GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
PSC 101—Introduction to American Politics
Winter 2016 Semester
Course Syllabus
I. Course Number & Title:
PSC 101—Introduction to American Politics (3-credits)
Location and Time—GTA (Greenhaw Technical Arts Building), room 128 on Monday & Wednesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
II. Prerequisites:
ENG 101 placement test score or completion of ENG 100 or higher or co requisite of READ 135.
III. Catalog Description:
PSC 101— Introduction to American Politics. A survey of United States, national, state, and local governments with emphasis on the cultural aspects of the governing process. Satisfies the legislative requirement for the United States and Nevada Constitutions.
IV. Course Description:
The course will study numerous aspects of American government and key participants and influences in the political arena. Topics to be covered include: U.S. and Nevada Constitutions, the Presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, federal court system, voting, political parties, interest groups, and the media. We will also discuss Nevada’s political institutions and history. We will also be examining a number of current political events, governmental actions, and public policy decisions as part of the weekly current affairs reading assignments.
V. Instructor Information:
Mark S. Mills, Esq. (Adjunct Instructor)
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, Nevada 89801
Phone: 402-610-1787
E-mail: E-mail on Web Campus.
Office Hours: No designated office hours, students should call or email with any concerns.
VI. Required & Recommended Textbooks and Other Materials:
- Joseph Losco and Ralph Baker. 2015-2016. AM GOV. New York: McGraw-Hills. (ISBN: 978-1-25928-426-7). ***NOTE: AM GOV 2011, 2012 EDITION CAN ALSO BE USED. REQUIRED.
- Bowers, Michael B. 2013. The Sagebrush State: Nevada’s History, Government, and Politics (4th Edition). University of Nevada Press. ISBN: 978-0-87417-923-1. REQUIRED.
- Quick Study Guides Available Through GBC Book Store: (1) U.S. Government; (2) U.S. Constitution; and (3) Political Science. OPTIONAL.
VII. Grading Policy/Point System:
Grades will be based on the following:
AssignmentPoints
Quizzes150 (5 quizzes x 30 points each)
Essays 50 (2 essays x 25 points each)
Class participation/attendance/miscellaneous assignments 100
Final Exam 50______
TOTAL350
Note: Timely submission of quizzes and essays is required. The instructor reserves the right not to accept late quizzes or other assignments if warranted under the circumstances. Late quizzes or assignments, if accepted, may be marked down up to one half of their point value, at the discretion of the instructor. If a student will be unable to complete a quiz, essay or other assignment in a timely fashion the student should contact the instructor in advance to make arrangements to complete the required work. A failure to contact the instructor in advance, as required, may result in the instructor not accepting the assignment submission.
Grading Scale
Percentage Letter
94-100 A
90-93 A-
87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B-
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
<60 F
VIII. Attendance & Class Participation
Students are expected to attend class regularly, read selections from the assigned textbooks and keep informed on current affairs prior to coming to class, and to participate fully in classroom discussions. Occasionally, an unannounced quiz may be given during class; therefore, it is imperative you stay current with your reading and attendance in class as absences could result in adverse consequences toward your overall grade. Classroom discussion will be the genesis of a positive learning environment. Comments during class discussions are expected to be respectful and contributory to the class discussion. It is fine to disagree and dissent is encouraged, please do not be disagreeable in the manner or method of dissent.
VIIII. Course Assignments, Content, & Schedule
There are five quizzes that will cover readings from AM GOV 2015-2016. The quiz dates and topics covered are listed in the course schedule section of this syllabus. Please note that any material from the assigned readings may be covered on the quizzes even if not discussed in class. In addition, students will be required to write two short essays (2 pages each) throughout the course of the semester. The due dates for these essays are listed in the course schedule section of this syllabus. Also, there will be a variety of unannounced participation assignments and quizzes throughout the semester that will count towards your final grade. Finally, there will be a final exam administered at the end of the semester.
Policy of Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is expected in this course and all college courses. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. GBC has a mandatory reporting policy on all incidents of plagiarism. Please thoroughly review the section on plagiarism attached to this syllabus. If you have any questions please ask and I will be glad to answer any questions which arise concerning what constitutes plagiarism. All student work must be original and authentic. Any acts of cheating, copying, and/or plagiarizing are violations of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Code of Conduct and will be taken seriously. Students who cheat, copy another’s work, plagiarize from the internet or other sources, or engage in un-permitted collaboration with other students, are subject to consequences ranging from dismissal from and failure of a class to dismissal from the college. Tutors are available in the GBC Academic Success Center for assistance with appropriate documentation and citations.
Student Conduct Policy
Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be outside the bounds of common decency/civility will not be tolerated. For additional information see the NSHE and GBC code of conduct.
Class Disruptions
Cell phones must be turned off prior to the beginning of class. Text messaging is not allowed. Check with me if there are special circumstances that require you to have your phone on during class. Students are expected to be on time for class, and to not engage in behavior that is disruptive to the classroom setting.
Other Issues
ADA STATEMENT: GBC supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the ADA Officer in Elko at 775-753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.
