Introduction to American Politics (PSC 101) - 4 credits, Fall 2009GradingAdvisingStudent ComputingSchedule of Class, Lectures, Exams & Assigned Readings (I reserve the right to modify this syllabus at any time.)Aug 24 Semester begins (Monday)University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) College of Liberal Arts Department of Political Science 4505 Maryland Parkway – Box 455029 Las Vegas, NV 89154-5029 SYLLABUS Introduction to American Politics (PSC 101) - 4 credits, Fall 2009 Instructor: Martin Dean Dupalo Class Meeting Place & Times: Section(s): 001 – BEH 121, Saturdays 8:30-12:00 pm Office hours: Sat 12:00-1:30 pm and by appointment in adjunct office Wright Hall (WRI) A223 Instructor E-mail: [email protected] Contacts/FAX 895-5245/895-1065 Office 895-5245 Course Goals Introduction to American Politics is a survey course of the United States political, social, economic, diplomatic and cultural development from the inception of the United States to contemporary times. My goal is to develop your interest and understanding of political science and how it relates to you, your family, and your community, both past and present. Political science is a never-ending novel that does not end and is inclusive of everyone, every thing and every event, however, we can only survey the more significant events and people at this time. Coursework in political science will increase your ability to think critically and independently, enhance your ability to communicate in more discussions, enhance your ability to think through competing theories, and information using logical and analytical means, knowledgeable of the discipline and major trends, debates, theories, methods and serving as a foundation for fields such as government service and practicing law. Course Texts The required texts are the current editions of 1) Government by the People (Brief 8th ed.) by Magleby/Light by Longman-Pearson, 2009 and 2) the Sagebrush State: Nevada’s History, Government, and Politics (3rd ed.) by Michael W. Bowers by the University of Nevada Press, 2006. I will use several materials to supplement your understanding of the subject matter including additional texts, clippings, acetates, Internet and multimedia. Expectations I expect full participation from every student each class. As a college student, it is your responsibility to read the assigned material before class (which is noted as part of your participation grade), complete the assignments on time, and participate within guidelines. All assignments are due the day listed on the schedule. All assignments must be accomplished professionally, i.e. no colored, crumpled paper, additional artwork, etc. I understand that over the course of a semester, there are many factors that may influence your participation. If you believe your participation/academic work may be affected, please consult with me beforehand. Political science courses are naturally heavy reading courses and require baseline knowledge provided by the reading assignments and constant attention to current events before a competent discourse can be held. I strongly encourage each of you to read the chapters as assigned and watch and/or read the news daily. This course relies heavily on discussion derived from current events and assigned reading and related ideas and materials. If you do not intend to read as assigned and to participate in group discussions, consider selecting another course section. Library and Internet usage are strongly suggested. Free Internet access is available to all students at UNLV. Please see me for further information if needed. Like other disciplines, political science, which is a combination of government, politics, economics, culture and much more, often demonstrates both the good and the bad in a shared history of the US. Serious and open discussions in this academic setting are strongly encouraged. However, I do not want or encourage unnecessary offensive or rude behavior. Methods of Instruction I will utilize all the methods of instruction including lecture, discussion, guest lecturers, individual and group efforts, additional readings, et al, including service learning where appropriate. On occasion, I will need assistance from students to gather, distribute, mark coordinate or other, class-related materials. I would appreciate your assistance in these matters.Attendance Attendance and order are key to learning. There are approximately 14 days of class including exams and the first day. Four absences will lower the final grade by one full grade. For example, an ‘A-’ will become a ‘B-’ after all other grades have been determined. Additional credit is not factored into absences. At six absences, the grade will be lowered by an additional full grade. Eight absences or more will result in receiving an ‘F’ grade. There is no administrative drop available. Please do not be late. If you are late, please enter and prepare quietly. If there is a guest speaker, please be courteous. If I am 20 or more minutes late according to solely my watch, students may depart without concern. Attendance is taken at the beginning 20 minutes of the class and partial attendance does not fully count towards attendance. A sign in/sign out sheet must be initialed each class during the first 30 minutes according to my watch and at the end of the class. Missing either the sign in or sign out constitutes a full absence. Any students missing assignments due to observance of a religious holiday may make-up missed work if the student notifies me one week after the last day of official registration, of any anticipated absences. Making up assignments does not constitute making up or erasing an absence under any circumstances. Grading Grading is based on the following breakdown: Test #1 (25%) – to be graded, returned with exam, and reviewed following week (next meeting). Test #2 (25%) – to be graded, returned with exam, and reviewed following week (before next meeting). Project #3 (25%) – to be graded and made available within the week for student pickup. Attendance & Participation (25%) – to be assigned (graded) and known to students the week before the final, class #14. Following the guidance from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA), Social Security numbers will not be used for posting grades or attendance. If needed, random numbers will be assigned or requested. Early grades will not be e-mailed or
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