Helpful Hint - Read
This Entire Web Page (and all links).
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...
It is much more work, at an accelerated
pace.
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.
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Table of Contents:
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1.
Textbooks,
Class Rules & Expectations, SLO Rubric
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2.
How
to Reach Me
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3.
Schedule
(Due Dates)
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4.
Grading
& Assignments Explanations
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5.
LACC
& Related info
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6.
Week
1 (ONE) Checklist and "Student Statement"
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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" text for this
class: Click Here.
ALSO
YOU MUST BUY A "California Government" text book: OR Buy 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. 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.
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.
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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.”
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Rubric: (1) Quality of example (2)
Quality of explanation
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“F” 0
No thesis
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“D” 1
Poor thesis
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“C” 2
Adequate thesis
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“B” 3
Strong thesis
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“A” 4
Exemplary thesis
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0
No examples
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1
Poor example
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2
Adequate example
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3
Strong example
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4
Exemplary example
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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!)
PLEASE include your name and section number in all texts and
emails, or I will not respond.
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.
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3. Schedule (Due Dates)…
Schedule: The week ends 11:59 Sunday. All work is
due by end of week.
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Week (dates)
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Reading (Chps from "We The People')& Lecture Topic
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Work
Due
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week
1
2/6
2/8
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"Intro to Political Science"
*Student
Self Assessment &
Ugly English Assignment Explained - Orwell Article .... Click
here for Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”
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Take
the Student Self Assessment bring it to class on 8/30*
Student Statement DUE
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week 2
2/13
2/15
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No Reading; “Your
Globe and You”
Ch 1 ..... "US Political
Culture"
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Course Project "1st Thesis" DUE
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week
3
2/20
2/22
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Ch 2 ... Why Back then never was"
Ch 3 ... "How's your relationship?" (with
the Federal Government)
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QUIZ #1 DUE
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week
4
2/27
3/1
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Chs
4 & 5.... "Civil Rights & Civil Liberties and Are You
Rich?"
No Reading, LIBRARY DAY - Meet outside
MLK Library
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QUIZ #2 DUE
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week
5
3/6
3/8
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No Reading: "Critical Thinking and YOU"
Ugly
English Assign. - Instant Grade-ification
Class
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QUIZ #3 DUE
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week
6
3/13
3/15
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Guest Speaker
Ch 6 ... "Methodology"
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QUIZ #4 DUE
Critical Thinking Project DUE
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week
7
3/20
3/22
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Should
We Run It? Print it out - BRING
IT TO CLASS or have access to it.
Ch 7 "The Media - Setting the
Agenda"
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QUIZ #5 DUE
Course Project "Working References" DUE
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week
8
3/27
3/29
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Internship/Job Fair on Quad & Speaker in Student Union…
Ch 8... "We the People..."
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Mid Term Essay Exam Due.
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4/2-
4/8
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Spring Break
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Party ID Project DUE on Canvas *and
bring to class on4/10
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week
9
4/10
4/12
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Ch 9... "Where's the party
at?" BRING your PARTY ID PROJECT to Class!
Guest Speaker
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QUIZ #6 DUE
Course Project "Working Thesis" DUE
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week
10
4/17
4/19
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Ch 10... "How to get elected" Create "Your Candidate"
Your
Candidate's Ad - Instant Grade-ification
in Class
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Political Contribution Project DUE on Canvas * and bring to class on 4/24
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week
11
4/24
4/26
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Ch 11... "Interest Groups" BRING in Political Contribution Project
Who is your Senators and Congressmen? Find Out Before Class!
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QUIZ #7 DUE
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week
12
5/1
5/3
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Ch 12... "...and three or more is a
Congress"
California State Senate Simulation Game
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QUIZ #8 DUE
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week
13
5/8
5/10
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Ch 13... "He (or maybe She) is just the
president"
Crisis
in Cuba - Should We Invade?
Print it - bring it to class (Also bring a map of Cuba).
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QUIZ #9 DUE
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week
14
5/15
5/17
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Ch 14... "The Bureaucratic Theory"
Ch 15... "...and justice for all."
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Course Project DUE
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week
15
5/22
5/24
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Course Project Poster Day Poster Due in Class
SLOs, final business...
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QUIZ #10 DUE
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5/29 - 6/3
Final Exam Week - See Final Exam Schedule
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When
the assignment is closed on CANVAS - you are too late!
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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
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Student Statement (5) & Course
Project "1st Thesis" (5)
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10
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10 Quizzes) (10 each)
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100
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Course Project
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100
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Course Project "Working
References"
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10
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Course Project "Working
Thesis"
Course Project Poster & Presentation
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10
10
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Ugly English Example and Translation
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20
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Critical Thinking Project
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20
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Political Party ID Project
Candidate’s Ad
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20
10
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Political Contribution Project
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20
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Mid-Term Exam Paper
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50
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Final Exam (7 parts)
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100
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Total Possible Points
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500
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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
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B
449 - 400
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C
399 - 350
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D
349 - 300
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F
Below 300
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I will not grant an incomplete. So
please do not ask!
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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.
Course Project Poster & Presentation where you make a Poster that helps as a
visual aide to talk about your Course Project for two minutes (on Course
Project Day).
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:
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.
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 about Critical
Thinking and the Project
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.
Your Candidate’s Ad: This can In
class, you will construct a Candidate and a message, after learning your
opponent’s strategy you have to choice to stay with your original message or
respond… This is done in class.
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 Essay Exam: 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.
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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 your name on 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.
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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. 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 1.. The class schedule will NOT change for you. You must
adapt to it.
3. This is a large class so please be courteous and give
me time to grade things...
4. Read the student handbook especially about cheating
and doing your own work.
5. 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.. 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!"
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Some words from the past:
“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
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