|
Helpful Hint - Read This Entire Web Page (and all links), about 14
pages.
This class is 15 weeks. It moves very fast - do not fall behind or you
will fail! This class is NOT easier than a "normal" on campus
class...
And you DO IT ALONE!!!
Is this all too much for you? Maybe this class is NOT
FOR YOU?
THINK and be honest with yourself.
|
Table of Contents:
|
1.
Textbooks,
Class Rules & Expectations, SLO Rubric
|
|
|
2.
How
to Reach Me
|
|
|
3.
Schedule
(Due Dates)
|
|
|
4.
Grading
& Assignments Explanations
|
|
|
5.
LACC
& Related info
|
|
|
6.
Week
1 (ONE) Checklist and "Student Statement"
|
|
1.
Textbooks,
Class Rules & Expectations, SLO Rubric…
GET
YOUR BOOK(s) NOW and start reading:
Text:
"We the People," by Ginsberg, Lowi
& Weir. Shorter Tenth edition (10th, 2015), WW Norton Publisher (or any
recent edition). You may purchase the new text from the LACC bookstore. Why
not buy a used version of our text online?There
are many versions of WW Norton's Ginsberg's We The People - any of them
will work.
NOTE WELL:
There are many US Government Texts called: "We the People." Only
the one by Ginsberg, Lowi & Weir is
acceptable. It must be published by W.W. Norton. Any recent used edition of
this text by these authors and this publisher is acceptable to use for this
class.
For a No Cost E-Book that
can be used as a substitute for "We the People" textbook: Click
Here.
ALSO
YOU MUST GET A "California Government" text book: ANY recent Textbook on California Government (there
are about 30 different one's out there). ANY ONE WILL WORK! "Governing
California " by Anagnoson et al., Published
by WW Norton, 2015, comes with the bookstore package (for free?). There are
many used (and cheap) California Government Textbooks - they all work the
same - they help you prepare to do your course project. Any recent
California Government text will work... get a cheap used one online. You
need this to do your Course Project.
Course Objectives:
Students will develop an
understanding of and be able to discuss the following concepts: power, federalism,
limited government, civil liberties, the pluralist and elite theories of
U.S. government, the legislative process, the electoral process, interest
groups, the independent judiciary, political parties, domestic and foreign
policy and the role of the media in politics. Students will be able to
write college level essays on all these topics. Students will be expected
to analyze their own political beliefs and others'. Students will also
learn to spot "ugly English."
Course Learning Outcomes & Rubric:
Students will (outcome) To the following standard (criteria) As measured by the
following method (assessment)
|
Sp. '18 SLO: Determine the impact
of the news media on American politics and state and local politics.
|
|
|
Prompt: “Give an example of the news media’s impact on US and/or California politics.
Include strong thesis and explain the relevance of your example.”
|
|
|
Rubric: (1) Quality of example (2)
Quality of explanation
|
|
|
“F” 0
No thesis
|
“D” 1
Poor thesis
|
“C” 2
Adequate thesis
|
“B” 3
Strong thesis
|
“A” 4
Exemplary thesis
|
|
0
No examples
|
1
Poor example
|
2
Adequate example
|
3
Strong example
|
4
Exemplary example
|
|
|
|
|
2.
How
to Reach Me…
Campus
Office: FH 219 - LACC ext. 2562
On
Campus Office Hours: Mon. & Wed.: 9 – 9:30am AND Tu. &
Th. 10 -11am
Virtual
Office Hours: I will return your
text as soon as I can, instantly if possible. The rest of the time I will
get back to you within 24 hours (not Friday - Sunday).
The BEST way is to text me at (323) 920-5308
(it's google voice - text only please). During office hours, I'll get right
back to you, any other time of the week (Mon. - Thurs.), I'll try to get
back to you with in the day.
Text me at (323)
920-5308. TEXT ONLY - I will do pick up or listen to voice messages on
this number. I will respond with 24 hours (Mon. - Thurs.).
Please! No Drunk Texting (No drunk
texting ever!)
Or send me an email
(meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu), or send me a message on CANVAS.
Or call and leave a message at (323) 953-4000
x2562 Non emergency
calls only - I check it through our email system.
OR Stop by and visit sometime!
Please: Do not communicate with me
using Facebook or Linked-in or any other social media as these are NOT
appropriate ways for us to communicate in this course. Please leave me my
virtual privacy.
