POLI 4501 - Senior Thesis

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Access to communication between the instructor and students
will require use of CSU email: The instructor will only respond to CSU email messages from
students. Go to: http://thehub.clayton.edu and click "Service" for information on configuring your
laptop computer to comply with CSU IT requirements. You MUST have your laptop computer
configured to access CSU email. You will need to take your laptop computer to The HUB, located
on the ground level of the University Center. You should have your computer configured and set
up for CSU email BEFORE classes begin, or as soon as possible there after. The HUB is located
in the University Center, or contact the HUB at 678-466-4357.    

This syllabus will be updated each semester the course is offered.

Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
Three Semester Credit Hours
Spring Semester 2012

All POLS 4501 Senior Thesis students are required to take the ACAT Examination and Performance Measures Test and ETS Proficiency Test Spring Semester on Wednesday, February 1st at 9:00 - 11:50 a.m. in the CSU Testing Center in the Library. Please plan ahead and be in the Testing Center prior to 9:00 a.m.

Course Description: POLS 4501 - Senior Thesis (3-0-3) is the second course in a two course political science capstone learning experience required of all undergraduate political science majors. Political science majors will research and compose a written senior thesis on an approved topic under the direction of the POLS 4500 Senior Seminar and POLS 4501 Senior Thesis course instructor/s.

Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and POLS 4500. This course is taken at the point where a political science major is within approximately two semesters of graduation, or has a minimum of 90 credit hours in the major. This course is limited to declared political science majors.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class session. All students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions. Because the success of senior seminar course depends on a relatively high level of participation on the part of ALL students, you may have one excused absence - each additional absence may result in the deduction of 20 points from your total points earned for the course; Exceptions will be made where there are acceptable extenuating circumstances presented to the instructor. To comply with   University requirements, attendance will be taken each class session. Please make it a particular point of being present on on dates you are scheduled to introduce and lead the discussion of an assigned reading.

CSU 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 Computer Usage: A CSU configured notebook computer is required for this course. A CSU configured laptop should be brought to each class meeting. Students will use a laptop computer to access email from the instructor, access course related web pages in class, research and write the two essay exams, email the instructor each of their two Word formatted essay exams, receive scored exams back from the instructor, and to develop, write and email the research project to the instructor.

Required Computer Skills:

• Able to use the Windows operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word word processing
• Able to send and receive CSU e-mail using Outlook or Outlook Express
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser.

• Students must abide by policies in the CSU Catalog & Student Handbook.
   

• Disruption of the Learning Environment:

  Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  This includes 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.

  http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

  Click on this link  to read the Clayton State University
  Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities Statement.
   

• The instructor and students will treat each other with the proper respect at all times.
   

• Children are NOT permitted in any CSU classroom under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on campus.
   

• There will be no use of cell phones in the classroom - please turn your phone to "vibrate" or off.
   

• If you come late to class, please take the first available seat nearest the door.
   

• If you must leave class early, please inform the instructor before class begins.
   

• There will be no talking among students that disturbs the instructor or the class.
   

• Cheating Will Not Be Tolerated, And Will Be Dealt With In Keeping With The CSU Conduct Code.

CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedures.

Withdrawals and Incompletes: Students may wish to review college policy regarding course withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU catalog. Do not hesitate to speak with me, or your advisor, if you need information relating to a course withdrawal or an incomplete.

The Spring Semester 2012 deadline to withdraw from a course without possible academic accountability is Friday, March 2nd.

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

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

Political Science Degree Program Outcomes and Assessments:

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 and ETS Proficiency Profile Test taken by graduating seniors

Course Expectations: 

      1.   Attend class on a regular basis;

      2.   Complete a midterm and a final examination;
 2.   Complete a senior thesis on an approved topic that conforms to standards provided in The Political Science Student
       Writer's Manual 7th Edition and the Political Science Senior Thesis Scoring Rubric;
 3.   Earn a total number of points equal to a passing grade.

      4.  Take ACAT Political Science Test and ETS Proficiency Profile Test;*

      5.  Complete Survey of CSU Political Science Degree Program;*

      6.  Earn a total number of points equal to a passing grade
 

*NOTE: all students are required to comply with all course expectations; 50 points will be deducted from a student's total course points for failure
to complete the Survey of CSU Political Science Degree Program and, or take the ACAT Political Science Test and ETS Proficiency Profile Test.

Grading: 

Course Grading Scale - 300 Possible Points

A = 300 - 271 (30 point range)

B = 270 -241 (30 point range)

C = 240 - 201 (30 point range)

D = 200 - 171 (30 point range)

F = 170 points or less

NOTE: Course grades will be determined on a straight scale with the total number of points you earn dictating the letter grade you receive. Simply subtract any points lost on an exam or the assigned project from the 400 total possible course points, and see the course grading scale to determine your letter grade at that point. At the end of the semester any student within 3 points of a higher letter grade will receive the higher grade for the course. There are no bonus or extra credit assignments. Grading will be further explained in class.

Midterm Grades: A course midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect work completed to the middle of the semester. More than half of course work is completed after the midterm date. If you have questions, please contact the instructor.

