Honors American National Government
POS 2050H
Course
Objectives:
This
course provides a comprehensive overview of the American political
system. Through active learning and critical thinking students will
become familiar with the philosophical foundations of American government; the
structure and functions of the three branches of government and various federal
agencies; and the many roles individuals, groups and the news media play in
American politics and policy making.
Major
Learning Outcomes & Course Objectives Stated in Performance Terms:
Below
is a link to SPC’s Curriculum Standards for POS 2050H. When viewing the
list, please scroll down to #51 and select your course, POS 2050H, to view the
complete document.
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/curriculum/index.php?path=CURRICULUM+PLA-QMB
Course
Requirements:
A
large volume of material is covered in this course and students are expected to
come PREPARED each day to discuss the scheduled topic. This includes
completing the assigned reading, any additional material as well as staying up
on current events.
This
class is being conducted as a hybrid course, with in-class time and combined
with out of class online activity. Due to the fact that this is a course
with online activity, you should expect to spend at least 5 hours per week of
outside activity on this course.
Students
are expected to complete a large portion of the course on their own time, and
independent of the traditional classroom setting. That is where the online
portion of the course factors in to assist and guide students in a blended
learning environment. The online portion of this course a vital source
for interaction with the material covered in this course. Students are required
to maintain frequent course activity throughout the session.
Online
activities will include, but not be limited to: retrieving and completing
scheduled assignments, accessing instructor notes, participating in on line
discussion boards, and utilizing assessment tools. All assignments will be
submitted online and out of class assignments.
Honors
Expectations
As
an honors student there are additional expectations in academic performance as
well as assignment responsibilities. Honors students are expected to
participate in all classroom discussions as well as remain active in the online
environment. In many instances during this course you will be asked to
take a leadership role in the active learning of yourself and peers by
contributing to the academic experience for everyone with reflective
discussions and shared academic analysis.
Exams
There will be Four (4)
exams in this course. Alls exams will total 100 points each, consisting
of three multiple-choice with short essay exams and one in-depth essay exam that will be completed outside of class.
Writing Requirements
POS 2050H is a Gordon Rule
course. As part of the class, each student is required to demonstrate
college-level writing skills through multiple writing assignments. This will be
fulfilled via the following assignments:
·
Multiple-Choice
Exams
- short essay responses: Each multiple choice exam will include a minimum of
two (2) short essay questions in which students will be asked to write a
spontaneous essay focusing on specific test questions.
·
By completing the “Out of Class”
Essay Exam. Your essay exam is expected
to be an in-depth college-level essay project, incorporating APA writing
formats. This assignment must include
critical analysis and thoughtful academic elaboration of the subject matter
that it covers.
·
A
series of web exploration assignments - These are out of class
assignments in which students are asked to visit certain web sites that
accompany certain subjects in the course, and then either answer a series of
analytical questions or write a short essay reporting what they found on their
web site expedition.
·
By
completing the “Government in Action” Essay Project with Class Presentation – This is a reflective essay project
consisting of a formal research based essay covering a topic assigned to you by
Mr. Bilirakis at the start of the semester. The essay is expected to be
an in-depth college-level writing project, incorporating APA writing format and
standards. This assignment must include critical analysis and thoughtful
academic elaboration of the subject matter that it covers. There will be
a minimum of 3 sources (including your textbook) used in the minimum 1000 word
essay. Your essay and presentation will have a specific due date during
the semester. The presentation portion will include an original power
point file that will accompany your class discussion. Each student will have 30 minutes scheduled
for their presentation and discussion. A
writing rubric and more specific instructions are posted in ANGEL for students
to access.
APA citations are required for all assignments/presentations/exams/papers
in which a student is reading information and then reporting on what they have
read or researched. Please review the APA citation and plagiarism resources
found in MYCOURSES. WHEN IN DOUBT,
CITE!!!
This
course is designed to meet the college's writing requirement. Therefore,
you are expected to write at least 2,000 words to fulfill the expectations set
forth by the college. A passing grade CANNOT be awarded to those students who
do not fulfill the writing requirement for this course.
Optional
Extra Credit Opportunity
Complete “Government
in Action” Experience Paper – This is a short critical analysis paper
reflecting on your selected government in action experience of either a local,
state or national government session, meeting or hearing. This essay must
meet college-level grammatical standards and expectations of college-level
writers. Details found online.
Participation
Class participation is
essential to success in this course. Students are expected to come
prepared (having read the assigned chapter & notes) to discuss the
scheduled topics, contribute to group activities and engage in academic
discussions.