If you wish to do so, you may follow me on Instagram,
under jopeyer. Please do not feel you should.\
|
|
3.
Schedule
(Due Dates)…
|
Schedule: The week ends 11:59 Sunday. All work is
due by end of week.
|
|
You can do work early, but you CANNOT do
it late!!!!
By the end of week 1 - if you have not
done the student statement - you WILL be excluded from the class!
The Lectures on in PAGES on Canvas.
|
|
Week (dates)
|
Reading (Chps from "We The People')& Lecture Topic, other links
|
Work
Due BEFORE Sunday, 11:59pm on Canvas
|
|
week
1
2/5-2/11
|
No reading…… "Intro to Political Science"
*Student
Self Assessment This is for YOU
– take it seriously, please keep it private.
Ugly English Assignment Explained - Orwell Article .... Click
here for Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”
|
Student Statement DUE
Say Hello on Welcome class discussion on Canvas
|
|
week 2
2/12-2/18
|
Ch 1 ..... "US
Political Culture"
Read Link: "Critical Thinking and YOU"
Class
Discussion (CD) #1 Opens
|
Your Post for CD#1
|
|
week
3
2/19-2/25
|
Ch 2 ... Why Back then never was"
Ch 3 ... "How's your relationship?" (with
the Federal Government)
|
Course Project "1st Thesis"
Your Responses on CD#1
|
|
week
4
2/26-3/4
|
Chs
4 & 5.... "Civil Rights & Civil Liberties and Are You
Rich?"
Class
Discussion #2 Opens
|
Your Post for CD#2
|
|
week
5
3/5-3/11
|
Class
Discussion #2 Closes
|
Ugly English
Example & Translation
Your Responses on CD#2
|
|
week
6
3/12-3/18
|
Ch 6 ... "Methodology"
Class
Discussion #3 Opens
|
Critical Thinking Project
Your Post for CD#3
|
|
week
7
3/19-3/25
|
Ch 7 "The Media - Setting the
Agenda"
Class
Discussion #3 Closes
|
Course Project "Working References"
Your Responses on CD#3
|
|
week
8
3/26-4/1
|
Ch 8... "We the People..."
Class
Discussion #4 Opens
|
Party ID Project
Your Post for CD#4
|
|
4/2-
4/8
|
Spring Break
|
|
|
week
9
4/9-4/15
|
Ch 9... "Where's the party at?"BRING your PARTY ID PROJECT to Class!
Class
Discussion #4 Closes
|
Course Project "Working Thesis”
Your Responses on CD#4
|
|
week
10
4/16-4/22
|
Ch 10... "How to get elected"
Class
Discussion #5 Opens
|
Political Contribution Project
Your Post for CD#5
|
|
week
11
4/23-4/29
|
Ch 11... "Interest Groups"
Class
Discussion #5 Closes
|
Your Responses on CD#5
|
|
week
12
4/30-5/6
|
Ch 12... "...and three or more is a
Congress"
Class
Discussion #6 Opens
|
Your Post for CD#6
|
|
week
13
5/7-5/13
|
Ch 13... "He (or maybe She) is just the
president"
Class
Discussion #6 Closes
|
Your Responses on CD#6
|
|
week
14
5/14-5/20
|
Ch 14... "The Bureaucratic Theory"
Class
Discussion #7 Opens
|
Course Project
Your Post for CD#7
|
|
week
15
5/21-5/27
|
Ch 15... "...and justice for all."
Class
Discussion #7 Closes
|
Your Responses for CD#7
|
|
5/29 - 6/3 - Final Exam Week. Course Close 6/3/18
|
|
When
the assignment is closed on Canvas - you are too late!
|
|
|
4.
Grading
& Assignments Explanations…
|
No Late work will be accepted. No Late
work will be graded. You will earn 0 points for all late work. ALL WORK
is posted on Canvas
|
|
Student Statement (5) & Course
Project "1st Thesis" (5)
|
10
|
|
7 class Discussion (Quizzes) (20 each)
|
140
|
|
Course Project
|
100
|
|
Course Project "Working
References"
|
10
|
|
Course Project "Working
Thesis"
|
10
|
|
|
|
Ugly English Example and Translation
|
20
|
|
Critical Thinking Project
|
20
|
|
Political Party ID Project
|
20
|
|
Political Contribution Project
|
20
|
|
|
|
Mid-Term Exam Paper
|
50
|
|
Final Exam (7 parts)
|
100
|
|
Total Possible Points
|
500
|
|
This class is transferable to UC and CSU
system.
