Name: Joanna Briganti Title: Assistant
Professor of Political Science
Email:JBriganti@mail.monroe.cc.mi.us
POLSC 101 - American Institutions
(This course is not currently offered).
COURSE SYLLABUS
Textbook (bring to class)
American Government. Eighth Edition. Walter E. Volkomer.
Methodology
Classes are primarily lecture, discussions and in-class activities, with some variation from session to session. Small group discussions, debates, and student activities will be facilitated, and various media will be utilized to involve students and maintain interest.
Course Requirements
1. Attendance/Participation/In-Class Learning Activities:
Attendance is absolutely required. There will be material presented in class that will supplement the material in the textbook. At times extensive material is covered in class outside of the textbook. Students are responsible for all material covered during class sessions including class activities. Note taking is very strongly recommended. Notebook computers are welcome if self-powered and quiet.
Attendance is also necessary to earn enough points for a higher grade in this course. As noted below, points are awarded for participation in various in-class activities.
2. Text and Supplemental Readings/Assignments:
Students are expected to read the assigned material before each class session and be prepared to participate in discussions or activities related to the text readings. Additional readings and homework assignments may be assigned during the semester.
3. Critical Thinking Essays:
Two brief research/essay projects are required to complete the course. You may pick any two projects from the attached list. One will be due near the midpoint of the semester, and the second project will be due near the end of the semester (see attached schedule). NO LATE PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED FOR POINTS. Note: The college provides writing assistance through the Writing Fellows Program and the Learning Assistance Laboratory.
Essay Requirements:
- Cover page with your name and course section number. You must note which "Required Activity" you complete for each assignment on your cover sheet.
- Please staple - no plastic report covers
- Set margins at one-inch on all borders; Double-spaced; 10 or 12 point font.
- Essays must be two - four typed pages in length. You must, in writing, discuss your project in your own words with some depth of understanding.
- Be sure to follow the directions for the project as written. See me well before the due date if you are not sure how to proceed with a certain assignment, or if you are unclear about any instructions.
These assignments are graded as follows:
- Clearly written with each assignment objective specifically explained and answered. = 15 points
- Thoroughly analyzed; the student has provided critical thoughts of their own with some depth to the discussion. Multiple thoughts discussed for each assignment objective. Two page minimum met. = 25 points.
- Mechanics: college-level spelling and grammar = 5 points
- Correct essay format, properly typed and formatted as instructed above = 5 points.
- Total points possible for each assignment = 50 points.
5. Exams/Quizzes:
There will be four exams administered in class. The exams will consist of some combination of multiple choice and true/false questions, with possibly some matching questions or short answer. Questions for exams are drawn from all course resources: textbook, lecture, activities, handouts, and movies.
As a policy, NO MAKE-UP EXAMS ARE GIVEN (proven emergencies considered on a case-by-case basis). Exams are weighted as outlined below. Missed exams or quizzes will receive a score of zero points. In the event that a make-up exam or quiz is allowed because of an emergency, that quiz or exam will be different from the quiz or exam administered in class. All assignments and tests will be kept by the instructor. You will be given the opportunity to examine your grade and any comments written on the assignments. You should make yourself a copy of all completed assignments and your position paper before you turn them in.
Current Events Articles/Discussions – Replacement Points:
Up to 20 replacement points may be earned by leading a class discussion on a current event found in a written article from the news media. In order to earn the full twenty points you must engage the class in conversation and debate. The objective of a current event discussion is to explore student opinion and share knowledge regarding what’s in the political news—not to give an oral report. You must see me to conduct a discussion and to set a date.
Final Grades
Grades are determined by a point/percentage system. Critical Thinking Essays, homework, and in-class activities are required assignments, and if not completed will result in lower calculation of the final grade. Late assignments will not receive grade points.
Exams (50 points x 4) - 200 POINTS
Critical Thinking Essays (50 points x 2) - 100
In-class activities/homework - 150
Replacement points ?
Total points possible = 450
A = 405 - 450 points (90%)
B = 360 - 404 (80%)
C = 315 - 359 (70%)
D = 270 - 359 (60%)
E = less then 270 points
Policy on Academic Dishonesty
The student handbook policies regarding cheating and plagiarism apply in this class. Copying material is one form of plagiarism, even if the material is not copied word for word. You may be asked to produce your sources where plagiarism is expected.
SCHEDULE - FALL 1999: