POLS 407: American Presidency
3 Semester Hours
BAL 3068
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11-11:50 a.m.
This course is an examination of the office of the presidency, presidential power, and presidential leadership in domestic politics and the foreign policy arena. The course describes and analyzes the presidential selection process, the president's relationship with the public as well as other institutions of government, the decision-making process, presidential personality, and the policy making process. The course will conclude with an evaluation of presidential performance.
Course Goals
- Understand the theories, concepts, participants and institutional arrangements associated with the American presidency
- Improve descriptive and analytical skills
- Improve writing skills
- Improve verbal communication skills
Course Requirements
- Two exams. The exams will consist of short answer and essay questions. See section on "Evaluation."
- Research Paper. See section on the "Research Paper."
- Student groups. See section on "Student Group Project."
- Participation in class discussions.
Course Goals
E-mail Communication
Students are required to use their ODU e-mail account when communicating with the instructor.
Course Evaluation
Student course evaluations are conducted online. You will receive reminders from the university near the end of the semester encouraging you to complete evaluations of your courses. Student course evaluations are very helpful to the instructors, the college and the university. Your instructor strongly encourages you to take a few minutes and complete your evaluation of your courses each semester.
