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Instructor: Dr. William
Harbour
Office Phone: 395-2219
Office: East Ruffner 228
Home
Phone: 315-0352
Office Hours: MWF
11:00-12:00
E-Mail: harbourwr@longwood.edu
TR 9:30-10:30
Table of
Contents
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
EVALUATION
METHOD REQUIRED
READINGS
GRADES
CLASS
DISCUSSION
CRITICAL THINKING WRITING EXERCISES
HONOR
CODE
TAKING
EXAMS
ATTENDANCE
POLICY
COURSE
OUTLINE
SELECTED
BIBLIOGRAPHY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The modern
presidency and its role in contemporary politics, emphasizing the constitutional
background of the office, the evolution of presidential powers, relationships
between the presidency and Congress and the bureaucracy, the presidential
election process, and the role of the presidency in policy making.
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Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate a capacity for critical and analytical thought about the Presidency.
2. Demonstrate an ability to communicate their knowledge and beliefs about the Presidency both orally and in writing.
3. Describe the essential features of the American Presidency.
4. Discuss the roles played by the Presidency in the American political system.
5. Identify information regarding the Presidency that is necessary for useful and responsible citizenship.
6. Discuss important philosophical and ethical issues associated with the exercise of Presidential power and leadership.
7. Describe the major ways in which political scientists have tried to understand the Presidency.
8. Discuss how the presidency has shaped and been shaped by dynamic social forces in the 20th and 21st century.
EVALUATION METHOD:
The attainment of
the course objectives by the students will be evaluated by examining student
performance in class discussion and on the essay exams and critical thinking
writing exercises required for the course.
George C. Edwards III. Readings in Presidential Politics. Belmont, CA.: Thompson Wadsworth, 2006. ISBN 0-495-00670-X
George C. Edwards III and Stephen J. Wayne. Presidential Leadership. Seventh Edition. Belmont, CA.: Thompson Wadsworth, 2006. ISBN 0-534-60402-1
Sidney M. Milkis and Michael Nelson. The American Presidency. Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2003. ISBN 1-56802-739-7.
James C. Pffifner and Roger H. Davidson.
Understanding the Presidency.
Fourth Edition. New York: Longman, 2007 (available 7/7/06).
ISBN 0-321-43435-8
Students will also be required to purchase a discounted subscription to the New York Times from the Bookstore. Being aware of current political developments is important to good citizenship. Each exam will have at least one question requiring students to reflect on current political news regarding the presidency.
GRADES:
Your grade will be based upon three tests
given during the course of the semester, the combined score on ten critical
thinking writing exercises, your contribution to class discussion, and a final
examination. Each of these will count for 1/6 of your semester grade. All of the
tests and the final examination will involve an essay format.
CLASS DISCUSSION:
Students are expected
to make contributions to class discussion. Your grade in this regard will be
based upon daily participation during the semester. Students should be
prepared to relate the material being studied to current political developments.
CRITICAL THINKING WRITING EXERCISES:
There will be 10 critical thinking writing exercises. These assignments will
be three pages in length. They will be done in Microsoft Word with a Font size
12 and double spaced. Any documentation for these exercises will be done
according to the Turabian format for a research paper. A shorter version of that
style manual can be found on the History style manual at the following web
address: <http://www.longwood.edu/history/HDPTSTS2.htmhttp://www.longwood.edu/history/HDPTSTS2.htm>
The essays must demonstrate reading beyond the class assignments and reflect
knowledge of current political events.
These assignments are found in the course outline and are due by 4:00 each Friday of the week assigned. Later papers will lose points.
Students are expected to live by the Longwood University Honor Code. All
work done for the class must be pledged. Your instructor will not tolerate
any form of cheating.
TAKING EXAMS:
All tests and exams must be
taken on time. You are expected to provide proof for any legitimate reason
(illness, participation in a University-sponsored activity, or recognizable
emergency) you may have for missing a test or exam. Work not handed in on time
will lose points. Each exam will also have at least one question dealing
with current political developments regarding the presidency.
The attendance policy for the course is the same as the University policy
found in the University Catalog and the Student Handbook.
