QuizzesAttendance, Participation and General ExpectationsIntroduction to American Politics POLITICAL SCIENCE 101 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Spring 2007 Professor: Dr. Michele Kuenzi Office: B211 Wright Hall Office Phone: 895-4693 Office Hours: T 1:30-3:30 p.m. and W 4-5 p.m. and by appointment Email: [email protected] Class Meets: MW 02:00 PM-03:45 PM TBE B174 Introduction: In this class we will discuss the structure and workings of the American Political System. We will examine the major participants and institutions of the national and state government and explore how these actors and institutions interact within our political structure to produce public policies. Special emphasis is given to conflicting theories of power and influence as they apply to different groups. As a framework, we will look at how these actors, groups, institutions, rules and processes attempt to serve the interests of citizens and contribute to or detract from our struggle for democracy, equality, and justice. Texts: We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, 6th edition. Edward S. By Ginsberg, Lowi and Weir. Norton.* The Sagebrush State: Nevada's History, Government, and Politics. By Michael W. Bowers. 3rd Edition University of Nevada Press, 2006. * Because Norton will only be able to have the We the People texts arrive at the end of the week, Norton has posted the first two chapters of the text with open access (no password required) on their website at this link: http://www.wwnorton.com/college/titles/polisci/weir6/ The Sagebrush book should be in the bookstore.Grades The total number of points that can be achieved in this course is 400. The points are allocated in the following way: Number of Points Percentage Equivalent Quizzes 100 25%Mid term 120 30%Attendance 20 5%Participation 20 5%Final Exam 140 35%Totals 400 100% In other words, quizzes count for 25% of your grade, the mid term for 30%, attendance for 5%, participation for 5%, and the final examination for 35%. The final examination will be cumulative. According to the point system, final grades will be assigned in the following way: A 374 points to 400 points A- 358 points to 373 points B+ 346 points to 357points B 330 points to 345 points B- 318 points to 329 points C+ 306 points to 317 points C 290 points to 305 points C- 278 points to 289 points D+ 266 points to 277 points D 250 points to 265 points D- 238 points to 249 points F 237 points and below Exams: There will be a midterm and a final exam. They will be based on the assigned readings and lectures and consist of mostly multiple-choice questions. Students will need two number 2 pencils for the exams. Make-up exams will not be given except in the case of extreme circumstances. The student must be able provide documentation that the absence is for a reason recognized by the university (e.g., illness, death in the family, observance of a religious holiday) and make arrangements with me prior to the scheduled exam date. If it is absolutely impossible to make prior arrangements with me, students must contact me as soon as possible about the situation. (Please notify me of any planned absences for religious holidays or official extracurricular activity for UNLV by February 12, 2007). Quizzes Four quizzes will be administered during the course. The quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class. Students may drop their lowest quiz score. Since the lowest quiz score can be dropped and students know in advance the dates of the quizzes, no makeup quizzes will be administered. 2Quizzes and exams will be based on material covered during class in lectures, films, class discussions, and from the required readings. I will periodically introduce current event articles or materials as they relate to the topics and concepts being covered in class. Students will, of course, be responsible for this material as well as material covered in films and guest lectures. Attendance, Participation and General Expectations Attendance will be taken each class. Students may miss up to three classes without losing attendance points. Because students are already allowed three absences during the term, three points will be subtracted from the attendance points for every absence beyond three, whatever the reason for the absence. Attending class is a very important part of the learning process. If anyone foresees the possibility of missing class more than three times, she/he should consider taking PSC 101 when she/he will be able to attend all of the classes. Signing the attendance sheet for another student is a form of fraud, and anyone participating in this activity will be penalized. Participation in class discussions is strongly encouraged. Of course, participation should be constructive, and all comments should be relevant to the material being covered in class. Students must do all of the reading! I will call on students in class and expect their answers to reflect familiarity with the ideas and information in the readings. Respect should be shown for all other class members at all times. Inappropriate and disruptive participation/behavior will result in a drop in the student’s grade. If you are habitually late, the attendance portion of your course grade will be marked down substantially. Students are expected to attend class regularly, arrive promptly and have a collegial demeanor. Students are not allowed to sleep, read newspapers, listen to headphones, or talk to others during class. Engaging in these behaviors will result in a drop in the student’s grade. You must turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices during class. Any exceptions must be cleared with me in advance. If you look at your cell phone during a quiz or exam, you will receive a zero for that quiz or exam. Arriving late, leaving early, or interrupting class with a cell phone or other electronic device will also result in a drop in the student’s grade. Students are not allowed to tape record, photograph, video tape, or otherwise electronically record any of the class. I reserve the right to modify the course syllabus. Students will be responsible for knowing any changes made to the syllabus during class time whether they were in attendance or not. The instructor’s lecture notes are not available to students; it is the student’s responsibility to obtain class notes from a classmate,
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