AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
POLI SCI 1 - ONLINE 
Sec. 59560  (3 Units)

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?  Why was there a recall election in California?  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 for the course 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.

Credit/No Credit Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor in writing no later than the end of the SECOND WEEK.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after that time.  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 provided that you complete chapters 1-6 by FRIDAY, January 11 by 11:55 pm, and chapters 7-13 and 15 by THURSDAY, January 24 by 11:55 pm.  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.

You may take the MIDTERM any time between FRIDAY, January 11 and SUNDAY, January 13 by 11:55 pm.  You may take the FINAL EXAM anytime on or between WEDNESDAY, January 23 and FRIDAY, January 25 by 11:55 pm (the semester officially ends on Thursday, but I'll give you until Friday to take the Final).

Each quiz is based on the corresponding chapter that is assigned in the Bardes textbook for that week.  You will have 20 minutes to complete 15 questions (once you begin the quiz, you must complete it within 20 minutes).  You MAY NOT make-up a missed quiz.  You can (and SHOULD) take practice quizzes at the publisher's web page for the assigned chapters at http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780495098065&discipline_number=20 

Once you take the quiz, the system will give you an immediate score; however, you can only fully review your quiz for the correct answers once the quiz period is complete (i.e., at the end of the week).

Your Midterm and Final exams are essay format and will be explained in Study Guides that are currently posted on the lecture web page.

Threaded Discussions

Every week at least two threaded discussions will be posted based on the DiClerico readings or something in the textbook. 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:     JANUARY 23-25 (Availability ends 1/25 at 11:55 pm)

SHORT PAPER #1 DUE:  Thursday, January 10 by 11:59 pm

QUIZZES:  Chapters 1-6 must be completed by Friday, January 11 at 11:55 pm.

MIDTERM:  January 11-13 (availability ends 1/13 at 11:55 pm)

WEEKS III and IV (January 13 - 25)

SHORT PAPER #2 DUE:  Tuesday, January 22 by 11:59 pm

QUIZZES:  Chapters 7-13, and 15 must be completed by Thursday, January 24 at 11:55 pm.

FINAL EXAM:  January 23-25 (availability ends 1/25 at 11:55 pm)