COURSE OUTLINE
CLICK HERE FOR
STUDY GUIDE
Week 1 Introduction to the study of the Presidency
Aug. 28
– Sept. 1 The Constitution and the Presidency
Read:
Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 1, Readings 1-5
Edwards & Wayne, Chpt.1, Appendix A and C
Milkis &
Nelson, Preface, Chpts. 1, 2, 3
The
Constitution
Special Topics:
M: Introduction to the study of the
Presidency
W:
Creating the Presidency
What are the principal approaches to studying the
Presidency?
F: What
does the Constitution have to say about the Presidency?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #1 Identify the most important debates that surrounded the creation of the Presidency. Explain how some of today’s controversies surrounding the office reflect the concerns raised in those original debates.
Week 2 Perspectives on Presidential Power and
Leadership
Sept. 4-8 Presidential Leadership Roles
Read: Pfiffner
& Davidson, Section 2, Readings 6-11; Section 7, Readings 36, 37
Edwards,
Chpts. 1, 4, 6
Special
Topics:
M: No classes on Labor Day
W: How have Presidential powers
evolved? What have been some of the principal positions regarding the valid
scope of Presidential powers? What dynamic social, economic, political and
military forces have shaped the emergence of the modern presidency?
F:
What are the major leadership roles (or jobs) belonging to the modern
Presidency?
What are the most important
characteristics of Presidential leadership?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #2 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the principal models of presidential leadership.
Week 3 The Selection Process and Political
Parties
Sept. 11-15 Read: Edwards
& Wayne, Chpts. 2, 3, Appendix B and D
Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 3, Readings 12-19
Milkis & Nelson, Chpts. 4, 5
Edwards, Chpt. 2
Special Topics
M: How does one go about
becoming President? How do Presidential candidates get nominated?
What factors shape the conduct and
results of Presidential elections?
W:
Case Study: What can be learned from Election 2004?
F: Is this nation served well
by the manner in which it selects Presidents? Should the process be changed?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #3 Explain and evaluate what you regard as the five most important criticisms of the current presidential selection process.
Week 4 Evaluating Presidential
Performance
Sept. 18-22 Presidential Greatness
Read:
Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 9, Readings 44-46; Section 7, Reading 35
Milkis & Nelson,
Chpts. 6, 11
Special
Topics:
M: What makes for Presidential greatness? Case Study:
Lincoln
W: Case Study: FDR
F: Note: Your
first test for the semester will be on Friday, Sept. 22 and will count
for 1/6 of your semester grade.
Week 5 Cycles in the
Struggle for Power between the President and Congress
Sept. 25-29
Read: Edwards & Wayne, Chpt.
10
Pfiffner & Davidson,
Section 7, Reading 35; Section 6, Readings 31-33
Milkis &
Nelson, Chpts. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Edwards, Chpts. 3,
11
Special Topics:
M: The Era of Congressional
Dominance
W: The Progressives
and the Presidency
F: The
Modern Presidency and FDR
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #4 What forces contributed to the rise of the modern Presidency? How do these forces continue to shape the presidency?
Week 6
The Presidency and Congress
Oct. 2-6
Read: Edwards & Wayne, Chpt. 10
Pfiffner
& Davidson, Section 6, Readings 31-33; Section 7, Reading, 35
Special
Topics:
M: What does the President have going for him in dealing with the
Congress?
What resources are available to Congress in trying to resist presidents?
W: Case Study: LBJ
F: What forces limit Presidential
influence with Congress?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #5 Why are some presidents more successful
in getting their domestic agenda enacted by Congress than others? What makes for
Presidential success in dealing with Congress?
Week 7 Domestic Policy; Economic and
Budget Policy
Oct. 9-13
Read: Pfifnner &
Davidson, Section 7, Readings 35-38
Milkis & Nelson, Chpts. 12, 13, 14
Edwards & Wayne, Chpts. 12, 13
Special Topics:
M: What factors dominate
domestic policy and economic and budget policy?
W: What resources do Presidents
have in these areas?
F: What limitations do they face in these areas?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #6 What has been the role of ideology in the Bush administration?
FALL BREAK OCTOBER 16-17
Week 8
The Presidency and the Bureaucracy
Oct. 18-20
Read: Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 5, Readings 29, 30
Special Topics:
W: What have some recent Presidents tried to do in trying
to get greater control of the federal bureaucracy? Why are Presidents so often
frustrated when it comes to dealing with the federal bureaucracy?