A. Examinations & Quizzes:
Examinations and quizzes will generally be administered online via Web Campus and due according to the instructions posted by the instructor. Examinations and quizzes may consist of multiple choice, true-false questions, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and/or essay questions. Taking the examinations and quizzes is an individual exercise, and collaboration with others is not permissible. The instructor reserves the right to administer an unannounced quiz and/or exam in class.
If you have a question regarding any of the assignments or materials for this course please call me or email me and I will respond to you within 24 hours.
X. PSC 101: Tentative Course Schedule
The following is the tentative schedule (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) for the Fall 2015 semester, including reading assignments, and examinations:
Day / Topics Covered / AM GOV 2014 Readings / Bowers Readings01/25/2016 / Intro to Class
Role of Power and Authority in a Civilized Society
Intro to Street Fight Video / Chapter 1
01/27/2016 / View Street Fight Video & Discussion / Chapter 1
02/01/2016 / Founding of the Republic The United States and Nevada Constitutions / Chapters 2 & 3 / Chapters 1 & 2, Plus Appendix starting at page 135
02/03/2016 / Founding of the Republic The United States and Nevada Constitutions / Chapters 2 & 3 / Chapters 1 & 2, Plus Appendix starting at page 135
QUIZ 1 – due by the end of the day on 02/05/2016 – covers Chapters 1, 2, & 3
02/08/2016 / Origin of our Rights / Chapters 4 & 5 / Chapter 3
02/10/2016 / Origin of our Rights / Chapters 4 & 5 / Chapter 3
02/15/2016 / NO CLASS – PRESIDENT’S DAY
02/17/2016 / Civil Right and Liberties / Chapters 4 & 5 / Chapter 3
02/22/2016 / Civil Right and Liberties / Chapters 4 & 5 / Chapter 3
02/24/2016 / Civil Rights and Liberties / Chapters 4 & 5 / Chapter 3
QUIZ 2 – due by the end of the day on 02/26/2016 – covers Chapters 4 & 5
02/29/2016 / Not Meeting as Class
View: Karl Rove-The Architect / Chapters 12 / Chapter 7
03/02/2016 / Power of the Executive / Chapter 12 / Chapter 7
03/07/2016 / NO CLASS – ESSAY #1 DUE
03/09/2016 / Who Does the People’s Business- The legislative Branch / Chapter 11 / Chapter 6
03//14/2016 / Who Does the People’s Business- The legislative Branch / Chapter 11 / Chapter 6
03/16/2016 / What Lies Beneath the Black Robes-The Judiciary / Chapter 14 / Chapter 8
03/21/2016 / NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
03/23/2016 / NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
03/28/2016 / What lies Beneath the Black Robes- The Judiciary / Chapter 14 / Chapter 8
03/30/2016 / Political Parties: The Bane of America’s Future?
View The Elected / Chapters 9 / Chapter 4
QUIZ 3 – due by the end of the day on 04/01/2016 – covers Chapters 11, 12, & 14
04/04/2016 / Interest Groups / Chapter 8 / Chapter 5
04/06/2016 / Interest Groups
View Friends of God / Chapter 8 / Chapter 5
04/11/2016 / Political Participation / Chapter 7 / Chapter 5
04/13/2016 / Media: The Fourth Branch of Government
View The Unelected / Chapter 10
QUIZ 4 – due by the end of the day on 04/15/2016 – covers Chapters 7, 8, & 9
04/18/2016 / Media: The Fourth Branch of Government / Chapter 10
04/20/2016 / NO CLASS – ESSAY # 2 DUE
04/25/2016 / Public Policy / Chapter 15
04/27/2016 / Public Policy / Chapter 15
05/02/2016 / Foreign & Defense Policy / Chapter 16
05/04/2016 / Foreign & Defense Policy / Chapter 16
QUIZ 5 – due by the end of the day on 05/06/2016 – covers Chapters 10, 15, & 16
05/09/2016 / State & County Government/ Local Finance / Chapter 9 & 10
05/11/2015 / NO CLASS - Final Exam
(1) Refer to Web Campus for updated information on class schedule.
(2) The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus during the semester.
PART 2
General Education Objectives & Select Student Learning Outcomes
General education objectives can be referenced in the GBC Catalog. It is the goal of the faculty at GBC that all students that graduate with either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from this institution have had the opportunity presented to them during their attendance to have acquired ability and awareness with the following objectives:
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form, embracing discussion, reading, listening, and accessing information.
CRITICAL THINKING:
Integrate creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and the hierarchy of inquiry and knowing in social scientific understanding. There are three elements to this objective:
Quantitative Ability: Understand mathematical principles and integrate quantitative methods into problem solving.
Reasoning and Independent Thought: Use logic and visual thinking in selecting, analyzing, and presenting information.
Scientific Understanding: Understand the essential workings of natural systems, understand the hierarchy of scientific knowing and the use of the scientific method in its pursuit, and have the ability to use this knowledge predicatively.
PERSONAL/CULTURAL AWARENESS:
Understand the roles of individuals in society, the development of human societies, and the significance of creativity in the human experience.
