P0S 110 – AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
FALL 2008
Instructor: Pam Rodriguez
Day/Time: Mondays, Wednesdays – 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.
Place: EagleNet Audio
Text: American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials 2008 ed.
by Schimdt, Shelly and Bardes
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.
Course Format
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 twice a week and the schedule is attached. Try to attend each class meeting. Those who attend class regularly are those that tend to get better grades. Those who attend class regularly, have read the assignments, and participate in class, are those that get the best grades and learn the most.
Grading
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100-90% = A
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Tests (4) -50% of grade
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89-80% = B
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Term Paper - 40% of grade
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79-70% = C
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In-class discussions - 5% of grade
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69-60% = D
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Attendance - 5% of grade
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59% - 0 = F
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Tests
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 before the test.
Term Paper
You are required to write an 8-10 page typed double-spaced paper on a topic of your choice; however, I must approve your topic. 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.
Attendance: You will get three "free" misses. If you miss more than three times, 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.
This class is not "rocket science", everyone should be able to understand the ideas and concepts of the course. This does mean, however, some effort on your part is required. Again, if you have questions or problems please contact me.
If you are a student with a disability and need accommodations for this class, please contact the Disability Resource and Access office located at the White Mountain Campus. The coordinator, Sandy Manor, travels to all campuses and centers and an appointment can be scheduled to meet with her by calling 532-6178 (Local in Show Low) or 1-800-266-7845, etc. 6178.
POS 110 – American Government
Class Schedule – Fall 2008
Monday, August 25 – Introduction/Overview
Wednesday, August 27 – Chapter 1 – The Democratic Republic
Monday, September 1 – Labor Day, No Classes
Wednesday, September 3 – Chapter 2 – The Constitution
Monday, September 8 – Chapter 3 – Federalism
Wednesday, September 10 – Chapter 4 – Civil Liberties
Monday, September 15 – Test Review
Wednesday, September 17 – Test, Ch. 1-4
Monday, September 22 – Chapter 5 – Civil Rights
Wednesday, September 24 – Chapter 6, Public Opinion and Political Socialization
Monday, September 29 – Chapter 6 (con’t)
Wednesday, October 1 – Chapter 7, Interest Groups
Monday, October 6 – Chapter 7 (con’t)
Wednesday, October 8 – Chapter 8, Political Parties
Monday, October 13 – Test Review
Wednesday, October 15 – Test, Ch. 5-8
Monday, October 20 – Chapter 9, Campaigns, Elections and the Media
Wednesday, October 22 – Chapter 9 (con’t)
Monday, October 27 – Chapter 10, The Congress
Wednesday, October 29 – Chapter 10 (con’t)
Monday, November 3 – Chapter 11, The President
Wednesday, November 5 – Chapter 11 (con’t)
Monday, November 10 – Chapter 12, The Bureaucracy
Wednesday, November 12 – Chapter 12 (con’t), TERM PAPERS DUE!
Monday, November 17 – Test Review
Wednesday, November 19 – Test, Ch. 9-12
Monday, November 24 – Chapter 13, The Courts
Wednesday, November 26 – Chapter 14, Domestic and Economic Policy
Monday, December 1 – Chapter 14, Domestic and Economic Policy (con’t)
Wednesday, December 3 – Chapter 15, Foreign and Defense Policy
Monday, December 8 – Chapter 15, Foreign and Defense Policy (con’t)
Wednesday, December 10 – Test, Ch. 13-15; Last Day of Classes