American National Government
Syllabus - Read
this syllabus like a contract: it specifies what can
be expected from the course, as well as the
obligation of each student in preparing for and attending class. Students
are expected to be aware of all the material contained in the syllabus.
Portions of the syllabus may change with prior warning from the instructor, and
all changes will be announced in class.
Shane Rogers Instructor
E-Mail:…… srogers@lakeland.cc.il.us
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course aims at highlighting the mechanisms and complexities of American
government and politics at the national level. This course hopes to expose
students to some theoretical approaches within the field, focusing upon
important issues and debates in American politics at the national level.
The course will enable the student to understand the workings of state and
local governments, and in doing so, broaden the student's ability to interpret
the workings of national politics. This course is also designed to provide
you with the most useful up-to-date assessment of national
politics. Historical and contemporary contexts, federal-state
relations, will be a few of the recurring themes in the course. Perhaps
most importantly, the course will help students better understand and appreciate
the system of Government we have in the United States.
The Text – In order to earn a passing grade for the course it is
imperative that you read the text and take detailed notes.
Academic Integrity
In cases of academic dishonesty on tests, quizzes
assignments, you will receive a failing grade for that work. Which will most
likely
result in a failing grade for the course
In cases of Academic integrity the policy outlined in the Lakeland College
Student Handbook pages will be followed.
Evaluation
Chapter Assessment Quizzes: @ 20 pts each
Examinations: - Three or four Tests (not including the comprehensive final) @100 pts each.
Comprehensive final =
100 pts Failure to take the final examination results in a course grade of "F"
there is no make-up for the final examination.
You may
use your own handwritten notes on
Tests, Quizzes and the Final Exam. No study guides or typed notes, laptop, or
electronic device of any kind will be allowed to be used on or during tests,
Quiz, or final exam times.
Grading: A = 90+% B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D =
60-69% F = 59-%
| Non-Text Reading/Writing Assignment = various
points assigned depending on the nature of the assignment |
| Term Project = |
The above is an example of the course requirements. It is not absolute, and
is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Your course grade for
the semester is determined by dividing the number of points earned by the
number of points possible. For example, if there were four exams and five
quizzes (but no term paper), a base of 450 points would be set for the
semester. If you received full credit for all
exams and projects and your
score was 85 on each of the
four exams, your total is 390. Your grade is: 390/450 = 86% or "B"
for the course.
Exams:
Exams may include any and all types of questions T/F; M/C; Essay; Identify
and Define; fill in the Blank; Short Answer. Exams will include all materials
presented in the course. To help guarantee a perfect test score, There are
no make-ups or re-takes on Exams.
If you
have to be absent on the date of a test due to extreme
situations notify me in advance so arrangements may be made for
you to take the test.
Quizzes
An Assessment Quiz is likely for each chapter. They may consist of any and all types
of questions T/F; M/C; Essay, Identify and Define, Fill in the blank, and
Short Answer. no make-up or re-take is
allowed.
Non –Text Reading/Writing Assignments
You will be required to complete at least one non-text reading assignment
during the course of the semester, as assigned by the instructor. I expect
your review to be written in a careful and thoughtful manner.
Each article review summary must follow a specific format that will be
presented to you in class at the time of the assignment.. Deviations from the
format will lower your grade, and significant deviations may result in no
grade being given for the assignment.
Late Assignment Policy
Late assignments will not be
accepted!! I will give you a sufficient amount of
time to prepare and complete all assignments. Should you not be in class to
get an assignment and it is an in class assignment, those points will
not be allowed to be made up, unless I had prior knowledge of your
absence, I would suggest you inform me in person, call or e-mail me
before the class so that you may be
made aware of the assignment and due date. I have included below my telephone
number and e-mail address along with the secretary of the NE building’s
telephone # where you may leave a message with me.
Participation & Attendance
Participation - requires your active
participation. You should come to class after having completed
assigned readings prepared to discuss them.
Some of the readings will come from
primary sources other than the text. Many of them will require a careful
reading and study in a quiet setting free from distractions and will will in
all likelihood need to be read a second time for complete understanding.
If you have properly prepared, the authors thoughts and ideas should be made
clear to you. To augment your comprehension, you should take notes as
you read, highlighting and summarizing the text's arguments and your
thoughtful responses to them. Bring the assigned readings, and your
notes, to class with you each day. I will not re-read the text material to
you. I will provide examples of the concepts in the reading in lectures &
class discussion.
Participation requires attendance at all
class sessions. Your presence in class is necessary for fruitful
discussions, as well as for you to gain a complete comprehension of ideas not
included in the text. Therefore your success and grade in the class is
highly dependent upon your attendance and participation.
Attendance Policy
My attendance policy is simple, if you
are attending the class that means you are present on that day. I do not distinguish between a good excuse and a bad one for
being absent. If you are absent it will undoubtedly have a
detrimental affect on your grade if points are given out that day for an
assignment and the assignment is missed, the late assignment policy governs
the situation.
The class will begin on time so be sure
to come on time and not disrupt class time and other students by showing up
late.
OFFICE:
My office is located in the Northeast building: #11
My telephone # is 217-234-5236
email - srogers@lakeland.cc.il.us
Secretary of NE building Telephone # 234-5328
Office Hours – Mon, Wed, Fri to be
updated
Tues, Thurs
Or by appointment
Thank You for signing up for the class I look forward to
working with you!
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