F: Note: You will have your second
test on Friday, Oct. 20. It will count for 1/6 of your semester
grade.
Week 9 The Presidential Office, the Cabinet, and
Decision Making
Oct. 23-27 Read: Edwards, Chpt. 12
Edwards & Wayne, Chpts. 6, 7, 9
Pfiffner
& Davidson, Section 5, Readings 25-28
Special Topics:
M: What
are the principal offices and agencies which Presidents have at their disposal
for decision making?
W: What is the role of the cabinet in the
Executive Branch?
F: What are the problems of coordinating the offices
serving the President?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #7 Write a position paper in which you
advise a new President on the most important principles he or she should follow
in organizing the work of the White House. Also explain the main sorts of
problems he should try to avoid.
Week 10 The Presidency and Foreign Policy
Oct. 30-Nov.
3
Read: Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 8, Readings
39-43
Edwards, Chpt. 10
Edwards & Wayne, Chpts. 14, 15
The War Powers Act, 1973 at: http://www.cs.indiana.edu/statecraft/warpow.html
Optional: CRS report on War Powers Act after 30 years: http://www.fas.org/man/crs/RL32267.html
Special Topics:
M: What is the
extent of the President’s powers in making foreign policy?
What limits a President’s powers in
making foreign policy?
W: What institutional resources do President’s have
in this area?
F: Case Study:
The Cuban Missile Crises
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise # 8 Have presidents carried their
war making powers too far? Or are such powers necessary for the security
of the country?
Week 11 The Presidency, the Public, the Press, and Political
Parties
Nov. 6-10 Read: Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 4, Readings
20-23
Edwards, Chpts. 7, 8, 9
Edwards & Wayne, Chpts. 4, 5
Special Topics:
M: What are some of the
primary factors that influence Presidential popularity?
W: How do Presidents try to shape public
opinion?
F: Why is the
relationship between the President and the press often strained?
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #9 Explain the main factors that influence Presidential popularity.
Week 12 Presidential Personality and Scandals
Nov. 13-17 Read:
Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 4, Reading 24; Section 8, Reading 42; Section
9, Reading 44
Milkis & Nelson, Chpts. 12, 13, 14
Edwards, Chpt. 5
Edwards & Wayne, Chpt. 8
Special
Topics:
M: Case Study: Nixon and Watergate
W: Case Study: Reagan and
Iran-Contra
F: Case Study:
Clinton, Lewinski and Impeachment
Critical Thinking Writing Exercise #10 What should be learned from the
Iran-Contra scandal? What are the lessons about presidential leadership that
should be learned from this scandal?.
Week 13
Nov. 20-21
M:
Note: You will have your third test on Monday, November 20. It
will count for 1/6 of your semester grade.
Thanksgiving Vacation November 22-26
Week 14 The Presidency and the Courts, The
Vice Presidency, Leadership and Democracy
Nov. 27 - Dec. 1
Read: Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 6, Reading
34; Section 9, Readings 46, 48
Milkis
& Nelson, Chpt.16
Edwards, Chpt. 13
Edwards & Wayne, Chpt.
11
Special Topics:
M: What is the impact of the Presidency
upon the courts? What impact have the courts had on the Presidency?
W: How has the office of the Vice President
evolved in the past half century?
F:
Are strong presidential leadership and democracy compatible?
Week 15 Recent Presidencies
Dec. 4-8
Read: Milkis & Nelson, Chpt. 13, 14, 15
Pfiffner & Davidson, Section 9, Readings 47, 48
Edwards, Chpt. 5
Special Topics:
M: Case Study: Ronald Reagan and George Bush
W: Case Study: Bill
Clinton
F: Case Study:
George W. Bush
Dec. 8 Last Day of
Classes
Dec. 9
Reading Day
Dec. 11-15 Final Examinations
Your final examination will be a
comprehensive essay exam. It will count for 1/6 of your semester
grade. It will be given on Monday, Dec. 11 at 3:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THE AMERICAN
PRESIDENCY
POSC 350
Class Texts:
Thomas E. Cronin and Michael A. Genovese. The Paradoxes of the American Presidency. Second Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Colin Campbell & Bert A. Rockman. The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2004.
James Pfiffner and Roger H. Davidson. Editors. Understanding the Presidency. Third Edition. New York: Longman Publishing Group, 2003.