There will be a series
of web exploration assignments that students will complete throughout the
semester. They will correspond with certain chapters that we are studying
and will be assigned as homework to be completed outside of class.
Successful completion of these assignments will be counted as part of your
overall participation grade.
In addition, we will be
discussing daily news worthy events and political happenings. Therefore,
students should make themselves aware of current events and be familiar with
the world around them.
|
4
Exams |
|
|
|
50
points each |
400 total |
|
|
1
Opinion Paper |
||
|
2
Presentations |
50
points each |
100 total |
*** Points will NOT be
rounded up for the final grade
Please note that in
order for this class to count towards satisfying the Gordon
Rule requirement, you
must earn a grade of “C” or higher.
Attendance
/ Participation Policies:
Daily
attendance is essential to success in this course. Students are expected
to attend class and complete all assignments & exams by their due dates in
order to demonstrate continuous active participation
in this course. In order to maintain active participation in the course,
students must complete web assignments as we progress through the semester,
take each exam as scheduled, and complete the opinion paper project, in addition
to weekly engagement in the course.
If
a student accumulates 4 unexcused absences or ceases to complete the scheduled
assignments and/or exams in a timely manner, he or she will be considered
non-participating and therefore eligible for a “WF” at the 60% point in the
semester. If a student’s status changes to non-participating after the
60% drop date, the student will be awarded a failing grade for the course.
Students
are responsible for all assignments due and material covered during an absence.
If you are absent it is necessary to call or email your instructor and find out
what you have missed. Again, you must contact your instructor immediately
if you miss class in order to keep current on assignments and maintain active
participation in the course. You may withdraw yourself with a “W” on
or before October 23, 2014. Students will receive a “WF” for
withdrawals after the voluntary withdrawal deadline.
Students
are expected to attend the entire class period. You should plan to arrive
on time and leave only when the class has ended. Excessive tardiness or
leaving the classroom early on a regular basis disturbs others & is not
considered good academic conduct.
Since
this course touches on various political subjects and the sometimes controversial
dynamics of American Government, it is essential for us to maintain a civil
classroom environment. Students are expected to show the utmost respect
and courtesy for their peers and those with differing viewpoints.
Assignment/
Exam Completion:
You
are allowed only one (1) prearranged “make-up” for a missed exam. If
you do not contact Mrs. Roberson on THE DAY OF YOUR MISSED EXAM (via email,
phone or other) you will receive a ZERO for the test.
ALL
assignments will be submitted online and ALL exams will be completed online
unless prearranged with your instructor. This means that if you have any
technical concerns or documented reasons for NOT completing assignments or
exams online via MYCOURSES – you must arrange an alternative method of
completion BEFORE the assignment or exam is due. This is done by
contacting your instructor, discussing the concerns and obtaining written
permission to turn in assignments or exams in an alternative manner to online
submission.
ALL
assignments/exams completed through MYCOURSES must be submitted or completed
within the assignment or exam folder. Emailed assignments will NOT be
graded. Again, assignments or other files that are emailed will not
be accepted and the student will receive a zero for the task. If you
experience a technical problem and it impedes your ability to submit the
assignment/exam properly, it must be documented and verified by the SPC
technology helpdesk (727) 341-HELP. In addition, you must contact me
before the due date/time to let me know your technical problem. Remember,
your phone works well if your internet is out. You will know all due
dates and deadlines well in advance, so you should make sure to plan ample
time, well in advance of the due dates, to be online via your computer or the
college’s computers in order to complete coursework for this class. As
with the exams, only one technical difficulty “mulligan” is permitted if you
contact me by the due/closing date/time AND with proper documentation and
verification of the problem.
Cheating
and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with according to SPC
policies! Please read through the policy link below.
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/admit/honesty.htm
SPC
Syllabus addendum: Please read through the SPC policies and deadlines.
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm
OPTIONAL
RESOURCES
Tutoring/Study Skills
Information: http://www.spcollege.edu/tsc/info_commons.htm
Technical Support Help
Desk: 727-341-4357 http://www.spjc.edu/helpdesk/
Accident and Health
Insurance information is available in the Business Office
Counseling:
727-712-5761
International
Students: See Mirva Cuevas, International Student Advisor,
727-712-5761
Career Development Center:
727-712-5438 http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/catalog/current/career_dev_center.htm
Guide to Online
Learning: http://www.spcollege.edu/ecampus/help/tips.htm