This is a college level class. We have no
time for your drama, games, disruptions, nor for that matter, anything
that distracts from the class. You are expected be an adult.
Please do not involve me (nor the class)
in the drama that is your life!
NO EXCUSES! Here
is a list of real excuses sent to me from my online students. SPARE ME YOUR LAME EXCUSES!
As the great poetess said: "Be grow
or be gone."
For my grading rubric on the Course
Project, Mid Term Exam Essay and the rest of the assignments, click
here .
Approximate
Points-to-Letter Grade scale:
|
A
500 - 450
|
B
449 - 400
|
C
399 - 350
|
D
349 - 300
|
F
Below 300
|
I will not grant an incomplete. So
please do not ask!
|
Work
associated with the Course Project:
PLEASE - Do Not use headers, etc. (on any
work for this class)
For your Course Project you will need to READ
any California Government Text. Buy it cheap, online, read it in a few days... Use it for
background information (DO NOT CITE any textbooks, ever). They are all
about 100 pages or less and you will NEED the background that a California
Governmental text book will provide to do a good job on your Course
Project.
The three assignments due before the
Course Project is due are to help you prepare and build a great paper which
is your Course Project.
Course Project "1st Thesis" in a sentence or two, you should be
able to respond to one of the four questions provided below. It should be
clear, concise and have a point worth making. It should also be clear which
of the four questions you are responding to. If you make a good faith attempt
it can't really be wrong. Keep in mind this thesis will probably change...
maybe it should.
Course Project "Working
References" should be at
least ten (10) college level sources you will be using in your course
project paper. Must be in APA format.
Course Project "Working Thesis" will be one sentence that, at least at the
time this assignment is due, is currently the thesis statement of your
Course Project Paper.
Your Course Project In a well organized
and well written (at least) ten page paper, with
APA citations, you will show research and make an argument in response to
one of the following four questions about California state and local
government policy:
1. What is the ONE (1) MOST
important problem facing California? State specifically what must be
done by the State of California (or a local government in California) to
"fix" or improve this one issue. Give specific examples of this
issue or problem and say what MUST BE DONE! Focus on one aspect of the
solution to the problem, no matter how small. What state policy would
address this issue positively? What can be done to improve the situation?
What can be done (or not done) to make things better for this issue?... Or
even simply to stop it from getting worse? Of course
you should use other's ideas, just cite them properly. Be specific. Be
Bold. But Be Realistic.
2. How can we improve some aspect
of the public educational system in California? Be specific. What is
ONE (1) proposal to “fix” some small area or issue within the state's
education system? Make an argument for a specific educational policy change
that will help improve some specific aspect of our state's educational
system. Of course you should use other's ideas,
just cite them properly. Be specific. Be Bold. But Be Realistic.
3. Identify the one (1) most
endangered element of our state government design that was inspired by, or
is a result of, the progressive reforms. Be specific as to how it is
endangered and what that might mean for California. What MUST be done NOW
to preserve, correct or improve upon that progressive reform to strengthen
democracy in California? Of course you should use
other's ideas, just cite them properly. Be specific. Be Bold. But Be
Realistic.
4. Looking at crime and the
criminal justice system of California (state or local), identify one (1)
area or problem that can be "fixed" or at least improved, by some
specific state or local government policy. Something that is being done
that can be improved. Something that isn't being done but should be, or something
that is being done that shouldn't be...What must be done NOW to improve
some aspect of crime fighting and prevention or the rest of our state
criminal justice system or? Of course you should
use other's ideas, just cite them properly. Be specific. Be Bold But Be Realistic. Be specific.
The Body of Your Paper should be MORE THAN ten
(10) pages AT LEAST! With more than 15 sources, properly used and cited. (Of course the title page and etc
does NOT count in the page count).
