Department of Political Science

**** UPDATED****

University of Connecticut

Department of Political Science

POLS 3807-001:  Constitutional Rights and Liberties

Fall 2016 (MWF 1:25-2:15 in OAK 117)

Instructor:  Dr. Kimberly R. (Slusarski) Bergendahl

E-mail:  kimberly.bergendahl@uconn.edu

Office and Phone Number:  OAK 435 (860.486.5683)

Office Hours:  MWF 10:00-11:00 a.m. (go to Advapp to schedule appointment)

TA:  Michael Tucci (michael.tucci@uconn.edu)

Course Description:  This course focuses on the role of the United States Supreme Court in interpreting the claims made by individuals to their rights and liberties in light of governmental actions.  As we shall discover, the U.S. Supreme Court must often balance these claims against the government’s claim to its own rights and powers found in the U.S. Constitution.  We begin with an overview of the Court and its role as the interpreter of the Constitution.  Then, we focus on highlighted civil liberties cases such as those pertaining to religion, speech, the press, personal autonomy, and those accused of crimes.  We also cover highlighted civil rights cases, such as those pertaining to race and sex discrimination and affirmative action.  The overall objective of the course is to assess the role of the Court in its adjudication of these cases and determine whether it has favored any particular side when it balances the claims made by each.

Course Grade:  The overall course grade is based on the following:

• Exams:  There are three (3) exams this semester.  Two will be administered during the regular semester (on September 30 and October 31).  The final exam will be administered on the date scheduled by the University.  The average score of these exams comprises 75% of the course grade.

Policies:

• Exams are not given before their regularly scheduled times.  No exceptions. 
• Make-up exams will be administered to those with documented excuses (i.e. illness) not because of issues including, but not limited to, problems with scheduling (i.e. forgot date for exam or have more than one exam scheduled on same day) or dissatisfaction with the results of an exam.  Please contact me before the exam or no later than 24 hours after the regular exam has been administered in order to make arrangements for the make-up exam.  The format for a make-up exam will differ from the one administered at the regularly scheduled time.  Please note that there is only one make-up time per exam.  In other words, only one date and time will be set for the make-up for Exam #1 and one make-up for Exam #2.  
• Anyone who is absent from the Final must obtain official permission from the Office of Student Services and Advocacy to take a make-up exam.  No Exceptions.  According to the Registrar’s Office:  “Students are required to be available for their exam during the stated time. If you have a conflict with this time you must visit the Office of Student Services and Advocacy to discuss the possibility of rescheduling this exam.  Please note that vacations, previously purchased tickets or reservations, graduations, social events, misreading the exam schedule and over-sleeping are not viable excuses for missing a final exam. If you think that your situation warrants permission to reschedule, please contact the Office of Student Services and Advocacy with any questions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.”

• Participation:  This component comprises 15% of the course grade and will be assessed in the following way:

• Beginning on September 9, students will be called upon, at random, to answer questions relating to the assigned cases.  These questions relate to the facts of the case, the questions considered by the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the Court’s responses to the questions and the rationales it provides.  Students may also participate on a voluntary basis.  And, on occasion, students will be assigned in-class written participation assignments that relate to the subject of the day.  Please note that you must be in class to participate.  There are no make-up opportunities since there will be several forms of random assessments throughout the semester.  Only exceptional circumstances will be provided with the necessary accommodations.  “Exceptional circumstance” means missing several consecutive classes due to a documented illness/hospitalization or due to a documented disability.  There are three sections of this course.  Each section will end with a grade for participation.  The grade for each section will be based on a 5-point scale (so, three sections x 5 points = maximum of 15 points).  

• “Constitution Day” Assignment:  This component comprises 10% of the course grade.  There are different parts to this assignment:  Planning for Constitution Day, participating in the presentations on Constitution Day, and the overall written product to be submitted in relation to the work done for these presentations (more instructions will be posted on HuskyCT for this written assignment).  

