Introduction to Mexican American Policy Studies MAS 308 Unique Number: Fall 2011 University of Texas at Austin

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1 Introduction to Mexican American Policy Studies MAS 308 Unique Number: Fall 2011 University of Texas at Austin Professor Jason P. Casellas, Ph.D. Office Location: Batts M 5:00-7:45 pm Phone Number: (512) Room: Parlin Hall casellas@mail.utexas.edu Office Hours: Mondays 1:30-4:30 p.m. Teaching Assistant Liliana V. Rodriguez Office: WMB lvrodriguez@mail.utexas.edu Office Hours: Wed 10 am 1pm Course Description: An introduction to the basics of policy analysis, employing demographic and empirical information on the Mexican American and Latino populations in the United States. Current policy issues will be discussed including bilingual education, affirmative action, the English-only movement, immigration, and redistricting. Emphasis will be on the policy of redistricting and its effects on Latino representation. The creation of majorityminority districts has created controversy and criticism from all sides of the political spectrum. This seminar will equip students with the legal and political background necessary to be effective consumers and participants in debates regarding these critical issues. The course will begin with an introduction to public policy analysis. Then, we will embark on a theoretical examination of the concept of representation. What does it mean to be represented? Must Latinos represent Latinos? Are members of minority groups better represented by members of their same group? The course will proceed with an indepth analysis of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and its major provisions dealing with preclearance of changes in voting statutes. We will then discuss the hotly contested debate regarding descriptive and substantive representation. Some scholars argue that what really matters is substantive representation (i.e., having your interests represented by someone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender). Then, we will examine the major social scientific evidence regarding the threshold needed to elect minority legislators, and the question of whether the presence of minorities in legislative institutions really matters in terms of substantive policy outcomes. At the end of the course, you will be prepared to be producers and consumers of public policy analyses at all levels of government. You will also have a particular expertise in the politics and policy of redistricting, as well as the policy issue of your choosing. Note from the Center for Core Curriculum: This course carries the flag for Cultural Diversity in the United States. Cultural Diversity courses are designed to increase your

2 2 familiarity with the variety and richness of the American cultural experience. You should therefore expect a substantial portion of your grade to come from assignments covering the practices, beliefs, and histories of at least one U.S. cultural group that has experienced persistent marginalization. Required Texts Bullock, Charles Redistricting: The Most Political Activity in America. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Casellas, Jason Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress. New York: Cambridge University Press. Wheelan, Charles Introduction to Public Policy. W. W. Norton. Course Grading Scale % A 73-76% C 90-92% A % C % B % D % B 63-66% D 80-82% B % D % C+ Below 60% F Course Grading Components Midterm Exam 25% District Writing Assignments 30% Class Participation and Attendance 5% Class Discussion Assignment 5% Policy Brief Abstract/Bibliography 5% Policy Brief 25% Policy Brief Presentation 5% Total 100% Generally, each class session will proceed with me making a few introductory remarks to frame the discussion (about ten to fifteen minutes), then discussion largely led by the students responsible for that day. Policy Briefing The policy briefing must not exceed ten (10) double spaced pages. It must identify and discuss a policy problem (other than redistricting) and recommend a solution or solutions. The briefing should provide the historical background of the policy, costs and benefits of the policy, critical research about the policy, the impact of the policy on the Latino community, and the future of the policy. Consult Section IV of Wheelan s book for helpful advice on how to gather and measure information, conduct basic data analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and program evaluation.

3 3 Choose topic by October 10 Turn in first abstract and bibliography by November 14 Turn in brief on last day of class. During the last day of class, you will be expected to make a brief five minute presentation to the class summarizing the results of your research. You may use PowerPoint slides or any other visual aids you might find helpful. Instructor will provide refreshments and snacks. More details will be provided in class regarding how to write the policy briefing. District Writing Assignments The district writing assignments will involve writing several short essays describing legislative districts where you live or lived. The first assignment will be for state House districts. The second assignment will be for state Senate districts. The third assignment will be for your U.S. Congressional district, and the last assignment will be for both U.S. Senators from your state. Each assignment will be worth 7.5 % of your final grade. More information will be provided in class regarding how to write these assignments. Attendance Policy: Class participation is an integral part of your course grade. If you are habitually absent and/or late, then obviously you cannot participate in class discussions. More than three unexcused absences will lower your participation grade. This seminar will be discussion-based, meaning that you should read the material we will be discussing on a given day BEFORE the seminar. You will be expected to ACTIVELY participate in class discussions, and ask questions about the readings and provide your critical analysis regularly. Excused Absences Regarding Exams: can be granted for an illness certified by a doctor, for family emergencies approved by the Dean, or for official university events with documentation (i.e., a letter from the coach). In the case of planned events, advance notice of at least one week must be given. DO NOT miss class and then arrive the next time with a letter documenting the reason for the absence. Class Participation By Class Participation, I of course expect you to attend class, to have read and thought about all of the week s assigned readings, and to actively participate in class discussions. In this spirit, students will be required to turn in one discussion question based on the week s readings at the beginning of each class (students who are class discussion leaders for that week are exempt from this requirement). Class Discussion Leaders Each week, one student (or more depending on class enrollment) will be in charge of leading that day s discussions. At the beginning of the semester, I will pass around a sign-up sheet, so that you can choose the days you are most interested in. Each student should me the week of or the week before their scheduled time with a written critical analysis of no more than 500 words including their plans for the discussion, and

