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U-Pace[INSERT COURSE (INSERT SECTION)]

[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME]

[INSERT SEMESTER AND YEAR]

U-Pace is a proven online instructional method combining technology (D2L [CHANGE TO REFLECT LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT YOUR INSTITUTION]) with personalized help and support received via email. In U-Pace[INSERT COURSE],follow the model schedule (completing 2 quizzes every week) until you get the grade you desire. When students follow the model schedule, they are done with the course in 12 weeks, earning their A well before the end of the semester. This allows them to concentrate on doing well in their other courses.

You are in control. When you schedule time to work on the course each week is up to you. You determine when you are ready to take the two quizzes each week. You can go as fast as you want and complete more than 2 quizzes per week to finish the course early. Some students have completed this course in less than 8 weeks.

The structure of this course allows you to spend greater time on difficult topics and helps you manage multiple responsibilities, including doing well in other courses. This course structure has been proven to increase student learning, and students have also reported reduced feelings of stress and increased feelings of support for their learning.

It is important that you check your [INSERT INSTITUTION NAME] email at least once per week during this course to benefit from the personalized help with concepts and constructive support provided.

Links to Sections in Syllabus (press control and click to automatically go to page)

[THESE LINKS SHOULD ADJUST AUTOMATICALLY AS YOU MAKE CHANGES TO THIS SYLLABUS, BUT THESE PAGE NUMBERS MUST BE CORRECTED MANUALLY AFTER YOUR SYLLABUS IS FINISHED]

[CHANGE TITLES AND SECTIONS REFERENCING D2L TO REFLECT THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USED AT YOUR INSTITUTION]

What will my transcript say?...... 2

Who are my instructor and teaching assistant? ...... 2

Where do I get the book?...... 2

What will this course cover? ...... 3

How does this course work? ...... 3

What if I don’t have a computer with internet access?...... 3

Can I use my book or notes during a quiz? ...... 4

How soon can I retake a quiz? (One Hour Wait Rule) ...... 4

What if I need special accommodations?...... 4

How will I be graded? ...... 5

How can I earn extra credit? ...... 5

How should I study in this course? ...... 6

Where can I receive extra help for this course[OPTIONAL SECTION]? ...... 6

Where can I find information on grade appeals and other policies? ...... 7

Important Dates (including deadline for completing quizzes) ...... 7

Model Schedule ...... 7

Whom can I contact with questions about D2L?...... 9

How do I access the D2L course homepage? ...... 9

How do I access the course materials in D2L? ...... 10

How do I take a quiz in D2L? ...... 10

What should I do if my computer “freezes” or loses internet connection during a quiz? . . . 11

Will taking U-Pace [INSERT COURSE] count as [INSERT COURSE]?

What will my transcript say?

Yes, this course counts as [INSERT COURSE]. Your transcript will [INSERT COURSE].U-Pace [INSERT COURSE] covers exactly the same material as conventionally taught face-to-face sections of [INSERT COURSE].

Who are my Instructor and Teaching Assistant?

Instructor

[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME]

Office Location: [INSERT]

Office Hours: [INSERT]

Phone: [INSERT]

Email: [INSERT]

Teaching Assistant

[INSERT TA NAME]

Office Location: [INSERT]

Office Hours: [INSERT]

Phone: [INSERT]

Email: [INSERT]

Do not hesitate to contact [INSERT TA NAME] or me. We want to help you!If you are experiencing a problem accessing the materials, do not understand something, or have a nonacademic problem that is affecting your performance, please contact either of us right away and we will get back to you as soon as possible.This is the first time many students have taken an online course, and many people may find it confusing. No question is a “dumb” question. [INSERT TA NAME]and I are ready to help you with any problem you may have with the course, no matter how small or large.

Where do I get the book?

[INSERT TEXTBOOK AND BOOKSTORE INFORMATION]

What will this course cover?

[INSERT COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY OR OBJECTIVES]

How does this course work?

  • This course combines web-based instruction (on the D2L [CHANGE LMS]course site) with as much one-on-one helpand support as you need every step of the way. You control the pace of your learning, with flexibility to work at the times best for you each week.
  • [UPDATE EXPLANATION OF NUMBER OF MODULES AND QUIZZES]In this course you will be responsible for learning the material in 12small modules, each equivalent to about half a chapter in the textbook. You will be taking 24 quizzes, two for each module. Each quiz is 6 minutes long and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions.
  • You can retake quizzes an unlimited number of times without penalty. The quiz retakes will have different questions. When you achieve at least 9 out of 10 correct on a quiz, you may progress to the next quiz. Whether you earn 9 out of 10 correct or 10 out of 10 correct does not matter for your grade. Your grade will reflect the number of quizzes you completed with at least 9 out of 10 correct. Thegoal is complete all 24 quizzes by the end of the semester.

What if I don’t have a computer with internet access or

something happens to my computer during the course?

Use the computer labs on campus and computers in local libraries in your community. Dedicate hours to this course in an academic planner and follow your schedule.

Can I use my book or notes during a quiz,

orhave someone help me with a quiz?

