Department of History & Political Science
SPRING SEMESTER -- 2011
Syllabus for Political Science 1101
Dr. Joseph G. Njoroge, Professor of Political Science and Interim Head, Department of History & Political Science
Tel: 229-391-5087. Bowen Hall, Room # 211.
Dr. J.
Office Hours: 12:00 – 3:00 P.M. MW
11:30 – 12:30 P.M., &1:50 – 4:10 P.M. TUE/THUR or by an appointment.
Email: jnjoroge@abac.edu
Course Website: http://www.abac.edu/jnjoroge/
Additional lecture outlines, notes, and chapter review materials are available on my website & on webct. Please download and print these notes.
Required Text:
Steffen W. Schmidt, Mack C. Shelley, and Barbra A. Bardes. American Government and Politics Today. 2011-2012 Edition. (Wordsworth/Thomson Learning, Inc, 2009).
Joseph G. Njoroge, and Hans Schmeisser. The Dynamics of Georgia Politics. (Wordsworth/Thomson Learning, Inc, 2010)
Course Description & Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the structure, processes, and institutions of the US government. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the fundamental institutions and processes that constitute the American national politics. Topics to be examined include: Democracy, the Constitution, Federalism, Civil Liberties and Rights, Political Parties, Interest Groups, Voting and Elections, Public Opinion, Congress, the Presidency, the Judiciary, and the Bureaucracy.
This course will help you develop an awareness of how the government impacts you, and how you impact the government as a citizen. By the end of the semester, you are expected to be able to understand the functioning of governmental institutions, and the processes that underlie democratic public policy making.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of POLS 1101, student will be able to:
1. Define the beliefs, values, and goals of the conservative ideological perspective.
2. Define the beliefs, values, and goals of the liberal ideological perspective.
3. Identify the processes by which participants in the political arena put political ideals into action.
4. Identify how the mass media influences political behavior in U.S. politics.
5. Recognize the primary functions of the mass media in terms of agenda setting, political socialization, and political education.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government’s Legislative Branch by citing its specific constitutional powers and limitations.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government’s Executive Branch by citing its specific constitutional powers and limitations.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government’s Judicial Branch by citing its specific constitutional powers and limitations.
9. Identify the primary arguments proposed in Federalist 51 & 10, and how these arguments shaped the construction of the Constitution.
10. Identify the role of the Georgia Constitution as it stands in our federal system of government.
11. Recognize America’s role in the international political arena.
12. Identify the institutional mechanisms by which the U.S. government pursues its global agenda in the international community.
Course evaluation: Students will be evaluated on the following basis:
Exam I – 20% (100 X .20)
Exam II - 20% (100 X .20)
Exam III – 20% (100 X .20)
Final - 25% (100 X .25)
Quizzes & Assignments – 5% (100 X .05)
Attendance & Participation – 10% (100 X .10)
There will be in-Class and take home quizzes.
Grading Scale: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C =70-79, D =60-69, F =0-59
*Student Responsibility and Attendance Policy: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College expects students to attend all scheduled classes. Therefore, class attendance is required, and it is the responsibility of each student to attend all class meetings on time and stay for the duration. If you come to class after the roll is taken, it is your responsibility to let the instructor know at the end of the class period so that you can be marked present. Professor will not entertain arguments as to whether you were in class or not at later times.
*I expect all students to complete the assigned readings on time, participate in class discussions, and take the examinations as scheduled. After THREE unexcused absences (for MW, & Tue/Thur class), and FOUR unexcused absences (for MWF class), you lose class attendance grade. Seven or more unexcused absences of scheduled classes will result in a grade of F for the course.
COLLEGE POLICY ON CLASS ATTENDANCE
Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College are provided for the intellectual
growth and development of students. The interaction with instructors and other
Students is an important element of the learning process, and a high correlation
Academic Policies and Procedures exist between class attendance and course grades. Therefore to attain maximum success, students should attend all their classes, be on time, and attend all scheduled course activities. Absence from class, for whatever reason, does not
excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed.
Students must accept this responsibility.
Individual instructors will establish attendance policies for each class, will publish
the policy in the course syllabus, and keep attendance records. The penalty for
absences is at the discretion of the instructor and may include failure of the course.
Whenever a student is absent, the student must assume responsibility for making
arrangements for any assignments missed due to the absence. A student who stops attending class without officially withdrawing will still receive a grade for the course. Student penalized for excessive absences may appeal through the grade appeal process, as stated in ABAC’s college catalog and student handbook.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS will be given unless the student informs the professor sufficiently ahead of time, and offers supporting evidence showing why it would not be possible to take the exam as scheduled. There will be no make up for missed quizzes. Absence from class for whatever reason does not excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed.
