Course Number: POLS 3304
Course Title: Introduction to Constitutional Law
CRN: 30344
Instructor: Michael C. James, J.D.
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm-2pm; and via appointment
Phone: 713-221-8424
email: jamesm@uhd.edu
Technical Assistance with Vista: 713-221-8540, option 4

Course Description

(UH-D Catalog Description)  Major U.S. Supreme Court decisions which have defined the constitutional boundaries of the American political system.  The Constitution and its development through judicial interpretation.  Emphasis is on the distribution of power in the national government, between the national government and states, and between government and the individual. 

(My Description)  This course serves as an introduction to the undergraduate study of law. The purpose of the course is to help students understand the fundamental values, beliefs and philosophical concepts that form the foundation of American jurisprudence. This course shall also reveal how governments at the national and the state levels are restricted in their activities by certain constitutional parameters. Together, we shall explore: historical and cultural factors that have molded legal philosophy, the “blueprint” created by the Framers of the Constitution in the late 1700s, and the evolution of Supreme Court case-law. It is my sincere hope that by the end of this semester, you will be enriched with a meaningful understanding of both legal doctrine and the legal method of analysis.

PREREQUISITE: POLS 2303, POLS 2304 and “junior” standing.

1. Introduction to the “case method” of legal research (i.e., the four components of a case, the different forms of judicial opinions, methods of briefing cases, etc.), the “common law” system of jurisprudence, and the Socratic method of learning.

2. Identification of the governmental structures, liberties, and legal customs provided for by the Articles and Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

3. Recognition of the three fundamental sources of authority and legitimacy for the Federal Judiciary, and categorization of each “tier” of the federal court system.

4. Effective exhibition of fundamental legal principles and terminology (e.g., stare decisis, equal protection, “substantive due process”, etc.), legal history and juridical evolution in the federal courts.

5. Development of students’ capacity to digest legal scholarship and jurisprudence, while simultaneously possessing the ability to reason deductively, inductively, and through the use of analogies.

6. Refinement of students’ verbal communication ability, with an emphasis on oral argument and clarity.

7. Comparative examination of dissimilar legal institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures.

8. Recognition and exploration of the shifting political dynamic which exists between the Federal Judiciary, Congress, and the President.
   

Fisher and Adler, American Constitutional Law, Carolina Academic Press, 7th Ed. 2007
***Additional readings will occasionally be required and will be announced in class.***

Policies

1. Attendance & Conduct:  Attendance is NOT optional. Students are expected to complete all assignments, quizzes and tests unless you are prevented from doing so by severe medical or other unexpected trauma. Absences will affect the course grade adversely. Should a medical or other urgent situation arise, you must inform me A.S.A.P.  DO NOT “sit back” and allow time to elapse and expect me to make arrangements for you at the end of the semester!  If you have a problem that you know will intrude on your studies, speak to me about it as early as you can.  Remember, I am here to help you learn, not to further hinder you . . . but you must handle your affairs in a professional manner.
   
   
2. Make-up examinations:  You should complete and submit each scheduled assignment as instructed.  Only students with exceptional explanations for their absence will be given an opportunity to sit for a make-up exam.  There will be no make-up quizzes.
   
3. Evaluation:  Your final grade will be based on the outcome of two exams and the cumulative average of two quizzes. Your “average score” on the quizzes will be weighted the same as each examination.  Thus, each component (the two exams and your average on the quizzes) will be worth 33% of the final grade for the semester.  The examinations and quizzes are designed to see how well students have mastered the materials and classroom discussions that will ensue.  The following point scale will be utilized to determine letter grades:  A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=0-59. 
   See the table below for a statistical summary of the course grade components:
   
   

   Statistical Summary of Course Exams and Quizzes
   1st Exam: 33% of course grade	100 points
   2nd Exam (Final): 33% of course grade	100 points
   Quiz Average: 33% of course grade	100 points
   Semester Grade	Sum/3

   
   See the table above for a statistical summary of the course grade components:
   
   
4. “Virtual” Discussions:  Wherever possible, I will seek to engage the group in a thoughtful online dialogue pertaining to ongoing developments in the law. Keeping abreast of the latest events (Legal and Political) will allow you to more seriously participate in class discussions on current affairs, cases and controversies. It is up to you to decide whether you want to read news sources in print or on the Internet.  As students of constitutional law, you should monitor current events (both domestic and international) by reading a national daily newspaper (such as The Washington Post or The New York Times), a major local newspaper (e.g., The Houston Chronicle), or a weekly news journal (such as Time, U.S. News & World Report, or Newsweek).  Additionally, you should also consult the following websites regularly to stay abreast of current caselaw and judicial trends:  www.law.cornell.edu (Cornell Univ. Legal Information Institute-recent Sup. Ct. Opinions), supreme.lp.findlaw.com (Find Law’s Sup. Ct. Database), and www.supremecourtus.gov (official website of Sup. Ct.).
   
   
5. Reasonable Accommodation & Disabled Students:  “UHD adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should register with Disabled Student Services and contact their instructor(s) in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.”  Students with any disabilities should register with Ms. Duraesé Hall in the Disabled Student Services Office: 409-S, (713) 226-5227.  Make certain that you personally discuss this situation with me promptly in order to arrange for any appropriate accommodations that will be necessary as the semester proceeds.

STATEMENT OF REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:
"UHD adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should register with Disabled Student Services and contact their instructor(s) in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations. "

UNIVERSITY POLICIES:
All students are subject to UH-Downtown’s Academic Honesty Policy and to all other university-wide policies and procedures as they are set forth in the UH-Downtown University Catalog and Student Handbook.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

“No student or applicant for admission to the University may be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin by the University or any member of the University community.  The University fully supports equal opportunity and affirmative action.” (PS 04.A01)

WITHDRAWAL POLICY STATEMENT

“If you need to drop all your classes, you must officially withdraw from the university.  To do so, go online to U-HD’s e-services at www.uhd.edu during the published registration and schedule change periods.”  You can also go by the Registrar’s Office at N330.  “You will not be automatically withdrawn if you do not attend classes, but will receive a grade of “F” on your transcript and remain obligated for any outstanding balance owed to the University.  See the Class Schedule for deadlines and details.”

W. I. DYKES LIBRARY

The Library is located on the 5th floor of the One Main Building.  The website is http://www.uhd.edu/library/ and the phone number is 713-221-8187 (reference) and 713-221-8186 (circulation).  Be sure to visit the website for hours, location, and other information.

COUNSELING CENTER

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to help you maximize your health and effectiveness at home, school or work. Through this program, you receive confidential, personal support for a wide range of issues, from everyday concerns to serious problems.  Their offices are in N390, or call 1-866-802-8553.  You may also log onto www.liveandworkwell.com (access code: UHDTSAP) for more information.

*The above schedule represents an estimate of our intended focus during the semester.  This schedule will be adjusted if necessary.

The system you will use to access this online course is Blackboard Vista. Students are expected to have computer access on a daily basis to successfully complete this course. Note: If you plan to access the course from work, try connecting early in the course. Some businesses have very rigid settings on their firewalls that do not allow participation in activities such as chat, or the interactivity necessary to take a quiz online.
Internet Service Provider - this course is done via connection through the internet. If you are going to work on your class from home, you must have DSL or cable modem line to guarantee solid high-speed access and optimal performance of the course program.

Blackboard Vista help is available, students should call 713-221-8540 and select option 4.