UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
POLITICAL SCIENCECOURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR:Douglas E. Ealey, Ph.D.
COURSE TITLE: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
COURSE NUMBER:POLS 1101
DAY: MWTIME:1:15-2:30 pm
OFFICE:Loyd Strickland, ROOM 152
OFFICE HOURS:MW10:00 - 11:30 am; T/TH 2:00-3:30 pm or by appointment.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS: (678) 718-3690 (School); (678) 718- 3937 (Fax);(770) 981-9872 (Home Office)
E-MAIL:;
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An intensive examination of the Constitution and the three governmental divisions. The course includes a study of the national government in its relation to the states. Examples from the government of Georgia are included.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, inquiry and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. Central to the accomplishment of this mission is the Liberal Arts Curriculum, and this course satisfies a requirement in Area E of the college's core curriculum.Additionally, the course will use pragmatic information from historical material and current events that engage the student in interactive political discourse. By the time students have finished this course, they should be able to:
1.Describe how the American political system works.
2.Describe and explain the historical and philosophical roots of America’s system of government and its Constitutional components.
3.Explain the importance of civic responsibility in a participatory republic, including involvement in issue debates and elections.
4.Formulate and defend logical arguments in discussing a variety of contemporary political questions, including those arising from cultural differences within the United States and from the evolving status of the United States within the global area.
5.Demonstrate well-developed analytical thinking, writing and oral communication skills as they describe the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system.
6.Use computer technology to discover information relating to politics and government.
7.Assess the accuracy, completeness and potential bias of sources of information pertaining to politics and government.
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Exams: None schedule unless students fail to remain current with readings for class discussions.
Quizzes: There are take home quizzes for select chapters as listed in the syllabus that can be found in Shared Class Files. Quiz material will be submitted in association with readings from the text which will require some additional research from additional sources such as internet and other pertinent sources. All students should purchase scantrons to complete quizzes.Note: Although most quizzes are take home, each student must complete his/her own quiz. Any students found completing quizzes other than individually will be given a zero for the assignment.
Essays: Several short essays will require students to use analytical skills to examine various issues associated with the sections discusses in the text as it relates to the American political system as well as global and domestic political systems.
Visitation and Observation: All students are required to make three (3) site visits to diverse communities that expose them to new political, ethnic, cultural, denominational, faith, and religious communities. A two page paper will be required to complete the assignment. All site visits much reflect a philosophy that is different than your own. See guidelines in elearning for further instructions to complete the assignments.Note: Site visits are not optional and are not substituted with research papers, interviews, tours or other research. You must attend an actual service. All site visits require documentation which may include an attached brochure, pamphlet or program. Failure to attach documented material will result in an automatic zero for the assignments. Internet copies or photos are not acceptable substitutes. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Research Projects: Each student is required to submit two projects that represent an academic analysis and interaction with the American Political System. The first project will be a group project and the other project will be an individual project. The group project will entail giving students a detail and substantive analysis of the budgetary process as encountered by the US legislative bodies. The second project will be an individual projectthat will allow students to apply practical principles learned during the semester. All of the material encountered in the projects will draw from material in the text, lectures or out of one’s own philosophical interests pertaining to the subject matter. See Shared Class Files for details. Confer with the instructor for assistance and guidelines.Note: All group members are responsible for the content, research material and final submitted document contained in the group project and will be evaluated accordingly. All students are required to be
Presentations: All students are required to givean in class presentations related to both projects. The presentation willdiscuss the dynamics of issues regarding the American political system. The presentations should be no more than ten (10) minutes in length on the material being studied. Guidelines are on the website for assistance.Note: All students who are not present for the group presentation will not receive a presentation grade. All students who miss any day of the individual presentations will have their overall course grade reduced one (1) letter for each day missed.
Classroom Participation: Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions with thoughtful, reflective and informed questions, answers or concerns. Participation is an essential part of the course and will be used in the calculation of the final grade. Calculation of the participation grade will consist of viewing videos in class, discussion of the videos and/or chapter view questions either as a class or in groups. Note: Videos shown in class will have some type of activity either group or individual. Viewing videos in class will count for 50% of grade and assignment will count for 50% of grade. SpecialNote: a missed video will result in a zero (0) for the assignment.Also, staying current with the reading is vital to this process.
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS
There are no make-ups for quizzes and only for exams in extreme emergencies. If there is an emergency, contact must be made by the end of the exam day unless physically unable. A zero grade is given for any quiz or exam missed. Any other assignment will be evaluated as needed. All make-up exams are essay regardless of excuse.
