GradingAcademic IntegrityClassroom EtiquetteReligious Holidays and Official Extracurricular Activities1Political Science 101: Introduction to American Politics Spring 2008 Instructor: Dr. Cathy Hanks Email: [email protected] Office: Wright Hall A218 Phone: 895-3757 Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:30 to 2:15 and Thursdays 8:30 to 9:45 This course, which satisfies the UNLV United States and Nevada Constitution requirements, provides an overview of the political institutions, processes, and cultures in the United States and in Nevada. It also includes an examination of current political, economic, and social issues and policies. Textbooks and Lecture Graphics • Magleby, O’Brien, Light, Burns, Peltason, and Cronin Government by the People • Bowers, The Sagebrush State: Nevada’s History, Government, and Politics (3rd edition) • Academic Course Pack (graphics) Requirements 1. Readings: Assigned readings should be completed before the lecture on that topic. Material from the readings that will not be included in lectures will be the basis of exam questions. 2. Homework Assignments: There will be five homework assignments. Specific information on the assignments is given in a separate handout. 3. Examinations: There will be four exams, one at the conclusion of each major portion of the course. The examinations are not cumulative. Make-up exams for the first, second, and third exams will be given on the last day of class only. There will be no make-up exam for the four exam and students may not take the third exam early. You may not use a dictionary (hardcopy or electronic) during an examination. 4. Communications: Official university communications, including those from the instructor, will be sent to students’ RebelMail account. Students are responsible for all information provided in this manner. The instructor will post grades on the class WebCampus site. Grading Examinations (4 @ 2% each) 80% Homework Assignments (5 @ 4% each) 20% 90% - 100% = A 60% - 69% = D below 60% = F 80% - 89% = B 70% - 79% = C Academic Integrity “Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path.” - Student Academic Misconduct Policy2For this course, any attempt to cheat on an examination or to present someone else’s work (including material copied from the Internet) as your own for a written assignment will be subject to the most severe penalty the University allows. Classroom Etiquette Students must arrive on time and be prepared to begin class on time. If late arrivals become a problem, the doors will be locked once class has started. Cell phones, lap top computers, and pagers must be turned off and stored out of sight. No recording devices will be permitted. No food or beverage (except water) is allowed in the classroom. Classroom behavior should always be courteous, respectful of others, and consistent with the expectations set forth by the university. Religious Holidays and Official Extracurricular Activities If the date of any of the examinations conflicts with a religious holiday that you observe or an official extracurricular activity, the instructor must be notified no less than 1 week prior to the examination so that alternative arrangements can be made. For extracurricular activities official documentation will be required. If you are going to miss a class when homework is due, you are expected to turn your homework in at a previous class so that no late penalty is applied. Writing Center and Other Student Assistance One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to students at the Writing Center, located in CDC-301. Although some drop-in times are sometimes available, students with appointments will receive priority assistance. Appointments may be made in person or by calling (702) 895-3908. When you go to your appointment, please bring a copy of your assignment and two copies of any writing that you may have completed on it. One copy will be for you to use, and the second copy will be for the consultant to use. Another source of information on UNLV organizations whose purpose is to support students' academic activities, a short description of their function, and contact information can be found at http://tlc.unlv.edu/student_success.htm Disabilities UNLV complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and offers reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137, and the contact numbers are: VOICE (702) 895-0866, TTY (702) 895-0652, FAX (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: <http://studentlife.unlv.edu/disability/>. Schedule The dates of the examinations and the homework due dates on the following schedule are firm. The topics to be covered may change.3 Readings Date Topic Magleby Bowers Other Assignments Due 22-Jan Course Introduction 24-Jan Constitutional Democracy 1 U. S. Constitution 29-Jan The Living Constitution, Nevada History 2 1,2 31-Jan American Federalism 3 5-Feb Political Culture and Ideology 4 7-Feb The American Political Landscape 5 12-Feb Exam #1 14-Feb Interest Groups 6 4 19-Feb Political Parties 7 5 21-Feb Public Opinion, Participation, and Voting 8 #1 Interest Group 26-Feb Campaigns and Elections, Nevada Politics 9 28-Feb The Media and American Politics 10 4-Mar Congress 11 #2 Political Party 6-Mar (cont) 11-Mar Nevada Legislature 6 13-Mar Exam #2 18-Mar Spring Break 20-Mar Spring Break 25-Mar The Presidency, Nevada Executive 12 7 27-Mar Federal Administrative systems 13 1-Apr Nevada State Government 9 #3 Presidential Candidates 3-Apr The Judiciary 14 8 8-Apr (cont) 10-Apr Exam #3 15-Apr First Amendment Freedoms 15 17-Apr (cont)
View Full Document
Unlocking...