SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGANCOLLEGE
Dowagiac, Michigan 49047
DIVISION OF Academic Studies
Course Syllabus
WinterWinter 2004
December 19, 2001December 28, 2003
Course Title: American Government Course No.: POSC 201
Section No.: 4801 and 4802
Credits/Contacts: 3 Credit Hours
3 Lecture Hours/Weekly
0 Laboratory hours/weekly
Course Title: American Government Course No.: POSC 201
Section No.: 4801 and 4802
Credits/Contacts: 3 Credit Hours
3 Lecture Hours/Weekly
0 Laboratory hours/weekly
Instructor: Mary D. Young, Ph.D.
Office and Office Hours :
NAC 8:00a-8:30a / 11:50a-12:20p-T/Th
DAC 10:10a - 11:10a MWF
or by appointment
NAC 269.687.4805 800.456.8675 ext 4805
DAC 269.782.1287
E-mail:
Class Hours and Location: 9:10a-10:10a, DAC Mathews Conference Center 2MWF
10:20a-11:50p NAC 158 T/Th
Please do note: This syllabus and most class handouts can be found at Blackboard.com or @SMC Wired
Prerequisite: Reading 100 or appropriate test score
Course Description:A study of how the American political system operates. Attention is focused upon governmental policy areas, the enacting of laws, citizens influence and related current events.
Core Curriculum:Not Applicable. The grade must be no less than "C" to earn credit for core competency requirements.
Distribution Requirements for All Degrees: Social Science for all degrees
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Course Objectives:
The student will be able to:
Evaluate Internet resources
Analyze the fundamental concepts of government
Compare the five perspectives of American ideology
Assess historical importance of the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution
Analyze the United States Constitution and Federalism
Analyze the United States Constitution and it relationship to Congress
Describe the federal bureaucracy
Explain the Electoral College
Analyze the United States Constitution and its relationship to the Presidency
Compare a foreign policy issue to the American Government issue
Analyze the influence of the US government in the world community
Analyze the United States Constitution and its relationship to the Judiciary
Discuss Civil Liberties
Analyze current news stories in relationship to US Government
Identify the Political Party structure
Identify the involvement of Interest Groups
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TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER MATERIALS:
America at Odds;, Sidlow and Henshen, Wadsworth Publishing Company, 4th Edition 2004
Blackboard.com SMC Wired
Videos as assigned Articles as assigned Handout materials as given
Method of Instruction
This course will use lecture as its primary method of instruction. Video will be used either current, "live events", pre-recorded current events or other programs. Group work and open discussion will be encouraged.
Evaluation:
"Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate achievement of the course objectives by obtaining a final minimum grade of 70%(C) as measured by quizzes, written assignments and the final.
EVALUATION METHOD:
Periodic Quizzes 5 (210) 36% GRADING SCALE
Themes 4 (200) 34% 100% -- 90% = A
Presentation 1 (15) 3% 89% -- 80% =B
Internet Assignment 1 (30) 5% 79% - 70% =C
Blackboard.com 1 (25) 4%
Final Exam 1 (100) 17% 69% -- 60%=D
Total 580 100% 59% -- 0%=F
*Subject to change based on
materials covered during semester
Grading Procedures:
Articles - 50 Points
15 Points - Summary of Articles
5 Points - documentation
20 Points - analysis
10 Points - form
-5 Points - late (additional points may be removed the later it is).
Attendance Policy:
ATTENDANCE IS NOT REQUIRED BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AND EXPECTED. IN CASE OF DOUBT RELATING TO GRADE, THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE ATTENDANCE AND ATTITUDE AS THE DECIDING FACTOR FOR THE FINAL GRADE. Except: in cases of extreme absences (over 50%- 4801- 15+ classes or 4802-20+) the instructor reserves the right to lower your grade by one full letter grade. Attendance will be taken; however, SMC has a policy that will require it. SMC's "early warning" policy is designed to help students by contacting them, if there is a potential for a problem. You will be contacted if, you are not attending regularly, if there is a grade problem or if you are in jeopardy of failing and need to consider the "withdraw" option. Student Service will notify you with instructions.
