POLS 672 The
U.S. Presidency
|
Semester: Fall 2010 http://www.csuchico.edu/~ccturner/syllabi/presidencyfall10.html |
Instructor: Dr. Charles C. Turner
(and by request) |
Scope and Purpose
This is a graduate course on the
American Presidency. We will begin with a thorough examination of the
role the presidency has played in American constitutionalism. Then we
will focus on the problem of consistency and change in the institution over
time. Our final focus will be on the variety of approaches scholars have
taken to studying the presidency. Throughout, we will be examining both
the content and the form of arguments about the presidency in an effort to
enhance both our knowledge of the office and our understanding of political
science as an academic discipline. In other words, this is not a course
on "Anecdotes About Presidents" but rather a
graduate seminar that addresses scholarship on the development and dynamics of
the presidential office. Some of the questions we will explore
include: How do we assess presidential success and failure? What
are the most effective ways of studying the presidency? Is presidential behavior
best explained by the institutional and temporal context, individual character
and personality, the formal rules of the office, or some combination of
these? In addition to class discussion and shorter writings, you will
have an opportunity to address these questions more formally in a
seminar/research paper that assesses a presidential crisis.
The format of the class will
emphasize and encourage student involvement. Most weeks will consist of a short
lecture by the instructor, presentation of one or more book reviews, and
discussion and critique of the week's readings. Discussion questions will be
generated through short writing assignments. You should expect to come to class
each week having completed the assigned reading and prepared to discuss its
merits and the questions it raises.
We will be discussing a wide range
of issues in this class. Sometimes you will have questions: feel
free to ask them. Sometimes you will disagree with a classmate.
Sometimes you will disagree with me. That's okay! The political process
is about deliberation and reasonable people often disagree.
Course Readings
The following eight books are
required for the course and are available at the Associated Students Bookstore
(underlined titles are links to publisher web pages--you are welcome to purchase the books from whatever source you like):
Ellis, Richard J. 1999. Founding
the American Presidency.
Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 978-0-8476-9499-0.
Ellis, Richard J. 2009. Judging
Executive Power. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 978-0-7425-6513-5.
Fisher, Louis. 2004. Presidential War Power.
Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 978-0700613335.
Greenstein, Fred I.
2009. The
Presidential Difference. Princeton: Princeton
University Press, 978-0-691-14383-5.
Han, Lori
Cox, and Caroline Heldman. 2007. Rethinking
Madam President. Boulder: Lynne Rienner,
978-1-58826-519-7.
Neustadt, Richard E. 1991. Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents. New York: The Free Press, 978-0029227961.
Sabato, Larry J. 2010. The Year of Obama.
New York: Longman, 9780205650446.
Skowronek, Stephen. 1997. The
Politics Presidents Make. Cambridge: Harvard University
Press, 9780674689374.
These books will be supplemented
with reading from other sources. These additional readings are available
on the internet (see below). You will need to access this syllabus on the
web on a regular basis in order to complete the readings and other class
assignments.
Course Requirements and Grading
For the University grading guidelines, consult the University
Catalog.
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Your grade for the course will be
based on the following: |
These
are the outcomes: |
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Weekly Précis: On each of five weeks over the course of the
semester (beginning September 13th at the earliest) you should come
to class with a 1-2 page (typed, double spaced) précis of the week's assigned
reading. The précis should succinctly summarize the main points of the
reading, comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the author's argument(s),
and raise questions for class discussion (these questions will be used to form
part of the class discussion of that reading). Your first one should include a
printed and signed copy of Chico State's Policy
on Academic Integrity. Sign it to indicate that you understand
what plagiarism is, staple these two things together and bring them to class. These
are worth 20 points each for a total of 100 points. Only the first two pages
will be read.
Book Review: On September 13th you will sign up for
one additional reading in order to write a book review. You will be
responsible for writing a thorough review (about 4-5 pages) of the additional
reading you select, due the day indicated below. Your review should
thoroughly describe the form and content of the author's argument, assess and
critique the book’s strengths and weaknesses within the context of its
contribution to our understanding of the presidency, assess and critique the
book’s organization and method, and discuss appropriate audiences for the
book. You are responsible for bringing enough copies of the summary for
distribution to the entire class and the professor (preferably
double-sided). You are also responsible for leading a brief (five
minutes) discussion on the book’s topic during class. Since your book
might not be readily available at Meriam Library
(meaning that you might need to use inter-library loan), you need to get
started on this early. We will discuss this assignment in more detail in class
and look at some examples.
Research Paper: On December 6th you will turn in a research paper
(about 15 pages) that investigates a presidential crisis. While you are
not required to use one of the topics from this
list, you do need to have your topic approved by the
instructor. Your bibliography must include at least 8 academic sources,
including at least 2 articles from scholarly journals. Your paper should
thoroughly describe the crisis (demonstrating independent research) and should
thoroughly address how each of the following factors played a role in the outcome
of this crisis: the framing and language of the Constitution, the president's
personality and leadership style, and the time period (demonstrating an
understanding of assigned class readings). Your paper's thesis should
make an argument about how scholars should interpret the president's actions.
Participation: Class attendance and participation are vital
elements of a graduate seminar. You should come to each class prepared to
discuss the week's readings. We will be learning a lot through active
participation in discussions--working though our ideas and interpretations out
loud, with our classmates. I will call on you to answer questions if I
have to, but would prefer that you all participate voluntarily. I'm not
expecting "right" answers--sometimes there isn't a right answer; I am
expecting thoughtful and intelligent answers that demonstrate you have done the
reading and are paying attention.
Other Details
You must make arrangements with the instructor ahead of time if you cannot
attend a class session or complete an assignment on time. Late assignments
will be assessed a full one letter grade penalty (10%) for each class period
they are late. Students are expected to complete their own work. Academic
dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment and formal charges with Student Judicial Affairs. For
questions or concerns about plagiarism, please ask me or consult the University Catalog's
section on Academic
Honesty and the University's Policy
on Academic Integrity. The instructor reserves the right to check
papers via Turnitn.com.
(If you object to the use of turnitin.com, you are welcome to choose an
alternative recommended by turnitin: “turn in a
photocopy of the first page of all reference sources used, an annotated
bibliography, and a one page paper reflecting on your research methodology.”)
If you are unhappy with a grade you receive on an assignment, do not understand
my comments, or believe that I have misinterpreted your writing, come talk to
me. It is always possible that I have erred. This syllabus is subject to
change and/or revision during the academic term. Turn off cell phones and
other distracting devices during class. If your cell phone rings during
class you will be expected to leave the classroom for the remainder of the
period.
If you have a documented disability that may require reasonable accommodation,
please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) for coordination of your
academic accommodations. DSS is located in Room 170 of the Student Services
Center. The DSS phone number is 898-5959 V/TDD or Fax 898-4411. Visit the DSS
Web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/dss/
Since even graduate students are not perfect writers, you are encouraged to take advantage of Chico State's Student Learning Center. Indeed, there are many writing assignments, so you should look at this class as an opportunity to enhance your writing skills. Writing well is a lifelong learning process, so don't feel like you have to be a "bad" writer to take advantage of student writing services, or that there is no need for help once you are a "good" writer. There is always room for improvement! Also, if you do not already own one, a writing guide/manual is an invaluable tool. Our library has several print examples and several web sites that provide citation guides. Some good print examples are:
Hacker,
Diana. A
Writer's Reference. Sixth Edition, Bedford/St. Martin's Press. 2011.
Lunsford,
Andrea. EasyWriter: A Pocket Reference.
Fourth Edition, Bedford/St.Martin's Press. 2010.
Scott,
Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. The
Political Science Student Writer's Manual. 6th ed., Pearson. 2008.
Strunk, William, Jr. Elements of Style.
Semester Schedule
- Part 1: The Constitutional Presidency: history and
development
- Week 1, August 23
- Introduction of class and
syllabus
- Watch video on constitutional
presidency.
- Week 2, August 30
- The Prehistory of the
Presidency
- reading: Ellis/Founding, preface through chapter
5.
- discussion of weekly précis
assignments
- Additional readings:
- The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, particularly the debates
on the presidency: May 29, June 1, 2, 4, 18, July 17, 19, 20, 24, 25,
26, August 6, 14, 17, 20, 24, September 4, 6.
- Charles C. Thatch, Jr., The Creation of the Presidency,
1775-1789.
- Michael Nelson, ed., The Evolving Presidency.
- Gary L. Gregg II, Thinking About the Presidency.
- Sidney M. Milkis and Michael Nelson, The
American Presidency--Origins and Development.
- Week
3, September 6: Labor Day—no class—campus closed.
- Week 4, September 13
- Creating and Debating an
Institution
- reading: Ellis/Founding, chapter 6-end; find a book review in a political
science journal, print it out, read it, and bring it to class.
- We will sign up for book
reviews in class and discuss the book review assignment.
- Additional readings:
- Fred I Greenstein, Inventing the Job of President:
Leadership Style from George Washington to Andrew Jackson.
- Thomas E. Cronin, ed., Inventing
the American Presidency.
- B. Dan Wood, The Myth of Presidential Representation.
- Week 5, September 20
- Historical and Legal
Perspectives
- Discuss and select research paper topics
- reading: Ellis/Judging, preface through chapter
7.
- Additional readings:
- Joseph M. Bessette and Jeffrey Tulis,
The Presidency in the Constitutional
Order.
- Stephen Skowronek,
Presidential Leadership in
Political Time.
- Russell L. Riley, The Presidency and the Politics of Racial
Inequality.
- Richard F. Fenno, The
President's Cabinet.
- Part 2: Assessing The Modern Presidency
- Week 6, September 27
- Presidential Power and the
Modern Presidency
- reading: Neustadt,
all.
- Additional readings:
- Charles W. Dunn. The Seven Laws of Presidential
Leadership.
- Michael A. Genovese, The Presidential Dilemma.
- James MacGregor
Burns, Running Alone.
- Theodore J. Lowi, The
Personal President.
- Robert S. Hirschfield, ed., The Power of the Presidency.
- David K. Nichols, The Myth of the Modern Presidency.
- William W. Lammers and Michael A. Genovese, The
Presidency and Domestic Policy.
- Steven A. Shull, Policy by Other Means.
- Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Imperial Presidency.
- Aaron Wildavsky,
The Beleaguered Presidency.
- Week 7, October 4
- Presidential Personality and
Leadership Style
- reading: Greenstein, all.
- Additional readings:
- James David Barber, The Presidential Character.
- Stanley Renshon,
The Psychological Assessment of
Presidential Candidates.
- Jerrold M. Post, The Psychological Assessment of Political
Leaders.
- George C. Edwards III, John
H. Kessel, and Bert A. Rockman,
eds., Researching the Presidency.
- Richard Rose, The Postmodern President.
- Phillip G. Henderson, ed., The Presidency Then and Now.
- David Abshire,
ed., Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency.
- John H. Kessel, Presidents, the Presidency, and the
Political Environment.
- Michael A. Genovese, The Presidential Dilemma.
- Week 8, October 11
- The Use and Abuse of
Presidential War Powers
- reading: Fisher, preface through
chapter 5; Wildavsky.
- Watch video
"Eisenhower's Farewell Address"
- Additional readings:
- Louis Fisher, Constitutional
Conflicts between Congress and the President.
- Robert M. Pallitto and William G. Weaver. Presidential Secrecy and the Law.
- Robert A. Strong, Decisions and Dilemmas.
- Theodore C. Sorensen, Decision-Making in the White House.
- Peake, Jeffrey S.
2001. "Presidential Agenda Setting in Foreign
Policy." Political Research Quarterly, 54 (1): 69-86.
- Robert Jervis. 2003.
"Understanding the Bush Doctrine." Political Science
Quarterly, 118 (3): 365-388.
- Brandice Canes-Wrone,
William G. Howell, and David E. Lewis. 2008. “Toward a Broader
Understanding of Presidential Power: A Reevaluation of the Two
Presidencies Thesis.” Journal of
Politics, 70(1):1-16.
- Week 9, October 18
- Presidential Power and
Assessments of the Contemporary Presidency
- reading: Fisher, chapter 6-end; The National Security Strategy of the United States of
America.
- Additional readings:
- Gregory Giroux, The First Year: Obama in the Oval
Office.
- Colin Campbell and Bert A. Rockman, The George W.
Bush Presidency.
- Bob Woodward, Plan of Attack.
- Justin Frank, Bush on the
Couch.
- Bill Sammon, Misunderestimated.
- John Podhoretz,
Bush Country.
- John W. Dean, Worse Than
Watergate.
- Louis Fisher. 2003.
"Deciding on War Against Iraq:
Institutional Failures." Political Science Quarterly, 118
(3): 389-410.
- Part 3: Studying the Presidency: patterns and problems
o
Week 10,
October 25
- Predicting Presidencies: The
study of institutions and behavior
- reading: Skowronek,
all; King handout.
- Additional readings:
- Stephen Skowronek,
Building a New American State.
- George C. Edwards III, The Strategic President: Persuasion and
Opportunity in Presidential Leadership.
- Charles W. Dunn, The Seven Laws of Presidential
Leadership.
- Marc Landy
and Sidney M. Milkis, Presidential
Greatness.
- Ivan Eland, Recarving Rushmore.
- Mordecai Lee, Institutionalizing Congress and the
Presidency.
- Hult, Karen M., Charles E.
Walcott, and Thomas Weko. 1999.
"Qualitative Research and the Study of the U.S.
Presidency." Congress & The
Presidency, 26 (2): 133-152.
- Week 11, November 1
- Presidential Elections and
the Media
- reading: Sabato,
all.
- watch video: State of the
Union Address, 2010.
- we will discuss the 2008
presidential election and the upcoming midterm election.
·
Additional readings:
o Schumaker and Loomis, Choosing
a President.
o James W. Ceaser, Presidential
Selection.
o Rhodes Cook, The
Presidential Nominating Process.
o Bruce Buchanan, Presidential Campaign Quality.
o Jack N. Rakove. 2004.