*Cell Phones: Please ensure that you turn off all cell phones during class. Personal communication is aided by technology, but it has led to a constant need to be “in touch” with each other regardless of the setting, and the erosion of social courtesy by people texting or talking on their cell phones while others are trying to conduct business. It is very distracting to be lecturing to a class while half the class have their heads down texting furiously away about how boring things are in class – how would you know if you’re not paying attention anyway? It is therefore my policy that cell phones will be turned off or not brought to class. Students will not be excused from class to use a phone or answer a page or text message unless they are sworn police officers or emergency personnel on duty. If you ignore this policy and use your phone in class I will come up to you and personally request that you stop using your electronic device.
*Class Behavior: No talking during class session unless it is to contribute to class specific discussion. Show respect to the professor and to your fellow students. No use of tobacco products allowed in class, including sniffing, chewing, & smoking.
*If you should withdraw from the course before the drop deadline, or during the semester, please ensure that you drop the class officially. Failure to withdraw yourself from the course officially after you have quit attending will lead to an assignment of an “F” grade at the end of the semester. Remember, if you drop a class after the drop deadline, you will have a “W” placed on your college permanent records. Students must see their instructor to gain permission to withdraw from a course. My teaching philosophy has always been that as long as the student is prepared to learn, I will do everything possible to ensure that each student succeeds. If, by the mid-term withdrawal deadline any student feels they cannot proceed in the course for whatever reason, and have consulted with me about their ability to succeed in the course, they may withdraw without penalty. Those students who “abandon” a class after the mid-term withdrawal deadline will receive an “F” grade once they exceed the number of unexcused absences (see policy below).
*Students with disability who require individualized testing or other accommodations should identify themselves to the instructor and express their needs.
*College Policy on Academic Dishonesty: Any student found cheating, plagiarizing, or engaging in any other form of academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate department for disciplinary action which might result to receiving a grade of “WF” for the course. (Follow the link below for official policy in ABAC Catalog and Handbook)
http://www.abac.edu/catalog/2007_2008/AcademicPolicy.pdf
Entry Level Standards: Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: Exemption from or successful completion of READ 0099 and ENGL 0099. Reading and writing proficiency at the college level is required.
Tentative Course Schedule
Topic Area: Introduction and foundations of US Government (January 10 –February 7)
Chapter 1, Introduction and basic concepts.
- Course Overview, Social Contract, John Locke, & Thomas Hobbes.
Chapter 2, The constitutional framework
Georgia Constitution Overview
January 17, 2011—NO CLASSES—Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday!!
Chapter 3, The Federal System
Chapter 19, State and Local Government
FEBRUARY 7, 2011 – EXAM I
Topic Area: Struggle for equal rights (February 7 – March 11)
Chapter 4, Civil Liberties and Citizenship
Chapter 5, The Struggle For Equal Rights & Equal Protection
Chapter 13, The Presidency
MARCH 11, 2011--EXAM II!!
MID-TERM: Please note that March 1, 2011 is the deadline for dropping a class w/o academic penalty.
Topic Area: The Institutions (March 11- April 11)
Chapter 6, Public opinion & Ideology
Chapter 12, The Congress
Chapter 15, The Judiciary
March 14 - 18, 2011—NO CLASSES—Spring Break!!!
Chapter 14, The Bureaucracy
APRIL 11, 2011--EXAM III!!
Topic Area: Diversity of Links to the US Government (April 11 - April 29)
Chapter 16, Foreign Policy and National Security
Chapter 9, Political Parties
Chapter 8, The Media and Politics
Chapter 11, Voting Behavior and Elections
Topic Area: General Welfare and Public Policy (If time permits)
Chapter 7, Interest Groups
Chapter 17, Government and The Economy
LAST DAY OF CLASSES – FRIDAY, APRIL29, 2011
Hurrah!!!!!!
FINAL EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:
POLS 1101H: 11:00 – 11:50 MWF Class: FINAL EXAM ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011 AT 10:15 – 12:15 P.M.
POLS 1101: ON-LINE CLASS – FINAL EXAM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011 at 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Professor’s Note: * *Please note that I am available during my office hours to answer any questions you may have about any aspects of the course, or about assignments. You can also send me an email or call me on telephone. If you cannot reach me, please leave a message in my answering machine (229-391-5087) or at the Department of History & Political Science office (229-391-4950) and I will call you back. You may also feel free to talk to me shortly following the class, or you can make an appointment. Please take advantage of these opportunities---------------.
ADDITIONAL - ACADEMIC and CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR POLICIES:
COLLEGE POLICY ON CLASS ATTENDANCE
Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College are provided for the intellectual
growth and development of students. The interaction with instructors and other
students is an important element of the learning process, and a high correlation
exists between class attendance and course grades. Therefore to attain maximum
success, students should attend all their classes, be on time, and attend all
scheduled course activities. Absence from class, for whatever reason, does not
excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed.