If, you are having problems, please consider discussing it with the instructor prior to just leaving the class, perhaps an arrangement can be made or other options.
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Testing Policy:
Students are required to take all quizzes as scheduled for their class period, quizzes may be administered in the TestingCenter, and then students will have one week to complete the quizzes before they are considered late. Missed quizzes must be made up prior to the next quiz. Only two quizzes may be missed, and then any other quizzes may not be made up. If quizzes are given in class then make up quizzes must be scheduled with instructor and cannot be taken during class time. Make up quizzes will be essay. Make up quizzes will be placed in the Testing Center (either campus) and should be taken during their regularly scheduled hours and cannot be taken during class time. Students will have the option of "redoing" quizzes for up to ten (10) points. This requires correcting all errors, even bonus questions, for the points. For example, if you receive a 19/40 on a quiz you would add 10 points for a 29, but you must correct all 21 points for full credit. If you received a 36/40 this would raise your score to 46...a cushion. More will be discussed on this later.
Other:
The Special Needs Program provides eligible students with academic and career advising, tutoring, support, tuition assistance and accommodations for students with disabilities as well as special workshops on a variety of topics. For further information, contact the Special Needs office at
269-782-1312 or 269-687-1600, extension 1312
* Tutoring is also available through the EXCEL Program.
Extra Credit is not Available except as listed.
Papers and quizzes will be returned within one week of turning them in, this does not include late work. If you are not in class when papers or quizzes are returned, they can be picked up at the office-NAC or the instructor’s office in Dowagiac.
Extra copies of the syllabus may be picked up at anytime at instructor's office (on door). If, you are not in class when handouts are given (review sheets etc.), they, also, may be picked up at the office.
You are welcome, if you feel it is necessary, to use a tape recorder in class. You may not use headphones during class time.
Students are responsible for all work not turned in directly to instructor. Please include section number on all work. It is to your advantage to have a copy of your work available.
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DEFINITIONS:
Late:An assignment or test is late if the instructor does not receive it by the end
of office hours on the assigned due date.
Cheating: is, but not limited to: using any additional written material other than what is provided by instructor for test, viewing other student's work, communication of any kind with another student during test time, using another person's work as own.
Typewritten: not hand written, not more than size 12 font-which is this size.
NOTICE: Information in this syllabus was to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. The instructor, however, reserved the right, acting within the policies and procedures of SouthwesternMichiganCollege, to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.
HONESTY POLICY: Cheating or plagiarizing will absolutely not be tolerated at SouthwesternMichiganCollege. Any student found cheating or plagiarizing materials in any manner may be assigned a failing semester/session grade in this course. A second such incident while at SMC could result in suspension or expulsion from the institution. A student found in violation of this section of the syllabus will not be allowed to drop this course.
Additional detail regarding cheating and /or plagiarism may be found elsewhere in this syllabus.
Notes:
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Course Outline:
Introduction:
Chapter 1: America Enters the Twenty-first Century
Chapter 8: Public Opinion and Voting pgs 190-197
Lecture: Five perspectives of American Political Thought
History and Federalism
Chapter 2: The Constitution
Appendix B: Declaration of Independence Page 427
Appendix A: The Constitution Page 419
"The Empire of Reason: - Video or other video
Chapter 3: Federalism
Chapter 5: Civil Rights pg 75
Chapter 17: State and Local Politics
Political Institutions
Chapter 11 The Congress
Chapter 13: The Bureaucracy
Chapter 9 (pgs 217-19 Electoral College & Blackboard.com resources
Appendix D
Chapter 12: The Presidency
Chapter 15: pages 381-386
Appendix E-
Chapter 16: Foreign and Defense Policy pgs 373-384
Chapter 14: The Judiciary
Chapter 17: State and Local Politics pgs 404-410
Chapter 4: Civil Liberties
Appendix C
Depending on time combined w/ final exam-and points adjusted
Note: This course will cover all of the material through political
Institutions. Materials beyond that will be based on the amount of time
available. Time allowed for "lecture" does vary based on current events and class discussion. Because of this, the number of tests does vary from semester to semester, in some cases even class to class. Last quiz may be combined with final.
Links Between People and Government
Chapter 8: Public Opinion
Chapter 6: Interest groups
Chapter 7: Political Parties
Chapter 9: Campaign and Elections
Chapter 10: Politics and the Media
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Course Assignments:
Assignments are due the last class period of each week.
Internet Assignment (1)
30 points
Due January 9/10, 2004
Choose a "Politics on the Web" section from your text. Go to at least 'links" and
list them, and then print out one of the pages- just simply print it! And then
give your opinion of that page(s)- good, bad, hard to navigate, whatever you think. The assignment is to be at least one-typed pages. The printed pages from
the Internet do not count as typed pages but they do need to be included with your paper- at least one of the pages you cited. Document as necessary. Handwritten work will not be accepted. Work is to be double spaced and no more
than size 12 font which is the size of this syllabus. No covers please, stapled only. Late papers will only be accepted until the class period before the next assignment. Points will be deducted for late work or work that does not meet requirements of lengths and documentation.
This is an outside class assignment
You need a computer w/ internet ability and printing
Assignment #1- Due no late than January 23,2004 for full credit.
Blackboard.com- 25 points
1.)Go to SMC Wired
2.) Go "My courses”
3.) Click on POSC 201
4.) Click on Blackboard.com log-in
5.)Create an account (Use- Your Name for example Mary D. Young NOT
mary d. young)
6.)Go to “Courses” section of your page
7.)Put in “POSC201-MDY”
8.)Click on the icon – “enroll”
9.)Enroll- you’ll need an access code- “smc”
10.)E-mail Instructor w/ the message from “course information”
Quizzes:
As scheduled. Quizzes may consist of true or false questions, fill-ins, multiple-choice, definitions, short answers and essay. Each quiz may have some or all of the previous.
See “Testing policy” segment for more information
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Written Assignments (Themes) (4) 50 points each
Each theme is to be at least three typed pages. Handwritten work will not be accepted. Work should be doubled spaced and no more than size 12 font. No covers please stapled only. For each theme state which chapter it is from and the name of the article that you are working with. Use appropriate references, at two beyond your text and document as necessary. Late papers will only be accepted until the class period before the next assignment. Points will be deducted for late work or work that does not meet requirements of length and documentation. Papers are due last class period of the week.
Note: due the last class period of the week!
Theme one is due week of January 19, 2004
Theme two is due week of February2, 2004
Theme three is due week of March 8, 2004 with your presentation
Theme four is due week of April 5, 2004(Tuesday or Wednesday)
(yes, I know it is short week but now you’re done w/ these)
Themes one
America at Odds- at the beginning of each Chapter
Review and explain the article. Address the "where do you stand"questions at the end of each article. Document your response with at least two sources beyond your text. You may use any chapter
Theme two- The American Political Spectrum
The American Political Spectrum
Choose a current issue from the media (newspaper, internet) explain the
issue and then address how each of the five perspectives would feel about
that topic, for example posting the "Ten Commandments"
Or
Theme two
Why does it Matter?
Discuss the issue being discussed using two sources and then discuss
the "Taking Action" section at the end of the article .Use two additional
resources to make your explanation. Or you may use that section from
the CD
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Themes continued
Theme three
Perception versus Reality
Explain the perception and why and how the public would think and feel
about that issue. then discuss the reality .Use two additional resources to make
your explanation.
Or
Using the CD- rom included with text book- Address one of the issues,
looking at both sides from the “where do you stand section” of each
Chapter. Use two additional resources to make your explanation.
Note: the CD and book count as one source.