"Presidential Selection: Electoral Fallacies." Political
Science Quarterly, 119(1): 21-37.
o Judith A. Best. 2004. "Presidential Selection:
Complex Problems and Simple Solutions." Political Science Quarterly,
119(1): 39-59.
o John R. Petrocik, William L.
Benoit, and Glenn J. Hansen, 2003-04. "Issue Ownership and
Presidential Campaigning, 1952-2000." Political Science Quarterly,
118 (4): 599-626.
o Robert S. Erikson. 2001. "The 2000 Presidential
Election in Historical Perspective." Political Science Quarterly,
116 (1): 29-52.
o
Demetrios James Caraley. 2009. “Three
Trends Over Eight Presidential Elections, 1980-2008: Toward the Emergence of a
Democratic Majority Realignment?” Political
Science Quarterly, 124(3): 423-42. Samuel Kernell,
Going Public.
o
Jeffrey K. Tulis,
The Rhetorical Presidency.
o
Elvin T. Lim, The Anti-Intellectual Presidency: The
Decline of Presidential Rhetoric from George Washington to George W. Bush.
o
Stephen J. Farnsworth and S. Robert Lichter, The Mediated
Presidency.
o
Stephen J. Farnsworth, Spinner in Chief.
o
Colleen J. Shogan,
The Moral Rhetoric of American Presidents.
- Week
12, November 8
- The Big Events: Reflecting on
the elections and attending the Town Hall Forum.
- Reading: newspapers,
television, radio, and internet coverage of the elections. Bring the
most insightful or interesting thing you find to class.
- Week 13, November 15
- Presidential Crises
- reading: Ellis/Judging, chapter 8-end; Lincoln's Message to Congress in Special Session--July 4,
1861; Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- We will also discuss progress
on research papers during this session, so come prepared to give the
class an update.
- Additional readings:
- Graham T. Allison, Essence
of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Richard M. Pious, Why Presidents Fail.
- Charles W. Kegley, Jr. and Gregory A. Raymond, After Iraq.
- Carl Bernstein and Bob
Woodward, All the President's Men.
- Clement Fatovic.
2004. "Constitutionalism and Presidential Prerogative:
Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian Perspectives." American Journal of
Political Science, 48(3): 429-444.
- Pious, Richard M.
2001. "The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Limits of Crisis
Management." Political Science Quarterly, 116 (1): 81-106.
- Week 14, November 22-26—Thanksgiving Holiday. No
classes held.
- Week 15, November 29
- Race, Gender, and the
Presidency
- reading: Han and Heldman,
all; various polling data and articles you bring to class.
- Discussion of the
comprehensive exams.
- Additional readings:
- Michaele L. Ferguson and Lori Jo Marso, W
Stands for Women: How the George W. Bush Presidency Shaped a New
Politics of Gender.
- Robert P. Watson and Ann
Gordon, Anticipating Madam
President.
- Dana D. Nelson, Bad for Democracy: How the
Presidency Undermines the Power of the People.
- Vanessa B. Beasley, Who Belongs in America?
- Mary E. Stuckey, Defining Americans.
- Gil Troy, Mr. and Mrs.
President.
- Lois Beachy
Underhill, The Woman Who Ran for
President.
- Sue Thomas and Clyde Wilcox,
Women and Elective Office.
- Stephen M. Nichols and Staci
L. Beavers. 2002. "Revisiting Prospects for an
Unconventional Presidency." Politics & Policy,
30(1): 114-139.
- Noelle Norton and Barbara
Morris. 2003. "Feminist Organizational Structure in the
White House: The Office of Women's Initiatives and Outreach." Political
Research Quarterly, 56(4): 477-488.
o
Week 16, December 6
§ Researching the Presidency
§ Your final research paper is due in class on December 6.
§ New Scholarship: we will be sharing the results of our
semester-long research projects.
§ Additional readings:
·
Fred I. Greenstein, The Reagan Presidency.
·
Colin Campbell and Bert A. Rockman, eds., The
Clinton Legacy.
·
Todd G. Shields and Jeannie M. Whayne, The Clinton Riddle.
·
Fred I. Greenstein, The George W. Bush Presidency.
·
Gary L. Gregg II and Mark J. Rozell, Considering the Bush Presidency.
Useful Links
- Preparing for Class Discussion--a useful
document compiled by Dr. Matthew O. Thomas
- The White House--http://www.whitehouse.gov/
- The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787--http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwfr.html
- Supreme Court Cases
(Legal Information Institute)--
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/index.html
- Speeches of Abraham Lincoln--http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/speeches.htm
- The Center for the Study of the Presidency--http://www.cspresidency.org/
- Presidential Studies Quarterly--http://www.cspresidency.org/psq/index.htm
- Atlas of Presidential Elections--http://www.uselectionatlas.org/
- Polling Report--http://www.pollingreport.com/
- Zogby International--http://www.zogby.com/
page last updated 1 June 2010.