POLS 1101 – American Government Syllabus – Fall 2016 (CRN 81030)
Updated July 11, 2016
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities who require accommodations need to register with Disability Services. Contact them at . or visit their office in the Student Center Room 255. If you do qualify for services, please give your letter of accommodations to your instructor as soon as possible.
Course Description:
American Government is an introductory level survey of the American political system, emphasizing a cross-cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates a comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing a knowledge of the global configuration of nation-states. This course satisfies the Georgia legislative requirement for the study of the United States and Georgia Constitutions.
Number and Title: POLS 1101 - American Government
Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)
Catalog Description:
This course provides an introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing across cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing a knowledge of the global configuration of nation states.
Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
CSU "No Show" Policy:
It is the student's responsibility to drop this course during the drop/add period if he or she has not properly satisfied the prerequisite/co-requisite requirements. If the student has not satisfied the prerequisite/co-requisite requirements and does not drop the course during the drop/add period, the instructor will advise the registrar's office to drop the student from the course. The student will receive a grade of "W" and no refund will be given. The student alone will be responsible for any loss of funds or financial aid that may result. Only the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences may reinstate a No Show with the recommendation of the instructor
Computer Requirements:
Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.
Students are required to have Microsoft Office Professional installed on their notebook computers. This is available as part of the technology fee assessed to each student. To schedule installation, see http://thehub.clayton.edu.
In-class Notebook Computers:
Students may use notebook computers for note taking. No browsing of the internet will be tolerated. Students will be asked to leave the class if found in violation of this policy and their attendance/participation grade will be adjusted accordingly.
Major Student Activities include:
· Assigned reading from text
· Assigned readings from current journals or newspapers
· Classroom Discussions
· Examinations
Program Learning Outcomes:
Civic Engagement:Civic Engagement at Clayton State University is defined as an intentional learning experience that contributes to a student’s understandingof social and civic responsibility, community leadership, and serviceto a diverse, democraticsociety. Civic Engagement outcomes are located at the Political Science Program website:http://a-s.clayton.edu/politicalscience/default.htm
Course Learning Outcomes and Assessments:
At the end of the course, each student will be able to:
§ Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution.
§ Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. political institutions and political processes.
§ Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Federalism.
§ Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the Georgia Constitution and government.
§ Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international political system and the global location of countries.
Term: Fall Semester 2016
Instructor Information:
Dr. Bryan LaBrecque
phone: (678) 466-4648
e-mail:
Office:
Peachtree City Campus
Office hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays –10:30 PM - 12:00 noon
Other times by appointment.
Class Meetings:
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Roll will be taken each class session. All students are expected to attend class each day we meet. Students are advised not to sign in for their absent friend or significant other. Because the success of the course depends on a relatively high level of student participation, each student will be allowed one (1) unexcused absence before it affects their attendance/participation grade. Excused absences include: (1) documented illnesses (you must submit a doctor’s note no later than three (3) days after returning, (2) religious observance (please review the class schedule and assignments and notify me in advance of any possible conflicts), and (3) participation in documented university activities such as athletics.
Note 1: If you are unable to attend, obtain information on what has been missed from a fellow student, and then see me with any further questions.See CSU Attendance Policy below for additional information regarding class attendance.
Note 2: If a student does not make contact with the instructor by the Fee Payment deadline for semester adjustments, that student will be considered a “No Show” and will be administratively withdrawn from the course according to University policy. Students should communicate with the instructor by using attending class or using the GeorgiaView Vista’s mail function.
Classroom:
Peachtree City Campus Rm 120
Class times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:10 am – 10:25 am
Textbook Information:
Text:
1. Bardes, Schmidt & Shelley.American Government and Politics Today - Clayton State University Edition. 18th Edition. New York: Cengage. 2016.ISBN 978-1-337-03647-4
2. You may need to purchase a total of nine 100 item Scantron answer sheets (#882-E) and provide yourself with a #2 pencil for the three class geography texts and three examinations.
Text Coverage:
Chapter 1- The Democratic Republic
Chapter 2 – The Constitution
Chapter 3 -Federalism
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties
Chapter 5 - Civil Rights
Chapter 6 – Public Opinion and Political Socialization
Chapter 7 – Interest Groups
Chapter 8 – Political Parties
Chapter 9 – Campaigns and Elections
Chapter 10 – The Congress
Chapter 11 – The President
Chapter 12 – The Courts
Evaluation:
Students’ knowledge will be evaluated by two different sets of examinations:
1) Major textbook chapter examination (4)
2) Geography examinations (3)
Instructions for Major Examinations and Geography Tests:please bring two 100 Item Scantron Answer Sheets toeach examination;one Scantron Answer Sheet toeach geography test;and, a #2 pencil to all.