Theme three can be done in small groups of two or three people; each
person needs to individually present their written work to the instructor.
This theme is the same for length, document as the others.
And Presentation (15 points)
The presentation may be done as a group. The presentation part needs to
include some visual or audio aids; handouts, video clips etc. An outline of
the presentation portion needs to be turned as well by all group members.
.
Theme four -Comparative Politics
Review and explain the article. Find the comparative American Government issue. Discuss the “Critical Analysis” using two additional sources to support your response.
Or
The Politics of Homeland Security
Review and explain the article. Address the "Are we safer?” issue at the end of each article. Document your response with at least two sources beyond your text.
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FINAL EXAM (1) 100 points April 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 2004 (to be arranged)
Questions will come from material on previously taken quizzes and it will be true or false. There is, also, a fifty-point essay take home question dealing with the concepts of how the "check and balance" system works within the framework of American government. The formal question is attached to the back of this document. The take home portion of the final is to be at least two typed pages, no more than size 12 font, with at least two references, properly cited. The take home section can be turn in anytime prior to final exam period, it must be turned in no later than the scheduled time for your final. The final exam MUST be taken at the scheduled time for your section. Last quiz may be included with final. Extra copies may be picked up at the office at any time.
The final exam MUST be taken at the scheduled time for your section. Please keep that in mind when scheduling work, etc. The take home portion may be turned in any time after April 6th , 2004 and NO LATER THAN THE SCHEDULED TIME FOR YOUR EXAM!! Last quiz may be included with the final.
Dates to remember
Winter Semester 2004 January 8, 2004-April 28, 2004
January 8, 2004 Classes Begin
January 14, 2004 Last Day for Late Add Registration
January 19, 2004 Last Day for Late Drop Registration
February 6 , 2004 Last Day to Audit Regular Classes-
February 16, 2004 Graduation Applications due
March 1- 7, 2004 Spring Break
March 8, 2004 Classes Resume 7:30a
March 8, 2004 Mid-Semester Classes start
March 26, 2004 Last Day to withdraw from class with a "W"
April 4, 2004 Daylight Saving Time begins
April 9, 10, 11, 2004 Easter Break
April 12, 2004 Classes resume 7:30a
April 22, 2004 Classes End 10:00p
April 23, 2004 Prep Day for Final Examinations
April 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 2004 Final Exam Week
April 28,2004 Winter Semester Ends 9:00p
May 1, 2004 Pinning 9:00a
May 1, 2004 Commencement 11:00a
Book Buy Back-
Dowagiac April 26, 27, 28, 2004 9a-5p
NAC April 27, 2004 2-7p
Welcome to American Government. Here is a little "quiz" to test your Government I.Q. (Remember it won't be collected)
Happy Guessing!
1.There are about _____ units of government in the U.S. today.
A. 1500 B. 32,000 C. 87,000 D. 51 E. 12
2.Federal governmental employees number about ______.
A. 16 mil B. 2.7 mil C. 800,000 D. 51 E. 535
3.The biggest expense of local government traditionally has been _____
A. Schools B. Welfare C. Streets D. Defense
4.How many federal officials have been impeached?
A. 9 B. None C. 16 D. 34 E. 4
5.How many have been removed?
A. 0 B. 17 C. 7 D. 10 E. 3
6.What is the retirement age for federal judges?
A. 65 B. 70 C. None D. 68 E. 62
7.A cloture vote by the Senate ______.
A. adjourns the sessions B. overrides a veto
C. agrees with an amendment D. limits debate
8.A PAC is
A. Professor's Actual Cash
B. Personal Aide to Congress
C. Political Action Committee
D. Population Area Control
9.House of Representatives districts are drawn based on
A. Votes cast for President B. State Lotteries
C. Action by the Senate D. Federal census of states
10.The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
A. Ended prohibition B. Gave women the vote
C. Established the income tax D. Limits the President to two terms.
11.On an average how much does Washington spend per minute?