Sidney M. Milkis and Michael Nelson. The American Presidency. Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2003.
Suggested Readings:
Colin Campbell & Bert A. Rockman. Editors. The Clinton
Legacy. New York: Chatham House Publishers, 2000.
James David
Barber. The Presidential Character. 4th Edition. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall, 1992.
James
MacGregor Burns. Presidential Government. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965.
James MacGregor Burns. Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox. New York:
Harcourt Brace, 1956.
Lou Cannon. Reagan. New York: G.P. Putnam's
Sons, 1982.
Jimmy Carter. Keeping the Faith: Memoirs of a President.
New York: Bantam Books, 1982.
Jeffrey Cohen & David Nice. The
Presidency. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.
Jeffrey Cohen &
David Nice. The Presidency: Classics and Contemporary
Readings. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.
Byron W. Daynes &
Glen Sussman. The American Presidency and the Social Agenda.
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.
Robert E.
DiClerico. The American President. Fifth Edition. Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000.
George C. Edwards III &
Philip John Davies. New Challenges
for the American Presidency. New
York: Longman, 2004.
George C. Edwards III & Stephen J. Wayne. Presidential
Leadership. Sixth Edition. Belmont, California: Thomson Wadsworth,
2003.
Edward Paul Fuchs. Presidents, Management, and Regulation.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1988.
Alexander L. George and
Juliette L. George. Woodrow Wison and Colonel House: A Personality
Study. New York: Dover Publications, 1956, 1964.
John Hart. The
Presidential Branch: From Washington to Clinton. Second Edition.
Chatham, New Jersey: Chatham House, 1995.
John S. Jackson III & William
Crotty. The Politics of Presidential Selection. Second
Edition. New York: Longman, 2001.
Irving L. Janis. Victims of
Groupthink. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1972.
Doris Kearns. Lyndon
Johnson and the American Dream. New York: Harper & Row, 1976.
Louis
K. Koenig. The Chief Executive. 5th edition. New York: Harcourt Brace
Jonavich Publishers, 1986.
William W. Lammers & Michael A. Genovese.
The Presidency and Domestic Policy. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press,
2000.
Lance T. LeLoup & Steven A. Shull. Congress and the
President: The Policy Connection. Belmont, California: Wadsworth
Pub., 1993.
Richard Neustadt. Presidential Power. 2nd edition. New
York: Wiley, 1980.
Richard Nixon. The Memoirs of Richard Nixon. New
York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1978.
Willard M. Oliver The Law & Order
Presidency. Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2003.
Gerald M. Pomper et. al. The
Election of 2000. New York: Chatham House Publishers, 2001.
George
Reedy. The Twilight of the Presidency. New York: New American Library,
1970.
Clinton Rossiter. The American Presidency. New York: New
American Library, 1956.
Larry Sabato. Editor. Overtime: The
2000 Election Thriller. New York: Longman, 2002.
Arthur
Schlesinger, Jr. The Imperial Presidency. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1973.
Lester G. Seligman and Cary R. Covington. The Coalitional
Presidency. Chicago: The Dorsey Press, 1989.
Robert J. Spitzer.
President and Congress: Executive Hegemony at the Crossroads of American
Government. New York: Mc-Graw Hill, Inc., 1993.
Tower Commission. Report
of the President's Special Review Board. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Government Printing Office, 1987.
Shirley Anne Warshaw. The Domestic
Presidency: Policy Making in the White House. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1997.
Shirley Anne Warshaw. The Keys
to Power: Managing the Presidency.
New York: Longwman, 2000.
Stephen P. Wayne. The Road to the White
House 1996: The Politics of Presidential Elections. New York: St.
Martins’s Press,1997.
Theodore White. Breach of Faith. Garden City,
N.Y.: Doubleday, 1975.
Theodore White. The Making of the President
1960. New York: New American Library, 1961.
Marcia Lynn Wicker and
Raymond A. Moore. When Presidents Are Great. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall, 1988.
Aaron Wildavsky. Editor. Perspectives on The
Presidency. Boston: Little,Brown, and Company, 1975.
Academic Journals:
American Political Science Review
Presidential
Studies Quarterly
Video Series: The American Experience (view films on 20th century presidents)
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