4 4 the direction (s) they are interested in pursuing for that particular class, including a list of 3-5 discussion questions. It is crucial that students not only complete the readings for the week, but read them carefully and critically in order to create an atmosphere of intelligent academic exchange. Late Assignments Papers will be due in class on the day I impose. Papers will not be accepted via or in my office after class. Make up exams will not be granted unless there is a verified illness or family emergency. Academic Integrity Students are expected to follow university procedures regarding academic honesty. Namely, no cheating or plagiarism will be tolerated. Any instances will be reported to the Dean. Academic Freedom This course will deal with controversial subjects. As such, it is important for us to respect other opinions. Students should feel free to express their opinions without fear of reprisal from other students or instructor. I expect and will settle for no less than a civilized atmosphere with a free flowing exchange of diverse ideas. Cancelled Classes Classes may be cancelled. The class will be informed of these dates and will be held responsible for any readings or assignments. Religious Holy Days Students are expected to notify the professor if absence is necessitated due to a religious observance. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request, provided ample notice is given. Special Needs If you need special assistance due to a disability, please notify me before the need arises. Course Changes I reserve the right to change the contents of this syllabus as the needs of the course develop. Reasonable advance notice will be given. Course Schedule August 29 September 12 Introduction & Syllabus Distribution Read: Elements of Style by Strunk ( What is public policy? Wheelan, Chapters 1-2

5 5 September 19 September 26 October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 Public Policy Understanding behavior (individual and group) Wheelan, Chapters 3-4 *State House district paper due Public Policy Social Welfare and Political Process Wheelan, Chapters 5-6 *State Senate district paper due The Market and the Role of Government Wheelan, Chapters 7-8 Descriptive Representation *Mansbridge, Jane Should Blacks Represent Blacks and Women Represent Women? A Contingent Yes. Journal of Politics, 1999, p *U.S. House district paper due The Role of Institutions and Redistricting Policy Overview Wheelan, Chapter 14 Bullock, Chapters 1-2 Guest Speaker and Visitor: Ramiro Canales, Esq. Check out his website: *U.S. Senate paper due Redistricting and Race Bullock, Chapters 3-4 Redistricting and Majority Minority Districts *Charles Cameron, David Epstein, Sharyn O'Halloran. Do Majority-Minority Districts Maximize Substantive Black Representation in Congress? The American Political Science Review, Vol. 90, No. 4. (Dec., 1996), pp *David Lublin, Racial Redistricting and African-American Representation: A Critique of Do Majority-Minority Districts Maximize Substantive Black Representation in Congress? American Political Science Review (March 1999). Bullock, Chapter 7 October 31 Redistricting: Problems and Reform Ideas Film: Gerrymandering *McDonald, Michael P Regulating Redistricting. PS: Political Science and Politics *Brunell, Thomas Rethinking Redistricting: How Drawing Uncompetitive Districts Eliminates Gerrymanders, Enhances

6 6 Representation, and Improves Attitudes toward Congress. PS: Political Science and Politics *Peralta, J. Salvador and George Larkin Counting Those Who Count: The Impact of Latino Population Growth on Redistricting in Southern States. PS: Political Science and Politics. November 7 November 14 November 21 Midterm Exam Latino Representation in Congress and State Legislatures Casellas, Introduction and Chapters 1-3 Guest Speaker and Visitor: Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco Soto Her website: Latino Representation in Congress and State Legislatures Casellas, Chapters 4-6 and conclusion November 28 Last Day of Class Brief Presentations