Political science 1040. 003 Fall 2015

POLITICAL SCIENCE 1040.003

Fall 2015
Instructor: Dr. Gloria Cox, Wooten Hall 163
Class Time: MWF, 1-1:50 p.m., Business Leadership Building 80
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2-4 p.m., Tuesday 9-11, and other times by appointment
Telephone: [phone](Instructor’s Office) and 940-565-2276 (Department Office)
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Teaching Assistants: We have two teaching assistants for this class:
Mr. Tyler Yates

E-mail address:  [e-mail]

Office: Wooten Hall 360, Telephone number 940-369-8715

Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 and by appointment

Mr. Daniel Mintun

E-mail address - [e-mail]

Office address - WH 358

Telephone number - 369-8722

Office Hours: Tuesdays 1-3 and Fridays 3-5 and by appointment
Supplemental Instructor: The Supplemental Instructor (SI) for this class will be Lourdes Schlapkohl. The SI will attend all lectures and facilitate study sessions each week. Your SI will be an asset as you work to do well in this class.

1. 
   INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
   

Welcome to this class. I look forward to having a productive, informative, and enjoyable semester. Thank you for signing up for this class with me.

Three good reasons to take this course: 1) The content of this course is really important and interesting, as our lives are always affected by the actions of government whether the subject is curbside recycling or war; 2) A democratic nation like this one needs an informed citizenry; and 3) credit for this class is required for graduation in Texas. I promise to do my best to convince you that learning about American Government is both interesting and worthwhile.
Specific Learning Outcomes: As a result of your presence in this class, you will have the opportunity to:

• 
  Learn about the foundations of U.S. and Texas governments, including important ideas like the social contract, rule of law, and republican government;
  
• 
  Gain a detailed understanding of the important principles and details of the U.S. and Texas constitutions;
  
• 
  Learn about civil liberties and the development of individual rights over time through legislation and court action;
  
• 
  Explore the concept of equality and its progression for groups in American society; and
  
• 
  Learn about the institutions of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—along with the bureaucracy, for both federal and state government.
  

2. 
   COURSE REQUIREMENTS
   

We will use Blackboard to support our efforts in this class. You will be able to use Blackboard to check the syllabus, review announcements, see PowerPoint slides used in class, and check your grades.

Reading Assignments: A textbook and a workbook are assigned for this class.

1. 
   The textbook is American Government: Roots and Reform by O’Connor, Sabato, and Yanus. Please try to read the assigned material before we cover the topic in class. Eight chapters from this textbook will be assigned. We will use the remainder of the book next semester in my PSCI 1050 classes.
   

2. 
   In addition, we will use the 1040 Workbook, Soomo 2014. The workbook was created as an additional resource for our students so that we can be certain that we as a department meet the learning objectives which the State of Texas has created for this course. Because there are four objectives set by the State, each workbook chapter is divided into four parts, each of which directly addresses one of the course learning objectives. Each workbook chapter is worth 20 points, for a total of 160 points this semester.
   

Eight chapters from the workbook are assigned, and your completion of chapter questions from the workbook will constitute your homework grade for the course. Each workbook chapter is divided into four parts, and you will need to make sure that you complete all four parts for each chapter. Questions can be reset so you may make multiple tries for each question. That creates a situation in which every student is able to get a perfect or very high grade on every workbook chapter.

There is a deadline by which each workbook chapter must be completed. The date is available on the syllabus and at the workbook site. If you are not able to complete the workbook assignment by the deadline, you will have an additional three days (72 hours) to complete the work for half credit.
You may purchase the workbook at the bookstore or online. If you purchase it at the bookstore, you will receive a passkey to enter at the online site. If you are not ready to purchase the workbook, you will be able to receive a three-week trial period after which you will need to finalize the purchase for the material to be available.
Four tests, with the final exam as the final test. To complete the course, you must take all four tests. Each test will be worth at least 100 points for a total of at least 400 points. Tests will cover material from class as well as questions taken from the assigned reading in the textbook and the workbook. Please remember that there will be questions on each test about material we have not discussed in class. On test days, please bring a #2 pencil as well as your UNT or other government-issued ID card.
I expect that every student will take each test at the appointed time. We will offer a makeup test only in the following instances:

1. 
   You are sick and have an official excuse from a physician;
   
2. 
   You experience a serious family issue (such as accident or death) for which you have supplied documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students;
   
3. 
   You are officially representing UNT as a member of an athletic team, at a student conference, or in a similar situation; or
   
4. 
   The test falls on an important religious day. In this case, you are required to notify the course instructor in advance to make arrangements to take the test at another time.
   

