Political Science (POS) 2041 Syllabus U.S. Government Dr. Jared Graber VALENCIA COLLEGE Winter Park Campus Faculty Email: [email protected] Faculty Front Door Site: http://frontdoor.valenciacollege.edu/?jgraber Course Time and Additional Student Engagement This course is scheduled for the Spring Term 2015, full term. Class sessions will run from 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. on Tuesdays for CRN 20516 in Room 237. A comprehensive Calendar with precise dates for class weeks, topics, assignments and Unit Exams is attached. I will try and provide time before and after class for additional discussion and/or questions. Feel free to schedule appointments as well. Catalog Course Description POS 2041 U. S. GOVERNMENT 3 credit hours Analysis of the organization, structure and operational dynamics of the U.S. national government, both past and present, and an examination of the U.S. Constitution, including principles and theories supporting it. This course includes learning activity designed to ensure competence in the basic use of computers. Major Learning Outcomes for this Course 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Demonstrate an understanding of the different types and methods of organizing government Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical theories that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution Demonstrate an understanding of the core values supporting the democratic tradition of the United States Demonstrate an understanding of the checks and balances system created by the U.S. Constitution, including an understanding of the major powers and responsibilities given to each branch Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of government at all levels in the United States on citizens’ lives and the effects of citizens on government in pursuit of social, political and economic goals Demonstrate an understanding of non-governmental actors in the United States and how these effect citizens’ lives in pursuit of social, political and economic goals Demonstrate an understanding of the application of the scientific method within the study of U.S. Government Utilize critical thinking in analyzing political, social and economic issues Required Text We the People, An Introduction to American Politics, Ninth Essentials Edition, Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, Tolbert and Spitzer, W.W. Norton and Company, 2013 1 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus Teaching and Learning The class environment will be characterized by presentation of conceptual and factual information, questioning, discussion, integrated media and web-based resources, debate, simulations, modeling, consideration of developing political issues and additional contributions which might occur. Student learning is the key objective of Valencia’s educational program, thus you are encouraged to ask questions, express viewpoints and listen actively. Perspectives on Selected Valencia College Policies and Procedures The College’s educational program is linked to many policies and procedures. It is suggested that you review those listed below by referencing the Valencia Catalog, Student Handbook, online Policies and Procedures (http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/) and other appropriate publications. Special notations for policy and procedure as related to this course are included in italics. I. Attendance (Valencia Policy 4-07) Professors must include their specific attendance policy and procedures in the syllabus they provide to their students. Course Policy and Procedure: Attendance will be monitored per college policy, is certainly encouraged and probably essential for effective student performance. Generally, class attendance will have no impact on the final course grade, positive or negative. However, absence resulting in failure to take scheduled Unit Exams will result in a penalty grade of 0 and have an impact on final course grades. In addition, at the discretion of the professor, a pattern of absence and disengagement with course activities and/or assignments can result in assignment of “W” grade and posting of a last date of attendance on the student’s Final Grades record. II. Final Course Grades (Valencia Policy 4-07) Final course grades of "A," "B," "C," "D," or "F" shall be assigned based upon the student's academic achievement upon the completion of all course work, including the required final examination. A student who fails to take the required final examination may receive a final course grade based on the evaluation procedures in the course syllabus, unless the professor elects to assign the student a grade of "I" or as otherwise addressed in the course syllabus. By assigning an "I," the professor indicates that the student can receive a passing grade by completing satisfactorily the unfinished course work before the conclusion of the subsequent term. Further, the professor assumes the responsibility for grading the additional work and reporting the changed grade to the Office for Student Records. Incomplete work must be made up during the ensuing term in such a manner that permits the "I" grade to be converted to a letter grade ("A-F"). A student who receives an "I" and does not complete the required course work before the conclusion of the ensuing term shall either receive a grade of "F," or as otherwise addressed in the course syllabus. Course Policy and Procedure: See Evaluation and Student Performance section of this syllabus. An “I” grade will only be assigned based on emergency circumstances and only with advanced approval from the professor. 2 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus III. Withdrawal from a Course (Valencia Policy 4-07) A student is permitted to withdraw from a class on or before the withdrawal deadline of approximately mid-term, as published in the College calendar (See current Valencia Catalog for operative date). A student is not permitted to withdraw from a class after the withdrawal deadline. A faculty member is permitted to withdraw a student from the faculty member's class up to the beginning of the final exam period, for violation of the faculty member's attendance policy, as published in the faculty member's syllabus. A student who withdraws from a class before the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of "W." A student who is withdrawn by a professor at any time before the start of the final examination period will receive a grade of "W." A student who is withdrawn for administrative reasons at any time will receive a grade of "W" or other grade as determined in consultation with the professor. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of "F." The grades of "WP" and "WF" are eliminated. If a student withdraws from a class, the student may, upon request and only with the faculty member's permission (which may be withheld at any time in the sole discretion of the faculty member), continue to attend the course. If a student is withdrawn by a faculty member or is administratively withdrawn, the student is not permitted to continue to attend the class. Course Policy and Procedure: As published in the Valencia Catalog and described above IV. Final Examinations (Valencia Policy 4-07) Professors are required to offer final examinations to all credit students (except those taking course work for audit) during the scheduled final examination period. Professors are required to keep the final examination papers on file for one term. The type and nature of the final examination rests with the supervising administrator and the individual professor. Course Policy and Procedure: For this course a Unit Exam IV will be given during the time scheduled for the final exam in lieu of a comprehensive final exam. V. Student Code of Conduct (Valencia Policy 8-03, Section III) Valencia College is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning and also to the development of responsible personal and social conducts. The primary purpose for the maintenance of discipline in the College setting is to support a civil environment conducive to learning and inquiry. By enrolling at Valencia College, a student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct established in policy. Violation of any of these may lead to disciplinary sanctions. Course Policy and Procedure: There are several college policies related to expected student conduct. Reference Valencia Policy 8-03, Section 3, Subsection A (Grounds for Discipline) for a lengthy list of misconduct descriptions. 3 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus VI. Standards of Classroom Behavior (Valencia Policy 8-03, Section IV) Primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rest with the faculty. Faculty members are authorized to define, communicate, and enforce appropriate standards of decorum in classrooms, offices, and other instructional areas under their supervision. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to, excessive tardiness, leaving and returning during class, early departure when not previously authorized, activities that constitute an unreasonable interruption of the learning process, side discussions which are irrelevant to the subject matter of the class, t hat distract from the learning process, or impede, hinder, or inhibit the ability of the students to obtain the full benefit of the educational presentation. Course Policy and Procedure: Students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that are conducive to learning, integrity and mutual respect. Please restrict your use of cell phones or other electronic devices to eliminate any effects that are disruptive to the professor and/or the learning environment. VII. Academic Dishonesty (Valencia Policy 8-11) All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with the intent to defraud or deceive. Students shall take special notice that the assignment of course grades is the responsibility of the students’ individual professor. Academic dishonesty allegations may be processed by the professor as academic violations, and/or may be processed in accordance with student conduct procedures. Course Policy and Procedure: Per college policy and procedure, any dishonest or unethical behavior cited by the professor may be subject to loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project; a reduction in the course grade; or a grade of "F" in the course. VIII. Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) In order for the OSD to accommodate students at Valencia College, students MUST register with the OSD. The student must complete the appropriate Intake Form, AND a doctor and/or a licensed professional to verify the presence and impact of their disability must submit appropriate documentation. Appropriate clinical documentation should substantiate the disability and present evidence to establish a rationale supporting the need for accommodations. A school plan such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan is insufficient documentation in and of itself but can be included as part of a more comprehensive evaluative report. If the requested accommodations are not clearly identified in the diagnostic report, the OSD will seek clarification and, if necessary, more information. The OSD will make final determination of whether appropriate and reasonable accommodations are warranted and can be provided to the individual. For conditions that are subject to change over time 4 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus (including health related disorders or psychological disabilities) the student may be asked to provide updated documentation for his/her file on an on-going basis in order for accommodations to be continued. OSD forms are available on all four campuses in the OSD office or you may access forms via the college’s website at http://valenciacollege.edu/osd/forms_west.cfm. 5 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus Evaluation of Student Performance Ø The final course grade will be based upon the scores attained on four (4) Unit Exams + an assigned Computer-Based Learning Activity. Each exam will relate to a major segment of the course (see attached Course Calendar). Ø Students are expected to take exams at the time scheduled. There will be no make-up opportunities. Ø Should a student have an emergency situation and receive “prior approval from the professor” (approval before the time and date of the scheduled exam) to miss an exam, the score attained on the Unit IV Exam (last scheduled exam) will be doubled in order to determine a final course grade. Ø Missing a Unit Exam without “prior approval from the professor” (approval before the time and date of the scheduled exam) will result in a grade of “0” (no points applied toward final course grade). Ø Missing more than one Unit Exam, based on any circumstances, is not acceptable and withdrawal from the course, per timing and policy, is advised (see Perspectives on Selected Valencia College Policies and Procedures, Section III above). Ø The Computer-Based Learning Activity must be submitted as directed by established deadline. No late submissions will be accepted. The following system will be used to determine the final course grade: Assessments Unit I Exam Unit II Exam Unit III Exam Unit IV Exam Computer-Based Learning Activity TOTAL POINTS Maximum Point Values 100 100 100 100 20 420 Point Totals for Final Grade 378 – 420 336 - 377 294 – 335 252 – 293 Below 252 A (Excellent) B (Good) C (Average) D (Passing Below Average) F (Failure) Disclaimer The professor reserves the right to change, add to or modify any part of the syllabus and course requirements. Advanced notice will be given of any such changes, additions or modifications. 6 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus POS 2041 – US Government Course Calendar Spring Term 2015 Week 1 Date 1/13/15 2 3 1/20/15 1/27/15 4 2/3/15 5 2/10/15 6 2/17/15 7 2/24/15 8 3/3/15 3/10/15 Unit and Topics I. POLITICAL THEORY & PERFORMANCE Social Institutions The Social Sciences The Concept of Power The U.S. Constitution: Theory and Content Democratic Systems Federalism Political Performance A Model Political System UNIT EXAM I (second half of class) II. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Political Parties and Political Campaigns Voting Behavior The American Political Spectrum Public Opinion Complete and submit Computer-Based Learning Activity* by 2/17/15. The Electoral Process and Electoral College Interest Groups 1 Interest Groups 2 UNIT EXAM II (second half of class) Readings Chapter 1 Power Analysis Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 7 Chapter 5 Handout Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 8 SPRING BREAK 9 3/17/15 10 11 3/24/15 3/31/15 12 4/7/15 13 4/14/15 14 4/21/15 15 4/28/15 III. THE LEGISLATIVE & EXECUTIVE BRANCHES Legislative Pressures, Terminology and Process Legislative Leadership and the Committee System Presidential History and Power Presidential Decision Making Foreign Policy 1 Foreign Policy 2 UNIT EXAM III (second half of class) IV. THE JUDICIARY Legal Concepts The Federal Court System Judicial Power and Judicial Philosophy Approaches to Court Decisions Landmark Decisions of the US Supreme Court UNIT EXAM IV – Final Exam Week 7 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Chapter 14 Chapter 14 Chapter 12 Chapter 4 Cases Handout POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus * Computer-Based Learning Activity Instructions 1. I will assign each student “the office title” of an appointed or elected government official. 2. Research to determine the name of the person who currently holds the position. 3. Briefly describe the major functions of the position. 4. Briefly describe the background and experience of the person. 5. Suggest where this person fits on the American Political Spectrum and explain why. 6. Send the information requested for 2 through 5 in an e-mail or e-mail with attached file to [email protected] by assigned due date of 2/17/15. 8 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus Unit Exam Profile As indicated there will be four (4) equally weighted Unit Exams, each of which will be linked to a major segment of the course including: I. II. III. IV. Political Theory and Performance Political Participation The Legislative and Executive Branches The Judiciary Each exam will represent a value of 100 points applied to the final course grade. Exam scope and format are provided below. Section I (70 points) – Best Choice Questions Thirty-five (35) “best choice” questions will require the student to apply factual and conceptual knowledge or critically evaluate a process, procedure or issue. Questions will be derived from class presentations and assigned readings. EXAMPLE: During the 2012 presidential election the State of Florida might have been last in validating election results because: a. b. c. d. voting precincts had to close earlier in the day due to limited staff. the state legislature decreased the period of time set aside for early voting. tabulation of voting results was impacted by weather conditions. the Florida Gators’ football season upset voting officials so much that they needed time off. Section II (15 points) - Identifications Identifications will require the student to describe or define (2 points) and explain one significance (3 points) of key terminology associated with course content. Six (6) options will be provided from which the student must respond to three (3). Identifications will be derived from class presentations and assigned readings. EXAMPLES: Article V of the US Constitution Council of Economic Advisors majority rule Henry Kissinger Roe v. Wade House Appropriations Committee Section III (15 points) – Focused Essay Response to the question or situation posed should be (1) logical in terms of structure and presentation, (2) coherent in terms of language, (3) competent in terms of content and definition and (4) effectively illustrated with appropriate ideas and/or facts. All of these dimensions will impact evaluation of your work. Two (2) options will be provided from which the student must respond to one (1). Questions will be based on major themes considered during the appropriate unit of the course. EXAMPLE: 1. Describe the concept of a political campaign and discuss at least four (4) ways in which technology has impacted campaigning in the current era. 2. Describe and illustrate any five (5) individuals, groups or agencies that provide advice and counsel to the President of the United States. 9 POS 2041 – Tuesday Syllabus
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