Students must accept this responsibility. Individual instructors will establish attendance policies for each class, will publish the policy in the course syllabus, and keep attendance records. The penalty for absences is at the discretion of the instructor and may include failure of the course. Whenever a student is absent, the student must assume responsibility for making arrangements for any assignments missed due to the absence. A student who stops attending class without officially withdrawing will still receive a grade for the course. A student penalized for excessive absences may appeal through the grade appeal process, as stated in ABAC’s college catalog and student handbook.
Midterm Advisory Grades
Midterm Advisory Grades will be reported on Banner Web to any student who has a “C,” “D,” or “F” in any class. The number of class absences will be posted for all students. Advisory grades are not entered on the student’s permanent record. Students should note that these grades are advisory and will not necessarily reflect the final grade earned in a course. These grades are intended to provide students with information in order to improve their performance in the second half of the semester. Students are responsible for checking Banner Web when grades and absences have been reported. Students who receive grades should meet with their instructors to develop plans for success in the second half of the semester. Students should also take advantage of study groups and plan for ongoing conferences with instructors in order to monitor their progress. ABAC provides free tutorial assistance for most courses through the Academic Assistance Center (AAC); in addition to other academic support activities, students should work with their instructors to establish tutoring in the AAC.
INSTITUTIONAL ABSENCE
A student who serves as an official representative of the college is defined as one who:
1. is authorized to use the college name in public relationships outside the institution;
2. regularly interacts with non-college individuals and groups over an extended period of time (at least one semester);
3. represents the college as a part of a group and not as an individual;
4. represents the college under the direct supervision of a college faculty or staff member; and
5. is authorized in writing, in advance, by the President of the college.
Such a student is in no way released from the obligations and responsibilities of all students, but will not be penalized with unexcused absences when absences result from regularly scheduled activities in which he/she represents the college.
Further, it is the responsibility of each student to contact instructors prior to the absence and to make arrangements to make up any work that will be missed, in a manner acceptable to the instructor. Advisors of activities will schedule off-campus activities in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the learning process for a student.
Class Behavior
· It is my philosophy that college is a voluntary program of study by adult learners. Therefore it should be the responsibility of each student to come prepared to learn and discuss the assigned material if called upon, or join in open discussion of the topic being covered. Since all college students are here on their own time in order to learn – it should not be too much to expect that they suspend all other activities for the duration of the class. Please do not come to class and disrupt the learning environment. If you are in class, then you are expected to pay attention to what is being taught. Classroom sessions are not for studying for other classes, socializing, doing homework, or conducting other personal business.
· Pagers and cell phones will be turned off or not brought to class. All students will be required to put away their headphones and “ear bug” remote devices while in class. Students will not be excused from class to use a phone or answer a page, unless they are sworn police officers or emergency personnel on duty. Text messaging while someone is teaching a lesson is very distracting and, frankly, rude and disrespectful. It is not enough that you put your phones on “private” or “silent” during class – you will be required to put them away, leave them alone, and devote your attention to learning, which is essentially why you are in the class to begin with.
· Accurate and detailed notes are an essential element in all areas of political science; it is recommended that each student be prepared to take them. Examinations will include all the material covered in class and from assigned areas of the text.
· Students are expected to be in class on time, and tardiness (beyond 15 minutes late) will not be tolerated. If you arrive beyond that time, do not interrupt the class – go to the Baldwin Library and spend the rest of the scheduled class time reading over the assigned course material. You can get with me after the class has ended to see what outside materials you might have missed. Students will not get up and leave after the class begins, unless it is a personal hygiene emergency. Sleeping should be done before, or after, but never during the classroom session. (Especially if you snore!)
· Any student with a question related to any area of the political science field should feel comfortable in asking it in class, without fear of ridicule. Any student who feels they cannot ask a question (of any topic) openly in class, or simply feels they are “not getting” the material covered in class, is encouraged to take advantage of my posted office hours or stop by before or after any classes for a private consultation.
· All students are expected to treat each other with respect, and to maintain a professional demeanor and attitude which is open to learning and open to opinions they might not share. Profane language is offensive to most people, and is both unprofessional and unacceptable. Common courtesy is expected – like waiting for another person to finish (don’t interrupt), raising your hand if you have a comment, and refraining from chatting with others while someone else is speaking, or asking inappropriate or involved questions which have nothing to do with the topic under discussion.
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STUDENT CONTRACT:
I have read and understand the terms of the course syllabus for Dr. Joseph G. Njoroge’s POLS 1101 class. I agree to adhere to and abide by the requirements of this class as stated therein.
NAME (print) ________________________________________
STUDENT ID NUMBER _______________________________
SIGNATURE ________________________________________
DATE _______________________________
Please print this page, complete it, sign and date it. Then bring it to class and turn it in.