Final exams must be administered in accordance with the University’s exam schedule. Please do not ask to take the final exam at another time, as it is not within my authority to grant such requests. Please note the time of the final at the start of the semester and keep it in mind as you make plans for the end of the semester.

Attendance and Participation Credit: The class meets 42 times. Attendance will be checked at least nine times during the semester by having you answer a question and submit your answer. Each correct answer will earn you five points up to forty points. The purpose of this credit is to encourage you to attend class, which has definite learning benefits, and to participate in class discussions which will enhance the value of the class for you. Absolutely no makeups will be available for this credit.
Extra Credit: While I do not offer individual extra credit opportunities, I will from time-to-time announce an opportunity for a few points of extra credit. As you would expect, these typically arise from important speakers presenting on our campus and similar events. I will announce these on Blackboard and also in class.
GRADING/GRADING SCALE

Course requirements count as follows:

• 
  Four tests, including the final exam. Each test is worth 100 points for a total of 400 points
  
• 
  Eight workbook chapters, each worth 20 points, for a total of 160 points
  
• 
  Attendance and Participation Credit for a total of 40 points
  

You will have the opportunity to earn up to 600 points over the course of the semester. The following grading scale will be used for this class:

600-540 points = Grade of A (Equivalent to 90-100 average)

539-480 points = Grade of B (Equivalent to 80-89 average)

479-420 points = Grade of C (Equivalent to 70-79 average)

419-360 points = Grade of D (Equivalent to 60-69 average)

359 or fewer points = Grade of F (Equivalent to 59 or lower average)

1. 
   SOME THROUGHTS YOUR INSTRUCTOR WISHES TO SHARE WITH YOU
   

You are my students this semester, and I commit myself to doing a good job for you. My goal is for you to deepen your understanding of government, enjoy the class and make the grade you want in the class. Here are some thoughts I want to share:

• 
  Please commit yourself to coming to class every day, as the single most important thing you can do to make sure you make a good grade in this class is to attend every day. As Woody Allen (an old movie director of whom you may have heard) put it, 85 percent of success is showing up. If you miss class, you miss what we covered that day and the discussion pertaining to it. You also lose track of what we are discussing and how ideas fit together.
  
• 
  Beyond that, I encourage you to read the assignments and take notes in class. Most students don’t take notes these days and, as a result, students have become passive learners, expecting that the notes will be sent to them later. That is not my practice, however, as we know with certainty that we learn by writing things down. I will post on Blackboard a version of the PowerPoint slides used in class, not the actual lecture notes. Please bring a notebook and a pen, and take notes in class. You will be amazed what a big help this turns out to be.
  

• 
  I know that government is not the most interesting subject to every student. (I have some theories on why that is true.) I also know that this course (PSCI 1040) has a fairly high number/percentage of students who disappear as the semester moves along, or drop the class, or request an Incomplete, or keep coming but do not submit assignments and/or do poorly on them. That fact is why I am going to share a secret with you at the outset: my goal is that every student taking this class with me this term will make a grade of C or higher. If it looks like that will tough for you, please attend study sessions conducted by the Supplemental Instructor, or talk with me or one of the teaching assistants. We will be able to offer strategies for your success.
  

2. 
   OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS
   

• 
  ADA Compliance: It is the policy of the Department of Political Science and your instructor to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Please present your written request for accommodation as soon as possible after the start of the semester. A student who is not registered with UNT’s Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) cannot be accommodated. Additionally, your accommodation begins after you register with ODA and provide your instructor with the appropriate paperwork. Requests for accommodation cannot be made retroactive.
  