Other
Assignments for this class:
Class Discussion (which are also Quizzes) These are essays tied to the text book. You can find
the words and concepts to answer in the text book but the understanding has
to come from you. You are expected to use the vocabulary and concepts in
the book to answer the essay questions asked about you, your politics, your
beliefs, your knowledge, etc... they will always be open on Canvas when
scheduled. Use the vocabulary from the text and lectures. Make the
vocabulary words your own words...You need to write MORE than 500 words for
each question (about two pages, typed, double spaced, or about three solid
college level paragraphs. You POST
this one week the first week of the discussion and then you respond to at least
two others, saying real, constructive things that demonstrate that your
read their post..... DO MORE than the minimum…do
less than the minimum and earn far less...
The UGLY ENGLISH EXAMPLE AND TRANSLATION simply involves finding an example of what
Orwell calls "ugly English." Then translate your example it into
"standard" or "simplified" English. First, Click
Here.
Then: Find an example (a word or phrase) and type it in quotes. Note
the source. Provide the simplified "translation" of how the
author (or speaker or whatever) could have better made the point. You can
use newspapers, magazines, text books, radio or TV broadcasts, even things
you hear people. All these are places to find examples of inappropriate
jargon, obtuse verbiage, over-used expressions, inappropriate foreign terms
and the like. Be creative, this just might be fun! For further information
and examples:
The Critical Thinking Op-Ed (Commentary) Project: First, choose the op-ed piece
or article you will be analyzing. You can use an opinion piece or article
from any newspaper, magazine, web site, etc... It does not have to be about
politics, but wouldn't it make more sense if it were? A traditional
opinion/editorial is an argument by someone who is clearly identified, paid
to write it, and qualified to have an opinion on the subject. DO NOT use
editorials (they have no "by line." - they are written by a
staff). DO NOT use "letters to the editor." DO NOT USE BLOGS -
unless the piece conforms to the standards of a traditional op-ed piece
(from 250 - 1500 words, clearly on one topic, expert, etc).
The web page explains the eight answers you must provide about the op-ed
piece. Just fill in the blanks, with bullet points or brief clauses, do not
copy the question - Post answers on Canvas in the assignment section. Click here to learn more: “Critical
Thinking And YOU”
The Party Identification (ID) Project: The
Party Identification (ID) Project - click here for details - You are forced to look around your world and find
which political party people around you identify with. Then you share
our results on Canvas. Just follow the directions and you will earn the max
points!!! You DO NOT have to post the
names of the people you asked - just discuss the results.
The Political Contribution Project: The
Political Contribution Project - click here for more details - You have a million dollars to
give to either five political groups. This can be done on the web and
just might be fun - check it out. Post work on Canvas in
assignment section - just follow the directions and you'll earn the max
points!!
The Mid-Term Exam Paper: On Canvas, you will post a 5 -8 page paper responding to one of four prompts taken
from the “Some Things To Think About” at the bottom of each lecture. Click here for details of Mid-Term Exam Paper
The FINAL EXAM : 50 points for (my choice of) One or two of the
ESSAYS from the list provided by clicking
here. and
one to five (5) "short answer" questions (1-3 paragraphs) based
on the discussion questions on each weekly lecture pages ("Some things
to think about"). The Final
cannot be taken early. No work will be accepted after the final closes. The
Final CAN NOT be taken late.. Click
Here To See Potential Final Exam LONG Essay
Questions.
|
|
5.
LACC
& Related info…
Students are responsible to live up to, and adhere to,
all rules and regulations listed in the Student Handbook, the College Catalog,
the College Schedule of Classes, and the various regulations, requirements
and rules of the College and the District.
Students with disabilities or who need any assistance or
reasonable accommodation should contact the instructor. Such students are
encouraged to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services
Note Well: Plagiarism is the serious ethical and
legal violation of presenting other people's words or ideas as your own.
Plagiarism or any other form of cheating can result in a failing grade for
the paper, a failing grade for the course, and a formal report to the dean
of students. See the student conduct code in the Catalog and Schedule of
Classes.
Students are encouraged to form and work in study
groups. However each student must do her or his
own work. Students who copy, cheat, plagiarize or in other fashion violate
the spirit or letter (or both) of the rules of the College or the District
(or both) may be excluded from this class, at a minimum.
Please do not ask for an incomplete. I will not grant
it.
Any questions - please email me: meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu
Canvas, email
and the internet are NOT PERFECT (me neither, you?). If you think I have
made an error or an omission, email me ASAP!
PLEASE - Always include your Full Name & section
number in all emails and all texts (ur name on
all txts, pls). Or I
will not respond.
