American Government

Course Details

Course Number: 1433 Section Number: 104

Fall 2010

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 129

Days & Times:

TR 11:00 - 12:20

Course Attachments

Textbooks

We the People 7th addition
Intro levell US and Texas Government text book.
ISBN: 978-0-393-93239-3

MSU Faculty Member

Michael Chase Thornton
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Course Objectives

This is the second of two courses that introduces students to the political system of the United States of America, and the State of Texas. In this course, we will study the development of the federal and state Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary Branches, foreign policy, government and the economy, Civil Liberties and Justice, and Local Government in Texas.

Course Expectations

REQUIRED TEXTS: WE THE PEOPLE An Introduction to American Politics 7^th addition by Ginsberg, Lowi, and Weir

Grading Standards

EXAMINATIONS: There will be three (3) examinations and one (1) non-cumulative final examination during this semester all of which are 25% of your total grade for the semester. The grading scale will be 100-90 (A), 89-80 (B), 79-70 (C), 69-60 (D), 59 and below (F). If for any reason you should have to miss a test, you must inform the instructor prior to the time of the test and proper documentation is required for any make-up test. The final examination date will be given to you at a later date with plenty of time to prepare. The privilege of additional work will not be granted.

Test 1: 25% Test 2: 25% Test 3: 25% Final: 25%

Final Exam12/7/2010 10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

If for any reason you should have to miss a test, you must inform the instructor prior to the time of the test and proper documentation is required for any make-up test. The final examination date will be given to you at a later date with plenty of time to prepare. The privilege of additional work will not be granted.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

ATTENDENCE: Students are expected to attend class regularly and on time. Students will be allowed only three (3) unexplained absences. Students who miss more than three (3) classes without a valid excuse, i.e. doctor’s notes, funeral, ect., will be penalized a letter grade. If you are more than 10 minuets late you will be counted as absent for that class period.

Other Policies

EXPECTATIONS: Each member of the class will show due respect for one another. Ideas may be challenged, but individual attacks are unacceptable. I will not tolerate rude and/or abusive language in class. Because there is a long list of negative behaviors, whenever there is a dispute on what constitutes negative behavior, the instructor reserves the right to decide. As college students, you are expected to differentiate between normal and no so normal behavior.

[ DISRESPECTFUAL BEHAVIOR TOWARDS OTHER STUDENTS OR THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM THIS CLASS. THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL WARNING]

In keeping with the theme of respect, all students must adhere to the code of academic conduct in order to maintain appropriate and acceptable conduct when class is in session. In addition, students are also required to understand the seriousness of plagiarism in the academic world. Failure to do so, as evidenced by plagiarism or other honor violations will result in a failing grade or more serious consequences. Please read the “Code of Student Conduct” (Section VI) in the student handbook.

Any student in this course, who has a disability which may preclude demonstrating fully his or her abilities, should contact me as soon as possible. We will discuss the accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and to facilitate education.

No person will be discriminated against based on age, race, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. Any student, who has a disability which may preclude demonstrating fully his or her abilities, should contact me as soon as possible.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Calendar AttachmentT-R class day schedule-20100823-151445.docx