Course: pols 1113 323 14231 201610

SYLLABUS
HONORS
POLS_1113_323_14231_201610

Course: POLS_1113_323_14231_201610

Course Title: HONORS - American Federal Government
Section #: 323
Call #: 14231

Day(s) and Time(s): Flexible

Starts: Monday, August 17^th
Ends: Friday, December 4^th
Course Delivery Method: On-Campus – Room 7112
Course Format: Discussion/Lecture
Prof: Carter B. Schell, Ph.D.
Phone: Please Use E-mail!
Email: [e-mail]

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTELLECTUAL PURSUIT

Intellectual pursuit is at the heart of all college work. All higher education endeavors require that students develop certain values and characteristics. Specifically, students should:

• 
  Remain open to different and sometimes disconcerting ideas;
  

• 
  Learn independently, outside the classroom;
  

• 
  Take full responsibility for the work of learning the material presented;
  

• 
  Devote several hours to study each week;
  

• 
  Demonstrate, in their work and through interactions with others – fairness, honestly, respect, responsibility and trust.
  

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

none

Course Description:

This course is a study of the principles, structure, processes, and functions of the United States federal government.

Textbook:

Textbook: American Government: Roots and Reform

Edition: 2012 Election Edition

Author: Karen O’Connor, Larry J. Sabato and Alixandra B. Yanus

Publisher: Longman

ISBN: 978-0-205-86580-2

Be sure you secure a “complete” Edition (18 Chapters) – comes in paperback!

AVOID Alternate Editions, etc.
OR
Textbook: American Government: Roots and Reform

Edition: 2014 Elections and Update Edition

Author: Karen O’Connor, Larry J. Sabato and Alixandra B. Yanus

Publisher: Longman

ISBN: 978-0-13-391330-9

EVERYONE: These two books are so close. The 2012 Election Edition is a lot cheaper. You make the decision. I know many of you are tight on funds so it is something to consider.

Course Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of government in the United States. Central to this course is a presentation of the strengths, as well as the weaknesses, of the institutional and theoretical bases of the federal government.

The Chapters will be introduced in the following order:
01 – Foundations of Government

02 – The Constitution

03 – The Federal System

04 – Civil Liberties

Exam 1
06 – Congress

07 – The Presidency

09 – The Judiciary

10 – Public Opinion and Political Socialization

Exam 2
12 – Elections and Voting

14 – The News Media

16 – Domestic Policy

17 – Economic Policy

Exam 3

TEACHING METHODS:

This class is an “active” computer based online course utilizing Blackboard technology.
www.tulsacc.edu

EVALUATION TECHNIQUES:

In order to take the EXAMS in this course, you must first download a browser for your computer.  This Respondus LockDown Browser will lock your computer during the EXAMS.
To download and install Respondus LockDown Browser, follow these steps:

1. 
   Go to http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/information.pl?ID=992533045
   

Ctrl (keyboard) + Click (mouse)

2. 
   When you go to the site to download the browser, it may require you to allow Active X.  You will be notified about this in a manner similar to a pop-up blocker message.
   

3. 
   Click the Install Button
   

4. 
   Answer Yes to accepting the Respondus code certificate, then wait another minute while the LockDown Browser setup files download.
   
5. 
   Follow the instructions in the Install Shield setup.
   

(It does not matter which server you click on.)

Startup
Follow these steps to start Respondus LockDown Browser and to take a Blackboard exam.
1) Close all programs, unless one is used to connect you to the Internet.
2) Locate the “Respondus LockDown Browser” shortcut on your desktop and double-click it. (Alternatively, click “Start” in Windows, select “Programs,” select “Respondus,” and then click “Respondus LockDown Browser.”)
3) The browser will start and go to the login page for Blackboard. (If a warning message indicates that one or more applications must first be exited -- e.g. Instant Messenger -- then exit the specified applications and restart the browser.)
4) Log into Blackboard by entering your User ID and Password. Select the appropriate course and then select the exam.

Please download this software immediately!  Please do not wait until you are ready to take EXAM 1! 

If you attempt to take any of the EXAM(S) without going through this "browser" window, the EXAM(S) will lock and you will not receive a score.

EXAMS:
If you have any doubt about the strength of your computer and/or the internet provider you will be utilizing to take your EXAMS, please schedule your EXAMS in one of the TCC testing centers. It is the student’s responsibility to check their hours of operation. They have powerful computers and direct access. It is all free! Remind them you will need to utilize RESPONDUS. They are extremely supportive! Note: If they ever question you being able to use your text, just pull up the course Syllabus for them.

