AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - HONORS
POLI SCI 1 (3 Units)
Sec. 48159 (T/Th 10:55-12:20 pm), Room SS 52

WELCOME!!!!!

Why do millions of Americans not vote?  Why is it that the winner of the popular vote for President can also be the loser?  Is there really a difference between Democrats and Republicans?  Do we really need 50 state governments if we have one national government?  Why was there a recall election in California?  Don't know much about American politics?  Then welcome to Poli Sci 1!

Poli Sci 1 covers the structure and functions of the American national state and local governments.  Emphasis is placed on the development of democratic institutions through historical and contemporary studies.  Students will have an opportunity to understand what has shaped the United States Constitution, its amendments, major court interpretations, the operation of and one's role in democratic government.  This course may be used to meet the Social Science I or II requirement in the General Education Pattern for transfer to the California State University system.

Additional topics this course will explore are the following:

Required Texts

General Class Policies

1. Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in the classroom.
2. Save this syllabus as evidence for transfer to a four-year institution.
3. Class participation and COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING by the beginning of each topic are essential to passing this course.
4. Late work is marked down 1/3 of a grade for each day that it is handed in late after the end of class when it is due.
5. Tutoring is available at no charge at Tutorial Services.  It is provided by qualified, trained, students who have been recommended by the faculty.  Contact Tutorial Services in the Library Building or call 741-2038.
6. Quizzes may be administered by the Instructor without warning if he feels students are not keeping up with the readings.  Incorrect answers will be deducted from a student's overall participation grade.
7. Plagiarism/cheating will result in automatic failures for the course and offenders will be referred to the CSSO for disciplinary action.  Familiarize yourself with the campus policy on cheating detailed in the College Catalog under Student Conduct Code, 5.8.19 Policy on Cheating.  (You will find examples of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html)
8. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request.  Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

Credit/No Credit Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor in writing no later than the end of the SIXTH WEEK.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after that time.  See the WVC Catalog under "Academic Regulations and Standards" for more information about this option.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and punctuality is required and roll will be taken at the beginning of the class.  Tardy students will receive a 1 point reduction from their total grade for each tardy.  More than one absence will constitute a reduction of 2 points for each additional absence.

Web Page

A class web page can be found for Political Science 1 at http://timmer.org.  This page contains the syllabus, lecture outlines, PowerPoint lectures, online readings, and an extensive collection of links covering the topics we discuss in class.  This web page serves as a supplement to the lectures and in-class discussions, not as a substitute.  NOTE:  As a budget saving measure, lecture outlines will NOT be passed out in class.  STUDENTS SHOULD PRINT OUT THE OUTLINES BEFORE LECTURE.

Papers and Quizzes

You have three assignments that you must complete during the semester.  First, you have one homework assignment in which you will research a political party and explain your choice as to why you wish to be a member of it for class activity purposes.  (Throughout the semester, students will meet in caucus to debate issues brought before the class.  Elections will also be held for party leaders and a President.)  This homework is worth 50 points.  You also are required to turn in two short papers analyzing the debates presented in the DiClerico book.  These papers are 125 points each and are explained in more detail in a separate handout.  Click HERE to read about the paper requirements.

You will take two quizzes over the semester.  They are both multiple choice and are based on the Bardes textbook readings.  You can take practice quizzes at the publisher's web page for the assigned chapters at http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=0534647332&discipline_number=20.

Class Participation

Class Participation is essential to the success of this class.  We will be holding a Mock Congress in which students are expected to participate.  Class Participation points will be awarded on the basis of how well individual students perform their duties and complete in-class assignments.

FINAL EXAM:  Tuesday, December 12, 9:40-11:40 am

Course Outline

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

FINAL EXAM:  Tuesday, December 12, 9:40-11:40 am