texts for the class are as follows:
Required Texts
Shively, W. Phillip. Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science, 6th ed. New
York:McGraw-Hill Companies, 1997.
Baradat, Leon. Political Ideologies and Their Origins and Impacts, 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, NJ:Prentice Hall, 1997.
Recommended texts for this class include one of the following
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
6th ed. Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1996. Or
Scott and Garrison, The Political Science Student Writer’s Guide 3rd Edition
Prentice Hall.
During the course, there will be three major exams as well as one paper. Each student is responsible for bringing a blue book on the day of the exam, including the final exam (when you might need two). There are 500 possible points in this class. Each exam counts for 100 points, and the paper counts for 150 points. Attendance and participation will account for the remaining 50 points. Students are expected to arrive in class able to discuss the basic idea found in the assigned readings for the day. As such, students are expected to read the assigned readings for the day as well as the notes from the previous class. This allows lectures to include in depth discussions, rather than just a straight lecture. Students will be expected to discuss/debate alternative points of views on political systems/ ideologies/ and other students’ arguments. If it becomes clear that students are unprepared for class discussion, then a system of surprise quizzes will be instituted which will be used as an additional grade. [Points will range from five to ten each. Missed quizzes or tests cannot be made up without a doctor’s excuse or prior notification.]