AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

Department of History and Political Science

THE AMERICAN FOUNDING

Spring, 2009

Course Information
Course Number: 0605 POLI 376
Time: M,W,F 11:50-12:45 p.m.
Place: AZWLDN 107
Professor: Jonathon Pyles
Office Hours: by appointment
Phone: (562) 659-5319
Email: pylesmail@gmail.com

Required Texts
1. The Federalist Papers (Mentor, edited by Charles Kesler)

2. The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates (Signet Classics,
edited by Ralph Ketcham)

3. Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings of Thomas Paine (Signet
Classics), Paine

4. The U.S. Constitution: And Fascinating Facts About It, Jordan

5. Hand-outs and/or online reading materials will be assigned throughout the semester.

Course Description
This is an upper division course with POLI 150 and 160 or instructor’s permission as
prerequisites. It is a study of the central ideas of American constitutional democracy
as they are illuminated primarily in selected writings of the American Founders and those
who influenced them. The course examines the meaning, implications, and political logic
of such ideas as equality, liberty, government by consent, representation, the rule of
law, separation of powers, federalism, limited government, natural rights, civil rights,
republicanism, and constitutionalism.

Course Requirements
-Students will take a midterm and final examination covering class discussion and all
required reading.
-Students will submit a 1000 word essay on an assigned topic.
-Students will be expected to come to class prepared to contribute to an informed
discussion of the readings assigned for the day.
-Students will be expected to be punctual and to attend all classes, and will be graded
on class participation. Class participation includes attendance, punctuality,
preparedness, attentiveness, compliance with all instructions, timely submission of all
assignments, and contribution to class discussion.

Grades will be assigned in the following manner:

Midterm Examination 30%
Final Examination 40%
Paper 30%
Class Participation (can lower or raise grade by roughly 5%)

Course Schedule
(Subject to change)

Week 1 (1/12) Read: Ketchem p.79-129

Read: The Declaration of Independence;
“Common Sense” by Thomas Paine; Federalist Week 4 (2/2)
#1 Read: Ketchem p.130-180

Week 2 (1/19) Week 5 (2/9)

Read: Ketchem p.31-79 Read: Federalist #1-14

Week 3 (1/26) Week 6 (2/16)

Read: Federalist #15-22 Federalist #59-66

Week 7 (2/23) Week 12 (3/30)

Read: Federalist #23-36 Federalist #67-72

Week 8 (3/2) Midterm Examination on Monday, Week 13 (4/15)

March 2 Federalist #73-77
Read: Federalist #37-46
Week 14 (4/20)
Week 9 (3/9) Federalist #78-83
Federalist #47-51
Week 15 (4/27)
Week 10 (3/16) Federalist #84-85
Federalist #52-58
Monday 5/4
Week 11 (3/23) 9:45-11:45 Final Examination & Essay due

Class Participation
In a perfect world, perhaps there would be no grading and no attendance requirements.
Students eager to learn would gather freely where and when they thought they might learn
something most worthwhile. We must, however, accommodate the imperfections of this
world. The Faculty Handbook (2006-2007) states that “Class attendance is of vital
importance and excessive absences will affect the student’s final grade.

Attendance cannot mean just “being there.” Each class meets for the sake of learning. A
student’s merely being physically in class can actually detract from the learning that is
supposed to take place. Students presumably are expected to “attend” class in the manner
most conducive to the purpose for which the class is convened. Class participation
includes attendance in this sense. It includes, therefore, punctuality, preparedness,
attentiveness (the soul of attendance), compliance with instructions, timely submission
of assignments, and contribution to class discussion. Excellent class participation can
improve your grade as much as two steps (that is, a B- can be raised to a B or even to a
B+). It is impossible to get an A without excellent class participation. Excessive
tardiness, early departure, unpreparedness, inattention, disruption, or absence can be
grounds for a failing grade regardless of other work submitted.

While class is in session, pay attention only to the class discussion. Please do not use
laptops, phones, etc. during class.

Be sure to bring two books to each class: The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist
Papers.

Department Mission Statement

Political science is concerned with the knowledge that is needed by citizens and
government officials. This knowledge is required to make and recognize good laws,
distinguish justice from injustice, and understand the legitimate purposes and necessary
limits of political power. The political science major prepares students to take an
informed, intelligent, and leading role in the affairs of their community, country, and
world. In addition to classroom, research, and seminar experiences, students are
encouraged to become directly involved in politics through internship experiences on the
local, state, or national level.

Academic Integrity Policy

The mission of Azusa Pacific University includes cultivating in each student not only the
academic skills that are required for an academic degree, but also the characteristics of
academic integrity that are integral to a sound Christian education. It is therefore
part of the mission of the university to nurture in each student a sense of moral
responsibility consistent with the biblical teachings of honesty and accountability.
Furthermore, a breach of academic integrity is viewed not only as a private matter
between the student and an instructor, but rather as an act which is fundamentally
inconsistent with the purpose and mission of the entire university. A complete copy of
the Academic Integrity Policy is available at the office of Student Life, the office of
the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs, and online.

Available Support Services for Students with Disabilities:

Students in this course who have a disability that might prevent them from fully
demonstrating their abilities should meet with an advisor in the Learning Enrichment
Center (ext. 3849) as soon as possible to initiate disability verification and discuss
accommodations that may be necessary to ensure full participation in the successful
completion of course requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

“By the end of this course, students should be able to……”
1. Express informed understanding of the ideas, arguments, and points of view of the
texts studied. (Objective #11. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas,
arguments, and points of view.)
Assessment: Exams, papers, and class discussion

2. Articulate how their faith interacts with their understanding of the texts studied.
(Objective #11. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points
of view.)
Assessment: Class discussion

3. Articulate an informed understanding of some of the central questions of politics.

(Objective #7. Gaining a broader understanding and appreciation of intellectual/ cultural
activity)
Assessment: Class discussion.

4. Write clearly and concisely, using the writing style of the Chicago Manual of Style.
(Objective#8. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally or in writing.)
Assessment: Paper

The University Definitions for Grades:

“A” work - Outstanding
“Above and beyond the requirements of the assignment; outstanding effort, significant
achievement, and personal improvement are clearly evident. Some measure of remarkable
skill, creativity, or energy is also evident.”

“B” work – Above Average

“Fulfills all aspects of the assignment and goes a bit beyond minimum competence to
demonstrate extra effort, extra achievement or extra improvement.”

“C” work - Average

“Fulfills all aspects of the assignment with obvious competence and grace. Assignments
are completed exactly as assigned.”

“D” work – Below Average

“Below average either because some aspect of the assignment has not been fulfilled or
because a preponderance of errors (more than one or two per page) interferes with clear
communication. A “D” may also indicate failure to follow directions, failure to follow
specific recommendations, or failure to demonstrate personal effort and improvement.”

“F” work – Not Acceptable

“Not acceptable, either because the student did not complete the assignment as directed,
or because the level of performance is below an acceptable level for college work.

University or Department Policies

All university and departmental policies affecting student work, including academic
integrity, appeals, and grievances, as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog and/or
Department Handbook will apply, unless otherwise indicated in this syllabus.