No. The quizzes must be completed without books or notes, and without the help of anyone. Using your book or notes, getting someone else to take the quiz for you, or getting someone to help you during the quiz, are clear cases of academic dishonesty. [UPDATE RULES IF USING OPEN-BOOK QUIZZES]

How soon can I retake a quiz if I earn lower than 9 out of 10 correct?

THE ONE-HOUR WAIT RULE FOR RETAKES

  • You must wait at least one hour before retaking a quiz. Do not violate the one-hour wait rule for retakes! If you do not waita full 60 minutesfrom the time you submitted a quizbefore retaking the same quiz, your score will not be counted.
  • Taking the same quiz multiple times within an hour constitutes cheating. If you cheat, you may be given a permanent 0 for that quiz and may be asked to remove yourself from the course. More severe consequences for academic dishonesty may also be pursued.
  • Computer problems (i.e., computer froze, etc.) are not valid excuses for violating the one-hour wait rule.If your quiz freezes, you must log back in to continue and then click “Submit Quiz” before beginning your one hour wait. More detailed instructions on what to do if your quiz freezes can be found at the end of this syllabus.
  • The one-hour wait is for retaking the same quiz. If you completed a quiz with at least 9 out of 10 correct, you may immediately move on to the NEXT quiz without waiting.

What if I need special accommodations?

Can I have extra time on quizzes?

  • Quiz times have been extended for many students with a recognized disability. We want you to have what you need so you can be successful, so please don’t hesitate or wait to tell us. I am happy to provide whatever special accommodations the Student Accessibility Center [REPLACE WITH INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTITUTION]recommends that will allow you to fully participate and perform well in this course.
  • If you have a recognized disability under the ADA, please provide me with documentation as soon as possible from the Student Accessibility Center [REPLACE WITH INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTITUTION, INCLUDING OFFICE NAME, LOCATION, PHONE NUMBER, AND WEBSITE. Please drop off your VISA form as soon as possible in my mailbox, which is located in [INSERT LOCATION] and labeled “[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME].” You could also scan the VISA form and email it to me ([INSERT INSTRUCTOR EMAIL]) or to [INSERT TA NAME]([INSERT TA EMAIL]).
  • Students with disabilities may do better in this course than in a conventionally taught course, because they can go at their own pace.

How are students graded?

Your grade in this course is based on the number of quizzes you complete with at least 9 out of 10 correct. (Earning 10 out of 10 correct does not increase your grade).

Quizzes Completed / Grade
24 / A
23 / A-
22 / B+
21 / B
20 / B-
19 / C+
18 / C
17 / C-
16 / D+
15 / D
14 / D-
Fewer than 14 / F

Incompletes will not be given for failure to successfully complete quizzes by the course deadline.

How can I earn extra credit?

[INSERT INFORMATION REGARDING ANY EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS. TO MAKE SURE THE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND, YOU MAY CONSIDER DESCRIBING AN EXAMPLE STUDENT AND HOW HIS OR HER SCORE/GRADE WOULD CHANGE AFTER EARNING EXTRA CREDIT.]

How should I study in this course?

  • In this course, it is recommended that you set aside a minimum of 9 hours each week to study the material. The time you would have spent in class is freed up to study. You decide when to study and take your quizzes each week.[UPDATE INFORMATION IF NEEDED]
  • Each assignment prepares you for two quizzes, and you must complete both quizzes (score at least 9 out of 10 correct) before you can move on. [UPDATE INFORMATION IF NEEDED]
  • Many students have to retake the quizzes a number of times before they achieve 9 out of 10 correct. Do not get discouraged! We are here to support you and help you understand all the material. It is our goal for every student to earn an “A” in this course and this is completely possible! If at any point you become confused or unsure about any aspect of the course, from material being covered to how to open course material, contact us right away! We will do whatever possible to help you to ensure your success.
  • Do not get behind! Yes, this is a self-paced course, but it is recommended that you follow the model schedule and complete 2 quizzes each week (or go faster). Stay on track. Do not assume that you will be able to catch up if you fall too far behind in the beginning of the course. Some students underestimate how much time it takes to get 9 out of 10 correct. Don’t let this happen to you. Start off with a bang! Do as much as you can now, in case something happens later in the semester in another course or your life outside of school.
  • D2L [CHANGE LMS]is typically slower during the end of the semester due to the large quantities of users during this time. Do not wait until the last week to try and take many quizzes, because you may have difficulties accessing the site quickly.

Where can I receive extra help for this course?

[INCLUDE THIS SECTION IF THERE IS ANY ADDITIONAL TUTORING

OFFERED AT YOUR INSTITUTION]

  • Always feel free to email me or [INSERT TA NAME]or visit our office hours. We are available to help you with any problems related to the course.
  • You can also receive additional help from the [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT TUTORING SERVICES, INCLUDING OFFICE NAME, LOCATION, PHONE NUMBER, WEBSITE, TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED, AND LINKS OR INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING UP]

Where can I find information on grade appeals and other policies?