• 
  Academic Integrity: Academic Integrity: Your instructor and the Department of Political Science expect students to conduct themselves with integrity, including academic honesty, and we adhere to a strict policy on cheating and plagiarism. Academic Integrity is defined in the UNT Policy on Student Standards for Academic Integrity. Any suspected case of Academic Dishonesty will be handled in accordance with University Policy and procedures. Possible academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of “F” in the course.  Further sanctions may apply to incidents involving major violations.  You will find the policy and procedures at: http://facultysuccess.unt.edu/academic-integrity.
  

• 
  Intellectual Property: The information and materials provided by the instructor in this course remain our intellectual property and are not to be sold, posted on the Internet, or otherwise used or distributed, whether for profit or not.
  

• 
  Schedule Changes: We will try to adhere to the schedule provided, but it is important to note that changes may be necessary to meet unforeseen needs and events. The University Attorney has determined that a syllabus is not a contract.
  

The Code of Student Conduct and Discipline is in effect in this classroom and throughout the University. My personal expectation is that each Student will conduct himself/herself with regard for the rights of others. My minimal expectations are that:

• 
  Students are expected to arrive on time and remain until class is dismissed.
  

• 
  Students are expected to refrain from all activities that may be distracting for members of the class, including use of the cell phone, eating and drinking, talking, playing computer games, or other activities, whether they are specifically mentioned here or not.
  

• 
  Cell phones must not be used during class, whether to make calls, receive calls, text, or engage in other cell phone-related activities. Please keep your cell phone in your purse, pocket, or otherwise out of sight.
  

• 
  Students are expected to refrain from using any device for activities unrelated to this class. Failure to comply will result in your being asked not to bring such devices to class at all.
  

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this class one where there is an atmosphere of consideration, respect, and friendliness.

COURSE OUTLINE
PART I: Political Culture and Foundation

1. 
   Political Thinking, Philosophical Underpinnings
   
2. 
   Constitutions of the United States and Texas
   
3. 
   Federalism
   

PART II: Civil Liberties, Equal Rights

1. 
   Civil Liberties
   
2. 
   Equal Rights
   

PART III: The Institutions of Government

1. 
   Legislative
   
2. 
   Executive
   
3. 
   Judicial
   

COURSE SCHEDULE

WEEK ONE
8-24 First Day of Class—Discussion of Course Expectations and Requirements
BEGIN PART I: An introduction to political thinking, the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, and Federalism. This part of the course will be spread over
8-26 to 8-28 A. Political Thinking, Philosophical Underpinnings

Text Reading: Chapter 1: American Government, Roots, Context, and Culture

8-31 to 9-14 B. Constitutions of the United States and Texas

Text Reading: Chapter 2: The Constitution

Workbook Chapter 1 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on September 16

SEPT 16 TEST #1
9-16-to 9-28 C. Federalism

Text Reading: Chapter 3: Federalism

Workbook Chapter 2 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on September 28

BEGIN PART II: An overview of two very important topics, civil liberties and civil rights
9-30 to 10-14 A. Civil Liberties

Text Reading: Chapter 4: Civil Liberties

Workbook Chapter 3 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on October 14
OCT 16 TEST #2
10-19 to 10-28 B. Civil Rights

Text Reading: Chapter 5: Civil Rights

Workbook Chapter 4 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on October 28

BEGIN PART III: We will complete the course by studying the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
10-30 to 11-9 A. The Legislative Branch

Text Reading: Chapter 6 in textbook: Congress

Workbook Chapter 5 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on November 9
NOV 11 TEST #3
11-13 to 11-20 B. The Executive Branch

Text Reading: Chapter 7 in textbook The Presidency

Workbook Chapters 6 and 8 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on November 20
11-23 to 12-2 C. The Judicial Branch

Text Reading: Chapter 9: The Judiciary

Workbook Chapter 7 to be completed by 11:59 p.m. on December 2
Class does not meet on Friday, December 4. That is Reading Day.
FINAL EXAM (TEST #4) FOR THIS COURSE.

The final will be given in class at the time scheduled by the University. Students must take the final exam at the assigned time. The course instructor does not have authority to give finals early.

FINAL EXAM: SATURDAY, December 5, 10:30-12:30. Regular Classroom