POLS 4900 Independent Study

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 Hour
Spring Semester 2012

Spring Semester 2012 Research Project Topic and Paper Due Dates:

Your Spring Semester 2012 first draft of the topic proposal for your research project is due as a Word formatted email attachment by Noon, Tuesday, January 17th;

A detailed research project paper outline with citations is due as a Word formatted document by Noon, Tuesday, March 2nd.

The Spring Semester 2012 research project paper is due as a Word formatted email attachment by Noon, Friday, May 4th:

Course Description: POLS 4900 - Independent Study in Political Science with Directed Research and Readings (3-0-3) Independent Study in Political Science may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department head. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours.  

Prerequisites: (1) Must be a political science major, (2) must have successfully completed POLS 1101, and must have a CSU Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to enroll in this course.

Course Computer Usage:  Students will be required to use a CSU configured notebook computer to communicate with the instructor and conduct project research.

Course Communication: Course Communication will be primarily by means of email. Once the course begins we will be connected to each other by a closed email list serve for the exclusive use of the instructor and students in this class. If you wish to discuss a personal matter such as exam results or your grade, use my personal email address (I do not check voice may on a regular basis but I do check email all day, every day.): joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu . For email related computer problems, go to the HUB, or contact the HUB Help Desk at 678-466--HELP.

Required Computer Skills:

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

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.

CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED, AND WILL BE DEALT WITH IN KEEPING WITH THE CSU CONDUCT CODE

 CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedures.

Research Project: (300 possible points) Students will: (1) provide the instructor with a detailed first draft of a research project proposal on a current demestic or internationa leader or issue with a list of initial reference sources by the due date provided below. (2) The topic requires approval by the instructor.  ((3) The instructor will expect the student to provide a detailed reading list of relevant literature to accompany the development of the required paper.3) Students will provide periodic status reports on progress made towards satisfactory completion of the written paper as requested by the instructor. More details will be provided by the instructor. e details will be provided by the instructor. e details will be provided by the instructor.

Read Carefully: POLS 4900 Project Research Paper Topic Proposal and Project Research Paper Assignment (Due dates will be updated for Spring Semester 2012.)

Semester Course Withdrawal Date Without Academic Penalty:

The Spring Semester 2012 deadline to withdraw from a Full Session 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.

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 taken by graduating  
   seniors

Course Expectations:
1. Attend all on-campus course meetings requested by the instructor;
2. Provide the instructor with a research project proposal and receive instructor approval of that topic;
3. Complete the research project written paper in accordance with the approved proposal and the instructor's expectations;
4. Receive a passing grade in the course. 

Grading: There are 300 possible total points in this course. Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight 300 point scale, with total points earned (NOT a percentage of points earned equaling a letter grade) on scored course work. For example, if you loose more than 30 points, you will be in the B range, or if you loose more than 60 points, you will be in the C range, etc. At the end of the class if you are within 3 points of a higher letter grade I will assign you that higher grade for the course.

Midterm Grades: A course midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect the work completed to midterm and  is not a predictor of future performance or the letter grade a student may earn for the course at the end of the semester. . More than half of the scored work in this course is completed after the midterm date. If you have questions please contact the instructor.

NOTE: Research paper scores and course grades will be accessible to students via Georgia View.

A = 300 - 271 (30 point range)

B = 270 - 241 (30 point range)

C = 240 - 211 (30 point range)

D = 210 - 181 (30 point range)

F = 180 or fewer total points

Important: Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of F for the course.

Required Textbook: No textbook is required for this course.

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

CSU Student Handbook

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 Course Information

Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg,
Political Science Program Coordinator,
Professor of Political Science

POLS 4900 Independent Study


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

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 24 hours.


 COURSE LIST SERVE ADDRESS:

Spring Semester 2012

pols4900-01spring12@lists.clayton.edu 

POLS 4900: CRN 24639

(List serve addresses are activated the first day of each semester.)

 

Class Meeting Room:

POLS 4900 students will meet with the instructor in his office: Clayton Hall, Room 105A

OFFICE HOURS

Office: Clayton Hall, Room 105A

MTR;10:00 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.

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