<p>IL277 Guns and Gun Policy Prof. Wilson May 2007 West 323 [email protected] 375-2415</p><p>COURSE OBJECTIVES Gun control continues to be both an important and controversial topic in American politics. This course explores the role of guns in American society and American politics through examination of the Second Amendment, public opinion, interest groups on all sides of the issue, and the elected and other governmental officials who help shape our policy regarding guns.</p><p>Many of you already have a position on the issue. You are not expected to change that position, although you might. You are expected to treat other positions, and those who hold them, with respect. If you don’t have a position coming into the course, I hope that you will when you leave. I also hope that regardless of your position, you will see the issue as more complex than it may appear.</p><p>Core values are at stake in this debate. For some it is a matter of freedom. For others it may be a right to life. Still others see it as a matter of self-defense. While no legislative body is seriously considering banning firearms at the present time, there are many important issues before legislative and judicial bodies. In the past two years Congress has allowed the assault weapons ban to expire and has passed legislation that prevents individuals and governments from suing gun manufacturers. At the same time, New York city is suing gun dealers in several other states alleging they illegally sell guns that are used in NYC. Who knows what legislation will result from the Virginia Tech shootings.</p><p>At the conclusion of this course, it is expected that you will have a solid understanding of guns and gun policy in the United States. At the macro-level, you will also have a better understanding of the policy-making process in the United States as well as a greater appreciation of how the U.S. defines and practices Federalism.</p><p>COURSE REQUIREMENTS The first requirement of this course is that you do all of the reading WHEN it is scheduled. The second requirement is that you come to class prepared to discuss the current topic. Class participation is 20% of your grade. There are two exams (25% each) and a simulation (30%). </p><p>SIMULATION There is no research paper in this course. Rather we will conduct a Congressional Simulation, which will require outside reading, writing, preparation and class participation (separate from your other participation grade). More details will be provided early in the course.</p><p>ACADEMIC INTEGRITY The course will follow the standards of the College handbook. </p><p>TEXTS Wilson, Guns, Gun Control, and Elections, Rowman & Littlefield, 2007. McClurg, Kopel, and Denning, Gun Control and Gun Rights, NYU Press, 2002. Congressional simulation materials, to be distributed in class. Topics and Reading Assignments Class will usually meet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., although there will be days when we run longer than that. </p><p>May 14 Introduction Wilson, Introduction</p><p>May 15 Right to Arms and Opposition McClurg, Ch. 3, 4; Wilson, Ch. 1</p><p>May 16 Numbers about Guns and Violence Wilson, Ch. 2; McClurg, Ch. 1, 2</p><p>May 17 Guns and Culture McClurg, Ch. 5; Bowling for Columbine (9:00-12:00)</p><p>May 18 No Class</p><p>May 21 Test 1</p><p>May 22 Range (8:30-1:00)</p><p>May 23 and 24 Gun Policies Wilson, Ch. 3; McClurg, Ch. 6</p><p>May 25 Public Opinion Wilson, Ch. 4</p><p>May 28 Interest Groups and Elections Wilson, Ch. 5</p><p>May 29 Media Coverage of Guns and Gun Control; Guns in Virginia Wilson, Ch. 6, 7</p><p>May 30 Exam II</p><p>May 31 Simulation—Assault weapons ban</p><p>June 1 Simulation—Law suit protection for gun manufacturers </p>