P0S 110 – AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
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Course Goals:
1. Provide
the student with a systematic introduction to the structure and functioning of our
government.
2. Create
an appreciation of the political problems facing the U.S. today.
3. Create
a basic understanding of the complex nature of American
government and politics.
4. Instill
a basic understanding of political processes.
5. Introduce the student to the nature and scope of current political issues so that they may make political decisions consistent with their political beliefs.
This course is primarily a lecture based course, but with an
importance difference. I expect students to
be active learners and participate in the class. You
should come to class prepared for the day’s lesson and ready to participate by adding
to the discussion, asking critical questions, and by giving insightful comments, and by
being prepared to take an active part in the activities of the class.
We will be meeting only once a week and the schedule is attached. Try to attend each class meeting. Those that attend class regularly are those that
tend to get better grades. Those that attend
class regularly, have read the assignments, and participate in class, are those that get
the best grades and learn the most.
Grading:
100-90% = A
Tests (4) - 50% 89-80 = B
Term Paper - 25% 79-70 = C
Journal - 20% 69-60 = D
Attendance - 5% 59- = F
There are four tests during the semester. The tests will be multiple-choice. I will be providing you with a study sheet for
each test. These tests will be closed book,
but you will be allowed to use your own notes for the tests. You may not use another person's notes, nor may
you use photocopied notes. All testing will be done in the library. If you miss a test you will have one week to make
it up. Just go to the library and ask for it. Also we will conduct a test review the day of the
test. Even if you are not taking the test on
that date, I would advise you to be present for the review.
You are required to write an 8-10 page typed double-spaced paper on a
topic of your choice. If the grade on your
term paper has a negative effect on your final grade, you have the option to rewrite the
paper. I have included a "term paper
guide" which states the specifics of what your paper should look like.
For ten of the chapters in the text, you will need to find a magazine
article, newspaper articles, or some other written commentary that has been published
which concerns itself wit the topic of the chapter. You
will then summarize the article and critically analyze it by relating it back to some
issue, idea or subject in the chapter to which it applies.
The summary and analysis should be about 1 page in length, typed
double-spaced. The journal you hand in will
have a minimum of 10 entries, more if you desire, be neatly presented is some type of
bound form and clearly labeled and easy to read and follow.
You must also include the article in the journal.
Students tend to find this assignment fun as well as educational. Take pride in it and have some fun as well.
I have included a sample entry for you to look at.
Attendance: You will get two "free" misses. I you miss more than twice, you will get no points for attendance. I believe that everyone should be able to do well in this course with a modest amount of effort. Of course, some of might have to work harder than others. If you are having trouble reading the material, or writing the term paper, or understanding the material in the course, please contact me as soon as possible.