LACC Addendum
Mandatory Information - Spring 2018
Course: POL SCI 001
Title: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Course Description: An introduction to United States and California government
and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions
and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior,
political issues, and public policy.
Units/Transferability: Transferrable to UC and CSU
Grading Scale or Criteria
A - Excellent
B - Good
C - Satisfactory
D - Less than satisfactory
F - Failing
P - Pass; at least equivalent to a “C” grade or better
NP - Not Pass; equal to “D” or “F” grade;
Drop Date and
Repeats: For classes from
8/28/17 to 12/17/17, the deadline to drop without a “W” on your transcript
is September 10, 2017. Effective July 1, 2012 students are allowed three
(3) attempts to pass a single class within the Los Angeles Community
College District. If a student gets a “W” or grade of “D”, “F”, or “NP” in
a class, that counts as an attempt. If you think you will not be able to
complete this course with a C or better, drop the class.
Attendance Policy:
Students who are
registered and miss the first class meeting may lose
their right to a place in the class. Whenever students are absent more
hours than the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor may
exclude them
from class. If the instructor determines that there are no mitigating
circumstances that may justify the absences, the instructor may exclude a
student from the class. Students are responsible for officially dropping a
class that they stop
attending.
Financial Aid: If you need help
paying for books and other college expenses, call the Financial Aid Office
at (323) 953-4000 ext.2010, http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/.
Accommodations: Students with a verified disability who
may need authorized accommodation(s) for this class are encouraged to
notify the instructor and the Office of Special Services (323-953-4000,
ext.2270) as soon as possible, and at least two weeks before any exam or
quiz. All information will remain confidential.
Student Code of
Conduct: Violations of academic integrity include, but are not
limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working
together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has
specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term
paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume
one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade (see LACCD Board
Rule 9803.28). Penalties may include a grade of zero or
"F" on an exam or paper, or even suspension from the College.
|
|
6. Week 1 (ONE) Checklist and "Student Statement"…
Week 1 Checklist:
1. Register for the class. Buy the Text book. Buy it
used, it's cheaper. If you buy it at the LACC bookstore it comes with the
California Government Text included (for free?). If you buy the text used,
also buy any current California Government text.
2. Get on Canvas and read the Class Home Page/Syllabus
and READ IT. Begin doing all the things for the checklist BEFORE Day
3.. The class schedule will NOT change for you. You must
adapt to it.
4. This is a large class so please be courteous and give
me time to grade things...
5. Read the student handbook especially about cheating
and doing your own work.
6. After you have done all of the above and can honestly
attest to everything in the student statement (Below) - copy it and paste
it into the proper place in Canvas. Make sure you put your FULL NAME and
Section Number) where it belongs (2 places) and - DO NOT email it to me ...
just post it on Canvas. (Wait for it to open on th
first day of class) And don’t forget
to sign in on the Week 1 Hello Class discussion on canvas. Do both of these
and stay in the class, Fail to do both and be
dropped after week 1.
"Student
Statement" for Political Science 1, ONLINE:
|
. I,
________________________________(insert your name
and section #), swear and attest to the following:
. 1.) That I have read
the ENTIRE Class Home Page/Syllabus and all the links.
. 2.) I am able to
access Canvas. I have verified my email address.
. 3.) I have read the
student code of conduct (in the student handbook) and understand that I
can work with others but I MUST DO MY OWN WORK! No one will do any of the
work in the class for me. I will not cheat, or in any way, violate the
letter, nor spirit, of the district and college policies. I understand
that plagiarism is a serious offense which will result in receiving 0
points for the work plagiarized, and contacting the Dean of Student
Services for possible college action
. 4.) I will not make
any anonymous postings. I will be courteous and appropriate in all my
emails and postings and texts.
I
_____________________________________(your name
and section number) do so declare and affirm!"
|
|
|
Some thoughts from over 100 years ago…
"We live in an age of great events and
little men, and if we are
not to become the slaves of our own systems or sink oppressed among the
mechanism we ourselves created, it will only be by the bold efforts of
originality, by repeated experiments, and by the dispassionate
consideration of the results of sustained and unflinching thought."
Nov., 12, 1901. Sir Winston Churchill.
|
|
|
jopeyer.com - meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu -
TEXT ONLY (323) 920-5308
|
|
|