Sense of the Individual in Society: Recognize and respect the rights of the individual, and possess an appreciation of the complexity and variety of the divergent attitudes, values, and beliefs in society.
Sense of the Past: Understand the cultural and historical heritage of contemporary society, and be able to thoughtfully consider the implications of this heritage.
Sense of Accountability: Appreciate the consequences of human actions in social and environmental contexts, and have the ability to consider the ethical and practical implications of those actions.
Appreciation of Fine Arts: Recognize and value creative human expression.
PERSONAL WELLNESS:
Develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors which promote personal well being.
TECHNOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING:
Function effectively in modern society through the use of technology.
Plagiarism – AVOID IT!
(With thanks to the Dr. Robert Griswold, University of Oklahoma)(a lack of this acknowledgment would make me guilty of plagiarism)
Each student at Great Basin College is supposed to know what plagiarism is and to be aware that to plagiarize the work of another person is a serious academic offense. This handout will give you some formal definitions of plagiarism but more important, it provides you with some concrete examples of writing which meet the definition of plagiarism so you can avoid plagiarism.
What is Plagiarism?[1]
Plagiarism: the representation of the words or ideas of another as one's own, including:
1. Directly quoting from another work without letting the reader know that the words are not your own. In this case, the writer generally fails both to use quotation marks around the quoted passages and to mention the name of the original author of the words.
2. Paraphrasing without attribution is another common form of plagiarism. In this case, the student paraphrases the original passage, but the student does not give credit to the original author from whose work the paraphrase derived.
3. Plagiarism can also be committed when a student paraphrases with or without attribution and in so doing uses much of the original wording, thereby passing off the original prose as the student's own.
4. A more tricky case of plagiarism involves students who use entirely their own words but borrow the ideas, arguments, facts, or reasoning of another without giving attribution. Such cases do not involve general knowledge--The Civil War started in 1861--but rather material that is not part of general knowledge but rather comes from the special efforts of the original author.
5. Another form of plagiarism, which is simply fraud, is the submission of work under your name which is not yours. Such work could be by another student, friend, or family member or by a company that writes papers for hire. A number of companies on the Internet sell papers to students, and buying such a paper and submitting it as your own is a serious breach of academic honesty and a vile form of plagiarism.
In short, plagiarism consists of failure to give proper credit for ideas and writings that come from others, but some concrete examples will help clarify its meaning.
In order to avoid even unintentional plagiarism, here are two good rules to follow:
1. Place anything you copy verbatim from another writer--whole sentences, phrases, and a single distinctive word--within quotation marks and identify the source of the quotation, normally in a footnote or an endnote.
2. Always give credit for ideas that are not your own. If you are summarizing the basic idea of an article you have read, give credit to the author for those ideas in a footnote or endnote. You should do this even if you do not use any of the author's original words in writing your summary. If you are uncertain whether or not to cite an author, the safest course to follow is to offer a citation.
As a rule, avoid an extensive use of quotations. Papers should never be long quotations strung together with a few words of your own. Use quotations only for the telling phrase, the unbeatable metaphor, the perfect description, or the controversial point of view that deserves expression in the original. Most of what you take from other sources should be paraphrased, and it is at this point that many students get into trouble. When paraphrasing, you must be certain that you express the ideas from your source in your own words. You cannot change a few conjunctions or articles, throw in or cut out a few words here and there, alter the syntax a bit and pretend that it is your writing. It is not. The structure and most of the phraseology remains that of the author, and your paraphrase is a kind of plagiarism. One basic rule might help: never take five consecutive words from a source without placing them within quotation marks. Even fewer words, of course, should be placed in quotation marks if these words are distinctively the authors.
The following example will help you better understand plagiarism and thus avoid it: below you will find a quotation, followed by an improper and a proper example of paraphrasing.
The quotation: "Most of the time a child who knew no English would be placed in a "sink-or-swim," total-immersion class when first entering school. After six months a student who did not "sink" would graduate to a class appropriate to his or her ability to cope with English. Bilingualism was not an option, and as a result many of the children schooled under this policy recall that their initial experiences were intensely traumatic." (1)
1. Selma Berrol, "Immigrant Children at School," in John Cary, et al., eds., The Social Fabric: American Life from the Civil War to the Present, 8th ed., vol.2 (New York: Longman, 1999): 111.
Paraphrasing that would be considered plagiarism: Much of the time, children who knew no English would find themselves in a "sink-or-swim" immersion class when entering school. After a half-year, students who did not sink would join a class suitable to their ability to deal with English. Bilingualism was not permitted, and therefore many children under this policy remember that they found school initially intensely traumatic. (1)
1. Selma Berrol, "Immigrant Children at School," in John Cary, et al., eds., The Social Fabric: American Life from the Civil War to the Present, 8th ed., vol.2 (New York: Longman, 1999): 111.
Proper paraphrasing: Immigrant children who could not speak English often found schools a hostile environment. "Bilingualism," as Selma Berrol has observed, "Was not an option," and thus immigrants often remembered their school days as anxious, frustrating times. (1)