Dr.
The text required for this
course is American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials, Barbara A.
Bardes, Mack C. Shelley, and Steffen W. Schmidt (2007).
There will be 3 examinations
including the final with the approximate dates of exams being 6/19, 7/10, Final Exam 8/7 (ALL EXAM DATES, EXCLUDING THE FINAL,
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
NOTE:
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ON TIME. Please
note that make-up exams must be scheduled by making an appointment. Calling 826-7595 and they can only be taken
on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
Exams are never given early.
All regular exams will
include four essay questions that for the most part, will be taken from
classroom discussions’, videos, handouts and readings from the assigned text,
and up to 40 fill in the blank, true and false questions, or multiple choice.
Attendance is very important. You are
allowed 2.5 absences (not test days)
after this you might want to consider dropping the class. If you do not drop the class you will be
assigned a grade of “F”. Wayland Baptist
policy: No more than 25% of classroom time can be missed otherwise a grade of
“F” will be assigned.
Classroom participation is
worth a significant portion of your grade.
(25% of grade) In addition,
current events will consume a great deal of the discussion time during this
course.
An oral presentation will be
expected. Topics will be selected during the first or second week of
class. The presentation must be
approximately fifteen minutes in length and accompanied with a three-page
essay, which will be due 8/7. The date of assigned presentations will begin
on approximately 6/22 (15% of
grade). NO LATE WORK WILL BE TAKEN
A journal of not less than
five newspaper articles should be submitted with a half a page summary on
each. Please, make sure your name is on
the folders and all papers are neatly typed.
In order to receive credit, please make sure to include the
articles. (10% of grade) Due 8/7
NO LATE WORK WILL BE TAKEN
EXTRA CREDIT: At least 30 minutes of each class will be
dedicated to individuals bringing in news articles of current events pertaining
to government activity and/or of constitutional significance. Plan on in class discussion regarding the
articles. You are allowed up to ten
articles with each one being worth 10 extra points. You can use the 5 articles you have selected
for your journal. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLETE ANY OF THE REQUIRED COURSE
WORK ANY EXTRA CREDIT EARNED THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER WILL BE DEDUCTED.
If you chose to drop the course,
it is your responsibility to do so. I
will not drop you....if you stop attending and/or exceed the number of absences
(see above), a grade of F will be assigned (THESE GRADES ARE ON YOUR TRANSCRIPT
FOREVER).
Out of consideration for
the class, cell phones & pagers are to be kept on mute. If this is an issue please see me. Please avoid private conversations because it
disturbs the class and me.
In addition, please avoid
doing other course work in the class. If
you are late to class please be courteous and do not slam the door or displace
those that have arrived on time. If roll
has been taken you will want to get with me during break or after class to make
sure that I mark you present. Each tardy
(15 minutes late) counts as one-half an absence.
NO LATE PRESENTATION PAPERS OR JOURNALS WILL BE
ACCEPTED!!
THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL LECTURE COURSE! This
class will be taught utilizing the Socratic method and your involvement is not
only necessary but is a part of your grade.
It is your responsibility to keep up with your chapter readings. The semesters go by very fast so it is
important to come to class prepared.
Government has an effect on many aspects of your life. I hope to
convince you of the importance of active participation in our government. Political Ideology is of no importance to me.
PARTICIPATION
AND/OR THE LACK OF IT, IS OF GREAT CONCERN.
Tolerance for different points of view is expected so please be open
minded and above all respectful. We live
in the greatest nation in the world.... and we are allowed to have differing
views. I look foreword to working with
each and every one of you.
PLAGIARISM will result in a failing grade.
Grading: A 90 average earns an A, an 80 earns a B, a
70 earns a C, a 60 earns a D, and below 60 an F.
CHAPTER
Last day to drop with a “W”
is July 11th
Last day to drop with a
“WP/WF” is July 25th
A break will be provided at
an appropriate time during the class.