EXTRA CREDIT
Voter Registration Card. Any student presenting a valid Voter Registration Card will receive 10 points added to the overallpoints. Those who are not eligible to vote, see me for the option.(Due by final exam date)
Attendance: There is a mandatory class attendance policy. Students are expected to attend and be on time for all classes. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of all classes for that day. Students are allowed one full day which in summer session equates to two (2) days as an unexcused absence. When students miss only half a day, the student is counted as missing only one day. If the student is absent due to illness beyond the allowable period, there must be a doctor’s note presented or verifiable documentation such as an obituary when attending a funeral, evidence of jury duty, court subpoena etc. Illegal activity such as ticket summons, arraignment, incarceration, etc. are not an excused absences. All other absences are to be discussed with the instructor and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Roll is only taken once, so students should be on time for class as a tardy is considered an absence. This attendance policy will be strictly adhered to playing an important role in the calculation of any final or borderline grades.After two unexcused absences, the student’s attendance grade will drop ten (10) points with each absence. If a student misses more than five (5) unexcused classes, thestudent attendance grade is automatically calculated as a zero (0).
Grading ScaleCalculations
90 - 100AAttendance,Class Participation (includes all in class assignments
such as videos, individual and group discussions, etc.) 30%
80 - 89BQuizzes and Site Visits 20
70 - 79CPolitical Philosophy 10
60 - 69DGroup Project 20
Below 60FIndividual Project 20
100%
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS
There are no make-up assignments for quizzes or exams except in extreme emergencies. If there is an emergency, contact must be made by the end of the exam day unless physically unable. A zero grade is given for any quiz or exam missed due to absence at the time the test is given. Any other assignment will be evaluated as needed.
CLASSROOM DEMEANOR
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to an academic environment. This means cordial and respectful interaction in discussions. Rude and discourteous behavior that is disruptive to the classroom learning environment will not be tolerated. Disruptive Behavior policy: Those considered by the instructor to conduct themselves in a way that obstructs or disrupts, or attempts to obstruct or disrupt the class or its learning activities, will be given a verbal warning and may be asked to excuse themselves from the class period in which the conduct occurred. Further disruptive conduct may be reported to the Vice President for Student Development and may be subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the University of North Georgia Student Handbook.Cellphones: are not to be used or displayed (includes not being placed on the desk) in the classroom during class time. There will be a warning given to the first student caught using a cellphone. All students thereafter will be penalized ten (10) class participation points. More thantwo occurrences by the same student will result in removal from the class.Laptops and IPads may be used for note taking purposes and purposes directly related to the specific class and the day’s assignments. Those using these devices are asked to sit in the back of the room so as not to distract other students who may have disabilities which create a distraction. Penalties for miss use range from discontinued use to grading penalties similar to cellphone use.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Please check the following radio and TV stations for announcements of closings: WSB-TV Atlanta, FOX 5-TV Atlanta, WXIA-TV Atlanta, WNEG-TV 32, Toccoa, WSB-Radio Group, Atlanta: B98.5FM, News Radio 680 AM, Jazz Flavors 104.1, 95.5 FM; WGST-Radio Atlanta - 640 AM and 105.7 FM, Radio Center, Gainesville: WDUN-550AM, WGGA 1240 AM, Magic 102.9 FM, Southern Broadcasting, Athens/Gainesville: WLET 106.1 FM, 103.7 FM, 102.1 FM, 1340 AM, 960 AM; WJJC 1270 AM, Commerce, WCON 99.3 FM and 1450 AM, Cornelia. TV and radio stations only announce if the college is closed, not if it is open. Information on closing is also available at 770-718-3639 (Gainesville Campus), 706-310-2201 (Oconee Campus), and
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
University of North Georgia welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Disability Services attempts to accommodate these students in every reasonable way, by providing academic and support services that ensure equal access to all programs and activities.
Students who need special accommodations and services must register with Disability Services and submit supporting documentation. If it is determined that a student is eligible for special services, Accommodations Memos, provided by Disability Services, must be presented to his/her instructors. It is the student’s choice as to whether he/she uses these accommodations and he/she is responsible for making arrangements with instructors.
To register with Disability Services, please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 678-717-3855 (Gainesville Campus), or at 706-310-6204 (Oconee Campus) or 706-867-2782 (Dahlonega).
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The Student Conduct Code in the University of North Georgia Student Handbookstates that plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Penalties and due process procedures are discussed in this section of the handbook.
SMOKING POLICY
University of North Georgia does not allow the use of any tobacco products in the buildings or on the grounds of the institution. This policy applies to the Gainesville and Oconee campuses.
