This class is designed to provide a broad overview of the structure and function of American government. Topics covered will include, but not be limited to, concepts of democracy, civil liberties, and American political culture (public opinion, socialization, media, interest groups, and voting behavior.)

As much of this course covers topics which are in the news, it is most important you be aware of current affairs. Take a newspaper, subscribe to one of the weekly news magazines, watch the nightly news. This is an ongoing assignment, and some test questions will cover our current affairs discussions.

Textbook:
None. However, a number of required reading will be posted on the course website.

Attendance:
Be here. If you are going to miss class, please call and let me know. (I realize this may not be possible in all instances.) Punctual attendance is essential and habitual tardiness will adversely affect your grade.

Withdrawals:
If you decide to drop this course, it is your responsibility to do so: there will be no instructor initiated drops. Failure to do so will result in receiving a performance grade, usually an "F". The last day to withdraw is Thursday, April 28th, 2005. After that, a performance grade will be assigned.

Incomplete policy:
Any requests for an incomplete will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please see me if there is a problem completing the course.

Academic freedom:
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical writing, particularly about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Policy regarding scholastic dishonesty:
As described in the SPC Student Handbook, scholastic dishonesty constitutes a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable according to the procedures outlined in the Handbook. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam (either providing answers to or stealing answers from another student), collusion and plagiarism.

Plagiarism is defined as offering the work of another as one's own, without proper acknowledgment; therefore, any student who fails to give credit for quotations or essentially identical expression of material taken from the Internet, books, encyclopedias, magazines and other reference works, or from the themes, reports or other writings of a fellow student, is guilty of plagiarism.

If a student commits any of the above actions, the instructor may seek disciplinary action in the form of an academic penalty (which will include a course grade of 'F'). Such disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Grades:
Your grades will be computed from the following sources:

I. Three tests given over the course of the semester.

II. There will be a number of quizzes throughout the course. These will focus primarily on comprehension of material just covered (whether readings, textbook reading assignments, films, or lecture), and analysis and application of concepts and ideas. The readings will also have questions for you to answer as you read. These quizzes and readings will collectively count for 20% of your grade. Any quizzes missed will be taken at the end of the semester along with the final exam.

III. The student will be responsible for several written assignments concerning the online
reading materials. Reading materials will be posted on the course website - no paper
handouts will be provided. To access the readings go to the course website:

(http://www.southplainscollege.edu/social_science/jengle/2302/index.htm)

Click on the “Readings” link.

These articles have to be typed; 12 point font, double spaced, and one inch margins.  Papers that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted. These will collectively account for 20% of your final grade. I will not accept assignments that are not turned in by the due date. These will collectively account for 20% of your final grade.

IV. Students are expected to be in class, on time, and participate in class activities and discussions.

V. Grades will be computed on the following scale:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 59 and below

Miscellaneous:
As per SPC policies, there will be no drinking, eating, weapons, smoking, gambling, unruly behavior, or idiopathic aphasia in the classroom. Also, if it beeps, buzzes, rings, chirps, dings, dongs, plays music, or otherwise makes noise, turn it off. Do not antagonize the instructor, as this will have serious repercussions.

Enjoy the semester. Learn.