Additional Information:  Please note the following:

• HuskyCT:  Course information (i.e. cancellations), lecture outlines, and any additional information (such as certain participation assignments) will be posted on this site.  Students must obtain the lecture outlines from it prior to attending the classes for which they were created.  These outlines provide the foundations for the lectures and they serve as useful study guides for the exams.  The actual lecture notes will not be posted on this site.
• Missed Lectures or Problems with Course Material:  It is your responsibility to get the notes or any material you may have missed due to an absence.  Lecture notes are not provided via email.  You may also set up an appointment to discuss any specific questions you may have relating to the course material.  This meeting will not be a repeat presentation of a lecture you may have missed.  Rather, it will be an opportunity for you to ask specific questions relating to any material that may not be clear.
• Extra Credit:  There are no extra credit assignments for this course at any time- i.e. during the session or after the session ends.  No exceptions.  Students who attend class regularly and pay attention should do well without the need for extra credit.  Students have also found that keeping up with the participation assignments have been quite helpful for the overall course grade.
• Students with Special Circumstances:  Any student who has a special circumstance in need of accommodation please contact me as soon as possible.  According to the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD):  CSD “engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented disability, he/she may be eligible for academic accommodations. CSD collaborates with students and their faculty to coordinate approved accommodations and services for qualified students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability for which you wish to request academic accommodations and have not contacted the CSD, please do so as soon as possible.  The CSD is located in Wilbur Cross, Room 204 and can be reached at (860) 486-2020 or at csd@uconn.edu.  Detailed information regarding the process to request accommodations is available on the CSD website at www.csd.uconn.edu.  For more information, contact: Kim McKeown at kimberly.mckeown@uconn.edu.”
• Academic Misconduct:  Please refer to the University’s policy on Academic Misconduct.  The Office for Community Standards has been charged with the implementation of this policy.  Its website is:  http://www.community.uconn.edu/index.html.   Any case of academic misconduct will be handled according to this policy.  Think before you engage in any case of blatant misconduct (i.e. using unauthorized materials during exams or quizzes, plagiarizing sources, etc.).
• Classroom Courtesy:  In the interest of everyone in the classroom, please refrain from using text messaging devices and turn off your cell phones.  Using technological devices that are not for the purpose of academic learning in the classroom can be disruptive.  Please be considerate of others.
• No Photos Policy:  The taking of photos, video, and audio in class is strictly prohibited (unless mandated for a reason supported by appropriate documentation).
• The University’s Withdrawal Policy:  The deadline for withdrawing from a course is Monday, October 31st.  Please refer to the University Catalogue for a better understanding of its policy regarding withdrawing from courses.  Failure to attend classes does not automatically lead to a withdrawal.  However, it could lead to a failing grade for the course.  You may drop the course (without receiving a “W”) during the Add/Drop period which ends on Monday, September 12th.
• Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Inappropriate Romantic Relationships:  “The University is committed to maintaining an environment free of discrimination or discriminatory harassment directed toward any person or group within its community – students, employees, or visitors.  Academic and professional excellence can flourish only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect.  All members of the University community are responsible for the maintenance of an academic and work environment in which people are free to learn and work without fear of discrimination or discriminatory harassment.  In addition, inappropriate romantic relationships can undermine the University’s mission when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their authority.  To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment, as well as inappropriate romantic relationships, and such behavior will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. More information is available at http://policy.uconn.edu/?p=2884.”
• Sexual Assault Reporting Policy:  “To protect the campus community, all non-confidential University employees (including faculty) are required to report assaults they witness or are told about to the  under the Sexual Assault Response Policy.  The University takes all reports with the utmost seriousness.  Please be aware that while the information you provide will remain private, it will not be confidential and will be shared with University officials who can help.  More information is available at http://sexualviolence.uconn.edu/.”

Course Outline:  There is one required book for this course:  Constitutional Law for a Changing America:  Rights, Liberties, and Justice (9th ed.) by Lee Epstein and Thomas G. Walker.  The assigned pages and highlighted cases in the text will be covered on the dates with which they correspond.  Any case followed by an asterisk (*) may be found online.  

Please note that the following course outline has changed.  Check HuskyCT regularly for any further updates/changes…

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