You need high-speed internet service and the higher speed the better. If you do not have a computer and/or regular access to one you have a problem. Some have tried dropping by a friend’s house or their local library and that is risky at best. Bottom line is you need regular access to good equipment for the duration of this class.

EXAM 1 - Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 – 500 Points

Opens: Monday, September 21^st at 2:00 PM (CST)

Closes: Monday, September 21^st at 3:50 PM (CST)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Respondus LockDown Browser Required!
IF YOUR COMPUTER AND/OR INTERNET PROVIDER SERVICE FALTERS, SHUT YOUR COMPUTER DOWN...REBOOT...AND "GO AGAIN"
NOTE: the clock will continue to run!
only 1 attempt (no retakes)

EXAM - 50 questions

time – 60 minutes

only one question will appear at a time

back-tracking is prohibited to prevent students from skipping over questions, then forgetting to return

your score will be recorded in Student Grades

you are to complete this EXAM by yourself

you may use your text

you may use your notes

you will not have time to research every question

you will need to monitor the timer

if you finish before the 60 minute time limit be sure and hit the "submit" button after question #50 so

you can immediately see your score in Student Grades

this Exam will save and submit automatically if you are not done at 60 minutes.

EXAM 2 - Chapters 6, 7, 9 and 10 – 500 Points
Opens: Monday, October 26^th at 2:00 PM (CST)

Closes: Monday, October 26^th at 3:50 PM (CST)

Same instructions as EXAM 1

EXAM 3 – Chapters 12, 14, 16 and 17 – 500 Points

Opens: Monday, December 7^th at 2:00 PM (CST)

Closes: Monday, December 7^th at 3:50 PM (CST)

Same instructions as EXAM 1

Make-Up – Comprehensive – 500 points

Opens: Monday, December 7^th at 5:00 PM (CST)

Closes: Monday, December 7^th at 6:50 PM (CST)

Same instructions as EXAM 1 EXCEPT the time limit is 50 minutes

This is for those who miss an exam ONLY.

GRADE RANGE – 1500 Point Class
A - 1350 - 1500

B - 1200 - 1349

C - 1050 - 1199

D - 900 - 1049

F - 0 - 899

LATE ASSIGNMENTS / MAKE-UP WORK / EXTRA CREDIT:

Not Permitted!

COURSE WITHDRAWAL:

The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration (Friday, November 6^th). Any student who stops participating in this course and/or fails to withdraw will receive a course grade of “F” which may have financial aid consequences. All Audits (AU) must be cleared by Friday of the first week of class. Any Administrative Withdrawals (AW) will only be considered in extreme personal medical emergencies and then the student must be passing the class at the time of the request.
If necessary, the responsibility to withdraw from this class rests 100% with the student.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

To enable the College to provide an opportunity for education to all of its students, the Board defines a standard code of conduct for behavior which will enable students to work together with other students and with the faculty, staff and administration in a positive manner. Enrollment at the College is not compulsory. The voluntary entrance of a student into the College means that the student also voluntarily assumes obligations of performance and behavior reasonably imposed by the College. The student is not entitled to greater immunities or privileges before the law than those enjoyed by any other citizen. The discipline of students at the College is, in all but the case of expulsion, a part of the educational process.
Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives online encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other.

SYLLABUS CHANGES:

Occasionally, changes to the Syllabus may be necessary. The Professor reserves the right to make changes or modifications, if necessary, in the Syllabus. Should any become necessary, it (they) will be stated in writing under the icon Announcements on BLACKBOARD.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at [e-mail] or call [phone] (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text [phone].
If you are granted accommodations by the Education Access Center you must report to the Southeast Campus to take your Exams so “they” can take care of you.

NOTICE TO ALL STUDENTS:

If you are “officially” enrolled in this class on Friday, August 21^st, it is assumed that you have thoroughly read, understood and agreed to the following four (4) statements:
1) I have read Dr. Schell’s Syllabus.
2) I have been extended the opportunity to clarify any and all questions.
3) I understand and agree to “all” policies and procedures as outlined.
4) I am aware of the dates as listed for all Exams.

“If you find a part of or any statement unacceptable,

it is your responsibility to find a class

which is more acceptable to you and your needs.”

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