SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 6.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
POLI SCI 1 - ONLINE 
Sec. 10255 (3 Units) 
(6/6-7/14)

WELCOME!!!!!

Why do a majority of Americans not vote?  Why is it that the winner of the popular vote for President can also be the loser?  Is there really a difference between Democrats and Republicans?  Do we really need 50 state governments if we have a Federal Government?  Don't know much about American politics?  Then welcome to Poli Sci 1!

Poli Sci 1 covers the structure and functions of the American national state and local governments.  Emphasis is placed on the development of democratic institutions through historical and contemporary studies.  Students will have an opportunity to understand what has shaped the United States Constitution, its amendments, major court interpretations, the operation of and one's role in democratic government.  This course may be used to meet the Social Science I or II requirement in the General Education Pattern for transfer to the California State University system.

Additional topics this course will explore are the following:

Required Texts

General Course Policies

1. Print out this syllabus as evidence for transfer to a four-year institution.
2. Participation on the group discussion board and COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING by the beginning of each topic are essential to passing this course.
3. Tutoring is available at no charge at Tutorial Services.  It is provided by qualified, trained students who have been recommended by the faculty.  Contact Tutorial Services in the Library Building or call 741-2038.
4. CREDIT/NO CREDIT option will only be granted if the student e-mails the Instructor before the end of the second week to request the option.  
5. ***Plagiarism/cheating will be treated as automatic failures and offenders will be referred to the CSSO for disciplinary action.  Familiarize yourself with the campus policy on cheating detailed in the College Catalogue under Student Conduct Code, 5.8.19 Policy on Cheating.  (You will find examples of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html.)***
6. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.  College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request.  Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

Pass/No Pass Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor IN WRITING no later than SATURDAY, JUNE 18.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after this day.  See the WVC Catalog under "Academic Regulations and Standards" for more information about this option.

Quizzes and Exams

You are required to take 14 quizzes (2 of which will be counted as Extra Credit), a midterm, and a final.  ALL QUIZZES AND EXAMS ARE CONDUCTED ONLINE.

You may take the QUIZZES whenever you wish within the assigned time frame of their availability.  

You MAY NOT make-up a missed quiz after the due dates.  Quiz questions will be drawn from the assigned textbook readings for the week.  In addition to reading the textbook, you may find useful the companion web page for our Bardes textbook maintained by Thomson/Wadsworth (your books publisher) at http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780495571704&token.  This companion web page has practice quiz questions.

Your Midterm and Final exams will be explained in Study Guides posted on the Lectures web page.  

IF A PROBLEM OCCURS:  Students are encouraged not to wait until the last day to take a quiz (which will be available for the entire week).  If a problem occurs with the system or your computer (and let's face it - such problems DO occur from time to time), contact me ASAP.  I will help you solve the problem.  If, however, you wait until the final day (or worse, the final hours) and a problem arises, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to help you before the deadline (you take that risk upon yourself by waiting so long to take the quiz).

Threaded Discussions

Every week one to two threaded discussions will be posted based on the DiClerico readings, something in the textbook, or current events. Click on the Discussions icon on the Angel page and read the topic statement and then post your comments. You may respond to the instructor's statement or any other comment made by other students.  You MUST participate in each of these discussions in order to receive credit for your participation.  More instructions are posted on Angel.

How to Read the Lectures

Papers

You are required to turn in two short papers analyzing the debates presented in the DiClerico book.  These papers are 110 points each and are explained in more detail HERE.  

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:     JULY 12-14 (Availability ends THURSDAY, 7/14 at 11:55 pm)

SHORT PAPER #1 DUE:  THURSDAY, June 23 by 11:59 pm

QUIZZES:  Chapters 1-6 must be completed by SATURDAY, June 25 at 11:55 pm.

MIDTERM:  JUNE 23-25 (availability ends 6/25 at 11:55 pm)

SHORT PAPER #2 DUE:  SATURDAY, July 9 by 11:59 pm

QUIZZES:  Chapters 7-11 must be completed by SATURDAY, July 9 at 11:55 pm.

WEEK VI

QUIZZES:  Chapters 12, 13, and 15 must be completed by THURSDAY, July 14 at 11:55 pm.

FINAL EXAM:  July 12 - 14 (availability ends THURSDAY, 7/14 at 11:55 pm)