Major Textbook Chapter Examinations:(700 total points)
There will be three textbook chapter examinations and a final exam. The three chapter examinations each are comprised of 50 questions utilizing a combination of multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the blank, essay and true or false style questions covering assigned materials from the assigned textbook chapters. The exam period will be 60 minutes. The first three chapter exams account for 200 points each and the required final examination accounts for 100 possible points. The final exam will be comprised of multiple choice and true or false formatted questions covering assigned reading assignments in the textbookAND on the Georgia Constitution & Government appendix. The final examination IS cumulative.All students are required to take the final examination.
Final Examination Dates and Times:CSU policy regarding MORE than two final exams scheduled for the same day allows a student to request an alternate exam schedule, but the University will not allow a change for most other reasons - see the CSU Catalog, or the instructor, if you have questions. All CSU final examination periods are 2 hours in length.
NOTE:All test and examination scores will be posted at the class Desire2Learn website accessible via the Swan.
Missed Textbook Chapter Examination Policy: It is the policy of this class NOT to allow make up tests/examinations. Two exceptions:
1) Student with a documented and verified medical excuse
2) Personal emergency, or court appearance. Only in the most unusual circumstance will a non-medial excuse be accepted.
Make-up exams must be taken within 5 days of the missed date.
The final examination is REQUIRED - if you miss the final examination you will receive an F for the course.There will be no make-up of anygeography tests or the final examination;
NOTE:STUDENTS MAY REVIEW A SCORED EXAMINATION THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN IN MY OFFICE; DO NOT REMOVE AN EXAMINATION OR A SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET FROM THE CLASSROOM; YOU MAY NOT GET CREDIT FOR YOUR EXAMINATION.
Geography Examinations:(200 possible course points) You will also be given three geography tests worth 70, 60 and 70 points respectively, or a possible total of 100 points altogether. Use the links provided below to study for these tests. The three tests will be spaced out over the weeks of the course.A missed geography test may not be made up.
Click on this link to access printable geography test study maps.
Link to this website to test your geography test knowledge as you study.
Geography test1 - covers North, South, Central (Middle) America and two of the larger island nations of the Caribbean Sea - Cuba and the Dominican Republic only.Know thelower 48 U.S. states and the countries in the Western Hemisphere. There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 70 points.
Geography Test 2 - covers Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. There will be 60 nations on this test. Be able to locate the small, but significant nations of the Persian Gulf region. There are a total of 60 items - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 60 points.
Geography Test 3 - covers Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. There will be 70 nations to identify for 1point each. Be able to locate Singapore and Brunei - both of which are relatively small and yet quite significant to the region's economy. There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 70 pts.
Missed Geography test Policy: There are NO Make-up exams for a missed Geography Test and NO grade accommodation similar to missed chapter exams.
Attendance/Participation:(100 possible course points) You are required to attend class (see Course attendance policy below). Attendance/Participation grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance: 50 points. After one unexcused absence, each missed class will reduce the attendance grade by 10 points.
Participation: 50 points. This is an introductory college level class. As such learning occurs in several manners, one of which is discourse (participation). Participating in class discussions is essential and will be graded accordingly.
Evaluation Matrix:
Geography Tests: (3 exams @ 70 pts, 60 pts, and 70 pts) For content, see above. / 200Chapter Tests: (3 exams @ 200)
Exam 1 – Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4
Exam 2 – Chapters: 5, 6, 7, 8
Exam 3 – Chapters: 9, 10, 11, 12. / 600
Final Exam – Comprehensive including GA Constitution and Government / 100
Attendance/Participation / 100
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS / 1000
Additional Course Expectations/Information:
Where time does not permit the review of textbook materials towards the end of the semester, students will still be held responsible to study that material using the textbook and study guide, and should expect that it will be covered on the final examination.
KEEP INFORMED: Current events will often be discussed at the beginning of class. Read a major daily newspaper, orNEWSWEEK,TIMEorU.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. Watch a daily national network news program on a network such as ABC, BBC, CBS,NBC, PBS Newshour orCNN and/or listen to National Public Radio 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.) on WABE FM 90.1. These news sources and more are also accessible on the Internet.
