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PSI 2216 – US Campaigns and Elections
Professor: Matthew Adamson
Contact information: mhadamson@mcdaniel.hu
Availability: I am usually on campus in Room 226; please make an appointment if you want to be certain to find me
Course description
In this course we will examine Americans elections and voting behavior. As non-American students will discover, few people on Earth do as much campaigning and electing as Americans. We will discuss such matters as candidate selection and campaign strategy, voting turnout and voting patterns. Questions arising include: Why do so many Americans fail to vote? What role do political parties play in elections? What role does the media play? Who runs for office, and why? Do partisan politics prevent Americans from getting the candidates they really want? Etc.
Required texts
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PSI 2216 Class Reader
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Handouts during the semester
Assignments & grading
Grading system -- 100 points total
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mid-term exam (10 points)
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final exam (10 points)
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class blog participation (10 points)
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semester reflection paper (30 points total)
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short essays, reactions to readings, in-class presentations (25 points)
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class participation (10 points)
Standard Grading Scale, McDaniel College
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100+
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A+
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93-100
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A
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90-92
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A-
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88-89
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B+
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83-87
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B
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80-82
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B-
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78-79
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C+
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73-78
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C
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70-72
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C-
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68-69
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D+
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63-67
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D
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60-62
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D-
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< 60
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F
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Term Paper: A grant proposal
You have two options with this paper (2,500-3,000 words).
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Over the course of the semester, you may consider improvements that you argue need to be made to some aspect of the American electoral system. This can mean either nationwide elections, or state or local elections.
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Or, over the course of the semester, you may consider some other electoral system in the world, and suggest changes that could be made to it based on what you' ve learned about the American electoral system and process. Reference in this paper must be made directly to aspects of the American system, and research involving the American electoral system.
Your term paper will be done in phases, including a bibliography, outline, and rough draft.
Honor Code
You are expected without question to adhere completely to the McDaniel College academic honor code. Any violation will result in a zero for the given assignment and other possible sanctions.
Course Policies
Informed, critical exchange of ideas forms the core of the McDaniel College learning experience. It should occur in every classroom. This is why in-class participation determines part of your grade. You are expected to share ideas during discussions; you are wholeheartedly encouraged to ask questions when you do not understand something; you will have chances to speak one-on-one with your fellow students as well as to speak before the entire class.
Creation of a proper classroom environment requires above all else respect for fellow students. We all ask that you don' t be late; that you don' t read newspapers, magazines, or otherwise distract everyone else during class; that you don' t browse the Internet; that you turn off your cell phone and that you do not check for messages during class; that you don' t pack up with five minutes left. Likewise, you can expect me to end class on time, to engage you in discussion and debate (that is, not to do all of the talking), and to be respectful of all points of view.
Participation implies attendance; absences will be noted and will adversely affect your final participation grade. In addition, in accordance with McDaniel Budapest' s attendance policy, there will be an automatic deduction of one letter grade for every unexcused absence following your third unexcused absence.
Semester schedule/topics covered
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Wed. Sept. 7
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Introduction—the ubiquity and the usefulness of elections in American politics
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Mon. Sept 12
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in class: Who becomes a candidate in American politics, when, and why?
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Wed. Sept 14
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in class: Voting systems
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Mon. Sept. 19
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in class: 2012 Republican candidate profiles
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Wed. Sept. 21
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in class: Primaries
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Mon. Sept. 26
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in class: Conventions
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Wed. Sept. 28
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in class: The electoral college
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Mon. Oct. 3
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Bibliography due in class: Campaign staff and strategy
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Wed. Oct. 5
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in class: Debates
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Mon. Oct. 10
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in class: Advertising and campaign effects
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Wed. Oct. 12
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in class: Campaign finance and interest groups
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Mon. Oct. 17
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Term paper outline due in class: exam review
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Wed. Oct. 19
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in class: mid-term exam
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Oct. 24—
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no class, Fall Break
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Wed. Oct. 26
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in class: Electoral realignment
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Wed. Nov. 2
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in class: Congressional elections
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Mon. Nov. 7
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in class: State and local elections
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Wed. Nov. 9
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in class: Turnout
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Mon. Nov. 14
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in class: Theories of voter choice I
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Wed. Nov. 16
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in class: Theories of voter choice II
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Mon. Nov. 21
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Term paper rough draft due in class: Media and partisanship II
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Wed. Nov. 23
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in class: Media and partisanship I
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Mon. Nov. 28
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in class: Race and elections
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Wed. Nov. 30
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in class: 2008, and 2012?
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Mon. Dec. 5
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Term paper oral reports I in class: Student presentations/Exam review
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Wed. Dec. 7
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Term paper oral reports II in class: Student presentations/Exam review
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Week of Dec 12
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Final exam Final exam date/time TBA
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December 14
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Term paper due
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