Required Course Materials: (Available in the CSU bookstore.)

1.  Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum, That Used To Be Us. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011;

2.  The New York Times (Complimentary copies are available on campus M-F.);

3.  Gregory M. Scott and Stephen M. Garrison, The Political Science Student Writer's Manual 7th Edition. Longman, 2012.

For Your Information: (CSU Library or CSU Office of Student Affairs)

CSU Student Handbook

Essay Examination: (100 possible points) Students will write an essay examination based on the discussions of articles in The New York Times and assigned readings in the Fareed Zakaria textbook; the examination is worth 100 possible points. Details will be discussed in class. Essay Examination

Senior Thesis: (200 possible points) Under the supervision of the POLS 4501 instructor, each student will complete a senior thesis worth 200 possible points based on the thesis topic summary, thesis statement, thesis outline and bibliography completed in POLS 4500 Senior Seminar. The completed thesis will be emailed to the instructor as a Word formatted document by the due date. The completed thesis document will conform to standards provided in The Political Science Student Writer's Manual 7th Edition and as further determined by the instructor. Course expectations will be further discussed in class: Political Science Senior Thesis Scoring Rubric.

You are encourages to discuss with the instructor the development of your thesis into a scholarly paper for presentation at a political science or other professional academic conference and its potential for possible publication in a scholarly journal or proceedings.

ACAT Area Concentration Achievement Test and ETS Proficiency Test All POLS 4501 Senior Thesis students are required to take the ACAT Examination and Performance Measures Test and ETS Proficiency Test Spring Semester on Wednesday, February 1st at 9:00 - 11:50 a.m. in the CSU Testing Center in the Library. Details will be discussed in class.

Thesis Due Date: The completed senior thesis is due to the instructor as an email Word formatted attachment no later than TBD, 2012.

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to achieve course goals. If you have any questions regarding assignments, class sessions, tests or grading please speak with me, or Dr. Rafik Mohamed, Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Clayton Hall, Room 111, 678-466-4605.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg, Professor of Political Science

Telephone (voice mail): (678) 466-4810

E-Mail address: joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu 
(Private email intended only for the instructor.)

I prefer email to voice mail as you may provide me with a more detailed message;
I check my email regularly Monday through Friday.

Generally, I will respond to your message within less than 24 hours.

Spring 2012
Course email list serve:
pols4501-01spring12@lists.clayton.edu

(Course list serves are activated the first day of class each semester.)

CRN: 26236; Clayton Hall, Room T-112

 

For campus closing information due to weather or an electrical outage - tune to WSB TV Channel 2 or 1002.

OFFICE HOURS

Office: Clayton Hall, Room 105A

MTR: 10:00 a.m. to Noon; 
Online course meeting dates: Sat: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and following class; 
By prior appointment at other mutually convenient times.

Due Dates For All Course Requirements 

Course Due Dates: (POLS 4501 Wednesdays, 9:00 - 11:50 a.m. in Clayton Hall, Room T-112)

Monday, January 9th  to Thursday, January 12th: Drop/Add;

Wednesday, January 11th: first day of class - course orientation (Read the course syllabus before class.);

Monday, January 16th: CSU is closed for observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday;

Wednesday, January 18th: That Used To Be Us, Forward and Chapters 1, 2 and 3; Completed Senior Thesis Proposals due as email for the instructor's review by Noon today;

Wednesday, January 25th: That Used To Be Us, Chapters 4 and 5; Summer Semester 2012 graduation applications due to the Registrar by January 30th;

Wednesday, February 1st: All POLS 4501 Senior Thesis students are required to take the ACAT Examination and Performance Measures Test and ETS Proficiency Test Spring Semester on Wednesday, February 1st at 9:00 - 11:50 a.m. in the CSU Testing Center in the Library. Please plan ahead and be in the Testing Center prior to 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, February 8th: That Used To Be Us, Chapters 6 and 7; continue working on thesis development;

Wednesday, February 15th: That Used To Be Us, Chapters 8, 9 and 10; continue working on thesis development;

Wednesday, February 22nd: That Used To Be Us, Chapters 11, 12 and 13;

Wednesday, February 28th: That Used To Be Us, Chapters 14, 15 and 16; Distribute That Used To Be Us essay examination in class; post in online syllabus; continue working on thesis development;

Friday, March 2nd: email the instructor a draft of your senior thesis by Noon today; last date to withdraw from a course without possible academic penalty;  

March 3rd to March 10th: Spring Break - CSU is closed;

Wednesday, March 14th: That Used To Be Us essay examination due to the instructor by Noon today; class will not meet today; continue working on thesis development;

Wednesday, March 21st: Meet with instructor to review senior thesis draft;

Wednesday, March 28th: Meet with instructor to review senior thesis draft;

Wednesday, April 4th: Meet with instructor to review senior thesis draft;

Wednesday, April 11th: Meet with instructor to review senior thesis draft;

Wednesday, April 18th: Meet with instructor to review senior thesis final draft;

Wednesday, April 25th: Last day of class; Senior Thesis due today by Noon today as a Word formatted email attachment to the instructor; students each will make a 10-15 minutes presentation of their thesis research in class.