POL200ZA（政治学 / Politics 200）

General Topics II: American Government／General Topics II: American Government

【授業の概要と目的（何を学ぶか） / Outline and objectives】
In this course, students will be introduced to the principles which undergird the American regime. This includes the major structural and operating features of the American system of government, and what legitimizes their basic rights and privileges in a representative democracy. It is essential to begin by examining first principles that are foundational to the American administrative state. These principles are set forth in the Declaration of Independence, proceeding by degrees thereafter to a consideration of the Confederation period, the Constitutional Convention, the ratification debates (The Federalist Papers), and other prominent legal events that decisively shaped the republic during its opening decades. With these foundations firmly in mind, we will then examine in greater detail the structure and history of the nation’s uniquely constituted form of government, with particular emphasis on the importance of federalism and the separation of powers. Each of the federal branches will be studied, including the operations of the federal system, and students will understand how the U.S. Constitution establishes the separation powers and how these powers are simultaneously cooperative and competitive. U.S. Constitution protects civil liberties of American citizens.

【到達目標 / Goal】
This course will provide students with a comprehensive study of the United States of America government institutions and the political process.

Students will be able to trace and identify the historical development of the U.S. Constitution. Upon completion of the course, students will:
•List important dates of the Founding era (Declaration of Independence, Constitutional Convention, Federalist Papers, Constitution ratification);
•Learn the development and significance of the Declaration, the Federalist Papers, and the Constitution by locating the arguments, as well as the development of federalism;
•Compare the principles of government developed by the Framers with pre-existing establishments of the Founding era.

Students will be able to identify how the U.S. Constitution establishes the separation of powers. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
•Compare the powers of the three branches of government as set forth in the Constitution;
•Learn the structure and functions of Congress, the judiciary, the Executive;
•Describe the checks and balances that exist among Congress, the judiciary, and the Executive.

【この授業を履修することで学部等のディプロマポリシーに示されたどの能力を習得することができるか（該当授業科目と学位授与方針に明示された学習成果との関連） / Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?】
Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

【授業で使用する言語 / Default language used in class】
英語 / English

【授業の進め方と方法 / Method(s)】 （学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. ）
The course will consist of lectures, open and group discussion, and individual and group activities. Students will be required to utilize critical thinking skills to formulate arguments and analyze concepts and principles in both oral and written form. Feedback for the quizzes and midterm exams will be given in class. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of office hours should they wish to get more personalized feedback on how to improve their performance.

【アクティブラーニング（グループディスカッション、ディベート等）の実施 / Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)】
あり / Yes

【フィールドワーク（学外での実習等）の実施 / Fieldwork in class】
なし / No

【授業計画 / Schedule】
授業形態 / methods of teaching：対面/face to face
※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

【授業時間外の学習（準備学習・復習・宿題等） / Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)】
Prior to class meetings, students are expected to review their notes from previous classes and do the assigned readings. Students will be assigned homework (current event preparation). Before an exam, students should review their notes. Preparatory study is four hours for each class session. Review for an exam takes a minimum of two to three hours.

【テキスト（教科書） / Textbooks】
None.

【参考書 / References】
Reading materials are on the course website.
Wall Street Journal subscription.

【成績評価の方法と基準 / Grading criteria】
Students are evaluated based on the following:

Participation in class discussions: 10%
Assignments and Quizzes: 20%
Midterm examination: 35%
Final examination: 35%

【学生の意見等からの気づき / Changes following student comments】
None.

【その他の重要事項 / Others】
Use of mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices during class is prohibited.
Students are expected to have passed Introduction to Political Science. However, this prerequisite may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background.

【Prerequisite】
None.