Remember to:
1. Attend all class lectures;
2. Complete all assigned reading by the due date for lecture and discussion;
3.Take all three geography tests and all fourexaminations;
4. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing course grade.
NOTE: This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to achieve course goals.
Please feel free to come by my office any time you have any questions concerning this class. I would prefer to talk with youbeforeyou get behind in the course. You will find my office hours listed on page one of this syllabus and on my office door. I will be happy to meet with you by appointment at other mutually agreeable times as well.
With regard to communications, my office hours are listed on page 4 of this syllabus. I check my email regularly Monday through Friday and on weekends.
Generally, I will respond to your message within less than 24 hours.
(I will not respond to messages from a student's personal email address.)
Grading:
Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight 1000 point scale, with a distribution of possible points earned as listed below for each grade level. To determine your grade at any point in the course simply subtract all points you have lost from 1000.
Grading Scale
Letter Grade / Point RangeA / 901-1000
B / 801-900
C / 701-800
D / 601-700
F / 600 & below
Note:Percentages are not used to calculate exam results or grades in the class; your grade is determined by the points you have at the end of the course out of the 1000 possible points; add up your points earned or, better yet, go to the Grading Tab in Desire2Learn for the class andcompare your total points at the end of the semester to this grade scale.
Withdrawals and Incompletes:Students may wish to review college policy regarding course withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU catalog. Do not hesitate to speak with me, or your advisor, if you need information relating to course withdrawals/deadlines or incompletes.
Course Schedule:
Module
/Dates
/Content
Module #1 / T, Aug 16Th, Aug 18
T, Aug 23
Th, Aug 25
T, Aug 30
Th, Sep 1
T, Sep 6
Th, Sep 8
T, Sep 13
Th, Sep 15 / Class begins; Review course syllabus; take POLS 1101 Pre-Test Survey in class - bring a #2 pencil and two scantrons to class
Lecture Chapter 1 – The Democratic Republic
Lecture Chapter 2 - The Constitution
Lecture Chapter 2 – The Constitution
Lecture Chapter 3 – Federalism
Lecture Chapter 3 – Federalism
Lecture Chapter 4 – Civil Liberties
Lecture Chapter 4 – Civil Liberties
First Examination: Covers Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 – Bring two 100 item scantron answer sheets and a #2 pencil to class
First Geography Test: Bring one 100 item scantron answer sheet and a #2 pencil to class
Module #2 / T, Sep 20
Th, Sep 22
T, Sep 27
Th, Sep 29
T, Oct 4
Th, Oct 6
T, Oct 11
Th, Oct 13
T, Oct 18
Th, Oct 20 / Lecture Chapter 5 – Civil Rights
Lecture Chapter 5 – Civil Rights
Lecture Chapter 6 – Public Opinion and Political Socialization
Lecture Chapter 8 – Political Parties
Lecture Chapter 8 – Political Parties
Lecture Chapter 9 – Campaigns and Elections
Fall Break – No Class!
Lecture Chapter 9 – Campaigns and Elections
Second Examination: Covers Chapters 5, 6, 8, 9 – Bring two 100 item scantron answer sheets and a #2 pencil to class
Second Geography Test: Bring one 100 item scantron answer sheet and a #2 pencil to class
Module #3 / T, Oct 25
Th, Oct 27
T, Nov 1
Th, Nov 3
T, Nov 8
Th, Nov 10
T, Nov 15
Th, Nov 17
T, Nov 22
Th, Nov 24
T, Nov 29
Th, Dec 1 / Lecture Chapter 7 – Interest Groups
Lecture Chapter 10 – The Congress
Lecture Chapter 10 – The Congress
Lecture Chapter 11 – The President
Lecture Chapter 11 – The President
Lecture Chapter 12 – The Courts
Lecture Chapter 12 – The Courts
Third Examination: Covers Chapters 7, 10, 11, 12 – Bring two 100 item scantron answer sheets and a #2 pencil to class
Third Geography Test: Bring one 100 item scantron answer sheet and a #2 pencil to class
Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Lecture – GA Constitution
Lecture - Review for Final Exam
Module #4 / TBD / Final Examination – Comprehensive - Covers all chapters - Bring two 100 item scantron answer sheets and a #2 pencil to class
Course Policies: