Course Syllabus - Spring 2012

ROOM U267

Monday & Wednesday

Dr. Chiazam Okoye

Office Phone: (678) 466-4712

Email: ChiazamOkoye@mail.clayton.edu

Office: Arts & Sciences Bldg., 116

Office hours: Monday & Wednesday: Immediately after class and by appointment only.

I prefer receiving my messages via email. 
I will respond to your CSU email message within 24 hours.

Disability Services: Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255 – ADA/504, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

POLS: 1101 - American Government (3-0-3) an introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing across cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing knowledge of the global configuration of nation states. This course satisfies the Georgia legislative requirement for the study of United States and Georgia Constitutions

 REQUIRED TEXTS & MATERIALS:

1.  Kenneth Dautrich & David Yalof, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CSU CUSTOM ELECTION EDITION. New York: Cengage, 2011

2. Rand McNally Quick Reference World Atlas (most recent edition);

3. Scantron examination answer sheets: (Available in the CSU University Bookstore.)
Purchase six (6) 100 question (1-50 on front side and 51-100 on reverse side), product #882-E; You will use two (2) 100 question Scantron answer sheets per examination. 

4.  "Georgia's Constitution and Government Sixth Edition," a monograph by A. Fleischmann and C. Pierannunzi, University of Georgia Press; 

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CHAPTER OUTLINE:

I.         Chapter 1  - Perspective on American Government

II.        Chapter 2 - The Founding and the Constitution

III.       Chapter 3 - Federalism

IV.       Chapter 10 - Public Opinion 

V.        Chapter 12- The Media and Politics

VI.        Chapter 14 - Voting and Participation     

We will assess all chapters listed above  in examination #1 - 100 questions/200 possible points;

VII.      Chapter 15 - Campaigns and Elections

VIII.     Chapter 6 - Congress

VIII.     Chapter 7 - The Presidency

IX.       Chapter 16 - Economic Policy  

 X.       Chapter 13 - Political Parties

Xl.       Chapter 11 - Interest Groups

We will assess all chapters since examination #1 in examination #2 - 100 questions/200 possible points;

XlI.      Chapter 9 – The Judiciary 

XlII.     Chapter 8 – The Federal Bureaucracy

XIV.     Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties

XV.       Chapter 5 - Civil Rights, Equality, and Social Movements

XVl.  Georgia Constitution & Government: this reading material is included in the required course textbook; sample examination study questions and an answer key are provided at the end of this syllabus.

We will assess all chapters since examination #2 in final Examination - 100 questions/300 possible points;

 LINK TO SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTBOOK MATERIALS

LINK TO TEXTBOOK CHAPTER POWER POINT LECTURES

Major Student Activities:

Reading and studying from the course text book
Working assigned homework problems
Taking notes during class
Answering and asking questions during class
Taking quizzes and examinations
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COURSE REQUIREMENT:

Operation Study:

At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items.

Current Affairs:

Current events will often be discussed at the beginning of class. Read a major daily newspaper, or NEWSWEEK, TIME or U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. Watch a daily national network news program on a network such as ABC, BBC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, CNN or MSNBC, and/or listen to NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (6:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.) on WABE FM 90.1. These news sources and more are also accessible on the Internet.

Course Expectations:

1. Attend all class lectures and discussions;
2. Complete all assigned course work;
3. Complete the Internet Congressional Representation assignment;
4. Take all three geography tests and all three major examinations;
5. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing course grade.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

In-class Use of Computers:

Computers will be used in the classroom in this course for note taking. Students may use computers to access course materials and to communicate with me.

Regents Testing:

The University System of Georgia requires that each student receiving a degree must have successfully demonstrated competence in reading comprehension and writing by passing two courses:  Regents Writing Skills RGTE 0199 and Regents’ Reading Skills RGTE 0198.  Students satisfy these course requirements through examination.  The University System of Georgia Regents Tests are administered each semester by the CSU Testing Center. Testing dates and registration procedures are listed each semester in the Class Schedule on the DUCK. Please contact your academic advisory or the Testing Center for more information.  

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COURSE POLICIES:

General Policy:
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy:
There will be a roll call each class period. Attendance is required for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  Students who have poor attendance records often perform poorly in the course.

Academic Dishonesty:
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. 

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at:   

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm
   http://a-s.clayton.edu/english/Writers'%20Studio/index.html
 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

General education outcomes :

The following link provides the Clayton State University Core Curriculum outcomes:

Civic Engagement:

Civic Engagement at Clayton State University is defined as an intentional learning experience that contributes to a student’s understanding of social and civic responsibility, community leadership, and service to a diverse, democratic society. Civic Engagement outcomes are located at the Political Science Program website:
http://a-s.clayton.edu/politicalscience/default.htm

  Outcomes: Graduating political science majors should

·       Apply concepts related to the structures and principles of the U.S. Constitution to historical and current politics.

·       Explain and criticize U.S. political institutions and processes.

·       Demonstrate ability to understand and apply social sciences research methods.

·       Research and compose a Senior Thesis in a subfield of political science.

·       Successfully complete a political science related internship.

Assessments:

·       POLS 1101 geography tests

·       POLS 2101 pre and post-assessment surveys

·       POLS 4490/POLS 4491 Internship/Practicum Site Supervisor Evaluation

·       POLS 3000 and 4000  level course research papers 

·       POLS 4501 Senior Thesis 

·       ACAT Area Concentration Achievement Test taken by graduating  
   seniors

Graduating political science majors should

·       Apply concepts related to the structures and principles of the U.S. Constitution to historical and current politics.

·       Explain and criticize U.S. political institutions and processes.

·       Define and distinguish how aspects of the Georgia Constitution and government differ from the U.S. Constitution and government.

·       Assess and compare how other national political systems and   international political organizations differ from the U.S. political system and recognize the importance of political geography.

·       Research and compose a project report in a subfield of political science.

·       Successfully complete a political science related internship.    

Assessments:

·       POLS 1101 pre and post assessment surveys & geography tests

·       POLS 4490/POLS 4491 Internship/Practicum Site Supervisor Evaluation 

·       POLS 4500 Senior Seminar research paper 

·       POLS 4500 Senior Political Science Program Exit Survey

·       ETS Political Science Field Test taken by graduating seniors

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GRADING:

Grading Scale (points)

A = 900 - 1000

B = 800 - 899

C = 700 - 799

D = 600 - 699

F = Below 600

Activities                                                Points

Internet Research………………………………….…..80

1^st Geography Test…………………………….……….70

2^nd Geography Test…………………………….……..60

3^rd Geography Test………………………………..…..70

1^st Exam……………………………………………………200

2^nd Exam…………………………………………………..200

3^rd Exam…………………………………………………...300

Class Participation & attendance………………..20

TOTAL POINTS……………………………….......1000

Mid-term Progress Report:

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on September 30, reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term.

Internet Research on Congressional Representation: (80 possible course points).

Students are required to conduct Internet research to identify their U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators.  Email the three members of Congress regarding an issue of current important which interests you. The internet assignment can be found in this syllabus. We will discuss the assignment further in class.

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EXAMINATIONS: (700 possible course points)

 BRING A #2 PENCIL FOR EACH EXAMINATION & TEST.

There will be three examinations. The first and second examinations are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. The final examination is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions, covering materials assigned since the second examination, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph. Each examination question is worth two possible points. The final examination is NOT cumulative.

Geography Tests: (200 possible course points)

There will be three geography tests worth 70, 60, and 70 points respectively, a total of 200 points. Use the required Rand McNally Quick Reference World Atlas to study for these tests.

Makeup Exams: (There may be no makeup examinations)

DO NOT REMOVE AN EXAMINATION OR A SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET FROM THE CLASSROOM; YOU MAY NOT GET CREDIT FOR YOUR EXAMINATION. 

Click on this link to access printable geography test study maps. 

Link to this website to test your geography knowledge as you study for each geography test.

1st Geography Test:

This test will cover countries in North, South, Central (Middle) America and the larger island nations of the Caribbean Sea only. Study maps showing the 50 U.S. states and the countries in the Western Hemisphere.  There are a total of 70 questions - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 70 points.

1st Major Exam:

This will cover Chapters 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 14 in the textbook - 200 points 100 multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your  notes. 

The 2nd Geography Test:

This test will cover Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. There will be 60 nations on this test. Each answer is worth 1 point. There are a total of 60 questions - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 60 points.

The 2nd Major Exam:

This is over Chapters 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16 in the textbook - 200 points 100 multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your notes.

The 3rd Geography Test:

This will cover Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. The test is worth 70 possible points, with 70 nations to identify for 1 point each.

The 3rd/Final Exam:

This will cover Chapters 4, 5, 8, 9, in the textbook, and the Georgia Constitution and Government Monograph. The examination is comprised of 300 points 100 multiple choice questions and true or false questions. Study the text, study guide, your notes, and the basic facts presented in the Georgia Constitution & government monograph. The final examination is NOT cumulative.

Class Participation and Attendance:

Students are required to attend class and participate in every class meetings. Class participation and attendance will constitute 20 points of the total points for the course.

1. T
2. B
3. A
4. D
5. T
6. C
7. A
8. C
9. F
10. T
11. T
12. F
13. T
14. T
15. F
16. T
17. T
18. F
19. D
20. B
21. T
22. F
23. F
24. C
25. F
26. T
27. T
28. C
29. F
30. T
31. C
32. T
33. F
34. F
35. F
36. T
37. B
38. C
39. F
40. C
41. F
42. T
43. A
44. T
45. F
46. T
47. F
48. T
49. T
50. T
51. T
52. F
53. F
54. F
55. F
56. B
57. F
58. F
59. F
60. F