[INSERT LINK TO YOUR INSTITUTION’S POLICIES, OR INSERT THE TEXT OF THE POLICIES DIRECTLY]

Important Dates

[INSERT ANY ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT DATES]

[ADJUST DATE] / First day of classes – Quizzes activate
[ADJUST DATE] / Last day to drop without receiving a “W” on transcript
[ADJUST DATE] / Last day to drop or withdraw (“W” will appear on transcript)
[ADJUST DATES] / [THAKSGIVING OR SPRING] Break
[ADJUST DATEAND TIME – 11:59PM ON LAST DAY OF FINAL EXAM PERIOD IS SUGGESTED] / Deadline for completing quizzes

Model Schedule

[ADJUST DATES, TOPICS, AND READING ASSIGNMENTS FOR EACH WEEK]

Week 1: Tuesday, September 3rd – Sunday, September 8th

Introduction and American Political Culture

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 1, Declaration ofIndependence, GinsbergAppendix

Take Quiz 1 and Quiz 2

Week 2: Monday, September 9th– Sunday, September 15th

The Foundingand theConstitution

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 2, Constitution, GinsbergAppendix

Take Quiz 3 and Quiz 4

Week 3: Monday, September 16th – Sunday, September 22nd

Federalism

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 3

Take Quiz 5 and Quiz 6

Week 4: Monday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 29th

TheBill ofRights and Civil Liberties

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 4

Take Quiz 7 and Quiz 8

Week 5: Monday, September 30th - Sunday, October 6th

PublicOpinion

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 6

Take Quiz 9 and Quiz 10

Week 6: Monday, October 7th– Sunday, October 13th

Political Participation and Voting

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 8

Take Quiz 11 and Quiz 12

Week 7: Monday, October 14th - Sunday, October 20th

Political Parties

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 9

Take Quiz 13 and Quiz 14

Week 8: Monday, October 21st - Sunday, October 27th

Campaigns and Elections

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 10

Take Quiz 15 and Quiz 16

Week 9: Monday, October 28th – Sunday, November 3rd

Interest Groups

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 11

Take Quiz 17 and Quiz 18

Week 10: Monday, November 4th - Sunday, November 10th

TheLegislativeBranch -Congress

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 12

Take Quiz 19 and Quiz 20

Week 11: Monday, November 11th- Sunday, November 17th

TheExecutiveBranch -ThePresidency

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 13

Take Quiz 21 and Quiz 22

Week 12: Monday, November 18th- Sunday, November 24th

TheJudiciary-The Federal Courts

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 15

Take Quiz 23 and Quiz 24

You are done! Congratulations on all your hard work.

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETING QUIZZES:

[INSERT DATE AND TIME]

[IN THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS, INCLUDE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ACCESSING AND USING YOUR INSTITUTION’S THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR YOUR COURSE, AS BELOW]

Whom can I contact with questions about D2L?

[INCLUDE INFORMATION FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK AT YOUR INSTITUTION

How do I access the D2L course homepage?

Step 1:D2L for this course will work best if you access the internet using Firefoxas your Web browser.

Step 2:Go to the UWM homepage (

Step 3:Click on “D2L” near the top of the screen.

Step 4:Click on the “UWM ePanther” button.

Step 5:Enter your username and password (Your username will be your ePanther email address without the “@uwm.edu” at the end. Your password will be the same as for your ePanther email account.) Click “Log In.”

Step 6:Scroll down and select the current semester.

Step 7:Under Fall 2013, select [INSERT COURSE].

Step 8:You will be taken to the course homepage, where you will see any current announcements.

How do I access the course materials in D2L?

Step 1:On the course homepage (see instructions above to reach the homepage), select “Content,” located in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

Step 2:Under“Course Documents”you will find a copy of this syllabus and a series of lecture notes for the course modules.Click on the document that you wish to view. If a pop-up window appears, click “Open.” It may take a few moments for the document to load, and it may appear in a separate window.

You should also go to “Links” where you will find links to the publisher’s study resources for each chapter of the textbook. These resources (in particular, the study plan, chapter outline, practice quizzes, and flashcards) should be very useful in helping you understand the material.

Step 3:Before you can take the quizzes for a topic, you should read the assigned chapter in the text and the lecture notes for that topic. You shouldalso access and use the study resources provided by the publisher to review the assigned chapter.

Step 4:If you wish to return to the course homepage, click on the name of the course at the very top of the screen near the left corner.

How do I take a quiz in D2L?

Step 1:Choose the most reliable internet connection and device available.Hard-wired internet connections are more reliable than wireless internet connections. It is NOT recommended that you use mobile devices – many students have had problems in the past when taking quizzes on mobile devices.

Step 2:On the course homepage (see instructions above to reach the homepage), select “Quizzes” in the upper left corner.

Step 3:Click on the quiz you need to take.

Step 4:Read the instructions for the quiz, and when you’re ready click “Start Quiz!”

Step 5:Select the best answer for each question. You can see which questions you have saved answers to in the “Questions” section of the quiz’s left panel. You can also click on the question number in the quiz’s left panel to go back to the question.

Step 6:It is recommended that you click the corresponding “Save” button after answering a question. You can also click “Save All Responses” to save all previous responses. If your computer freezes or your internet connection is lost during your quiz, you may lose any unsaved responses. If you change an answer, verify that the change is saved prior to submitting the quiz.