PLAGIARISM
Accidental or intentional--will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Conduct Code in the University of North Georgia Student Handbook. Plagiarism willbe grounds for failing the assignment and perhaps the course. The MLA Handbook defines plagiarism as follows.
The most blatant form of plagiarism is to repeat as your own someone else's sentences, more
or less verbatim. . . . Other forms of plagiarism include repeating someone else's
particularly apt phrase without appropriate acknowledgment, paraphrasing another person's
argument as your own, and presenting another's line of thinking . . . as though it were your
own. (sec 1.6)
COPYRIGHT
Both Federal and State laws forbid the unlawful duplication of copyrighted computer software or other reproductions of copyrighted material. In accordance with these policies, Gainesville State College expressly forbids the copying of such materials supplied by or used in the College. Unlawful duplication of copyrighted materials by a user may result in disciplinary action by the College under the Student Conduct Code (Non-Academic Infractions--Prohibitions, Theft), and/or possible criminal action by the owner of the copyright.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL PROCESS
It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from a course. Students who wish to withdraw from a course without academic penalty (to receive a W) must do so prior to the midpoint of the session. Course withdrawals after the midpoint result in a grade of "WF" (withdraw failing) unless otherwise approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. To drop a course or to withdraw from all courses, the student may complete the "Request Withdrawal" form on Banner Web. When Learning Support (LS) students request to withdraw from a LS course using Banner, their request must be approved by the LS department unless the student is completely withdrawing from the College. The student will be notified via email if there is a problem with his or her request. Students may also complete a course withdrawal form or a complete withdrawal form in the Registrar's Office in Dunlap Mathis, Room 106, on the Gainesville campus or in the Administration Bldg. on the Oconee campus.
WITHDRAWAL
The last day to withdraw with a “W” is February27, 2015. NOTE: Anyone withdrawing after midnight on this date will receive a “WF”.
TEXT
McClain, Paula D., and Steven C. Tauber. American Government in Black and White. Second Edition.Oxford University Press 2014.
TENTATIVE CLASS LECTURES, READINGS, EXAMS, AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
PART I:FOUNDATION OF GOVERNMENT
Week 1: January 5-9
Syllabus Review and Introductions
Pre-Quiz
Week 2: January 12-16
Chapter 1The Political Landscape
DUE: Chapter 1 Quiz: January 14, 2015
Week 3: January 19 (MLK Holiday)- 23
Political Ideology
DUE: Chapter 2 Quiz: January 21, 2015
DUE: Political PhilosophyPaper: January 21, 2015
Week 4: January 26-January 30
Political Ideology cont’d
DUE: January 26 (Political Site Visit)
Week 5: February 2-6
Chapter 2 The Constitution
DUE: Chapter 3 Quiz: February 4
Week 6: February 9-13
Chapter 3 Federalism
No Class February 9
Week 7: February 16-20
Group Project and Presentations
Due: Group Papers(February 18)
Week 8: February 23-27
Chapter 4CivilLiberties
Withdrawal (Final Day-February 27)
DUE: Chapter 4 Quiz:
Week 9: March 2-6
Chapter 4CivilLiberties
Video: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
DUE: March 4 (Religious Site Visit)
Week 10: March 9-13
Chapter 5 Civil Rights
Video:“The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow”
DUE: Chapter 5 Quiz: March 11
Week 11: March 16-20
SPRING BREAK
PART II:INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
Week 12: March 23-27
Chapter 6 Congress
DUE: Chapter Quiz 6March 25
Week 13March 30-April 3
Chapter 7 The Presidency
DUE: Chapter Quiz: April 1
Week 14: April 6-10
DUE: April 8 (Cultural Site Visit)
Chapter 8 The Bureaucracy
Week 15: April 13-17
Chapter 9 The Judiciary
DUE: Chapter Quiz
Week 16: April 20-24
PAPER AND PRESENTATIONS
DUE DATES
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
DUE: January 21
GROUP PAPER
February 18
VISITATION AND OBSERVATION ASSIGNMENTS
DUE DATES:SITE VISIT 1January26 (Political)
SITE VISIT 2 March 11 (Religious)
SITE VISIT 3April 8 (Cultural)
FINAL PROJECT
DUE: WRITTEN PROJECT: April 20
DUE: PAPER AND PRESENTATIONS:April 20 & 22
EXAM DATE
Monday, April 27; 12:40-2:40 pm
Note: Unless instructed otherwise, all quizzes are due on Wednesday of week indicated
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