Professor Christopher W. Cofer, MPPA cofercw@lacitycollege.edu (FH 217) 323-953-4000 X 2952
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POLITICAL SCIENCE 1 - THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES 3.00 UNITS - (UC:CSU)
Lecture 3 hours. Franklin Hall 214, M 3:30 - 6:40 PM (Section 2902), Fall 2013.
Course: This is a college level course with full undergraduate credit that is transferable to accredited colleges and universities. Essential parts of the class include participation, reading, critical thought, writing and college level learning. The course meets the Associate in Arts degree requirements in U. S.
History, U.S. Constitution, and California State and local government. Students study the U.S.
Constitution and the major principles, institutions and policies of the American Federal system.
We will study the U.S. Constitution and the major principles, institutions and policies which are parts of the American federal system and related topics of Ideology and Government, Democratic and
Republican Principles, the Bill of Rights, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the Courts, Civil
Rights, Civil Liberties, Media, Elections and Voting, Political Parties, Bureaucracy, Interest Groups and
California.
Office Hours: My office is in FH 217. I am available to meet and communicate with students in person and by e-mail (cofercw@lacitycollege.edu). Student conference hours for Fall 2013 are on Monday from 2:45 to 3:20 PM with some availability after class. Please identify yourself and your specific class in the subject line of any e-mail communication. Students are responsible for knowing what is discussed and announced in class.
Accommodation: Students who may need reasonable accommodation for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and seek appropriate support. The Office of Special Services is located in
Student Services Village 100 (323) 953-4000 ext. 2270 (oss@lacitycollege.edu). Any student who feels she/he may need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Special Services (OSS).
Academic Freedom and Safety: Academic freedom is honored and everyone is entitled to a safe learning environment. Please inform me of any specific concerns. The Sheriff’s Department is located on campus. Their number is 323-662-5276. Feel free to program this number into your cell phone.
From a campus phone you can press #3 to reach them. In case of an emergency in which you need police assistance, call them directly. (911 may direct your call to another enforcement agency who will require time to forward it to our Sheriff’s Department).
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity: This is a professional learning environment. Silence personal telecommunications devices in class and be on time. Texting and responding to personal calls in class is disruptive and is not permitted. Honest academic work is that produced by the author claiming credit for it. If necessary, policies regarding student conduct including academic dishonesty and recording devices will be enforced. Academic Dishonesty and Violations of Academic Integrity include but are not limited to the following: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade. Zero or no credit ("0" or "F") may be assigned for violations on assignments and exams. Recording class lectures requires the instructor's consent and if given is only for the purpose of your learning about the subjects discussed and may not be distributed. Telecommunications devices may be permitted for the same purpose. The Student
Handbook, Catalog and related Federal, State, District and LACC laws, rules and/or policies are applicable.
Student Learning Outcome : Students will analyze the American political system.

Professor Christopher W. Cofer, MPPA cofercw@lacitycollege.edu (FH 217) 323-953-4000 X 2952
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Required Source: We the People by Ginsberg et. Al., Norton, 9th Edition - available in the LACC
Bookstore. A recent edition by the same author and publisher can be used.
Supplemental sources are sent by e-mail, announced in class and/or available at www.cwcofer.com and http://www.wwnorton.com/college/polisci/we-the-people8/shorter/welcome.aspx .
Drop Date Information: The deadline to drop without a “W” is the last day of Week 2 (of the semester), which is Sunday, September 8th for Fall2013. If you must drop a course, drop before the specified deadline for dropping a class without a grade of "W." Dropping after Week 2 will result in a
“W” on your transcript. Effective since July 1, 2012 students now have just 3 attempts to pass a class.
If a student gets a "W" or grade of "D", "F", “I”, or "NP" in a class, that will count as an attempt. A student’s past record of course attempts district wide will also be considered.
Therefore, before the end of Week 2 you should carefully consider if you can reasonably manage this course with the other factors in your life (e.g. work, family, course load). If you think you will not be able to complete this course with a C or better, drop by Sunday, September 8th. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to talk to me. You may also see a counselor in the Counseling Center in AD 108.
Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available for books and other college expenses.
If you need help paying for books and other college expenses, call the Financial Aid Office at
(323) 953-4000 extension 2010, or see them at Student Services Village room 117 http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/
Grading Criteria: Grades are based on the following:
Two best of three Tests (100 points each) 200 Points
Research Paper and Presentation (80/20)
Homework File, Assignments, Participation (100)
Final Exam (100)
Total Points Possible
450-500 = A 400-449 = B 350-399 = C 300-349 = D 0-299 = F
100 Points
100 Points
100 Points
500 Points
See Schedule of Classes for Final Exam Schedule (Monday, December 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM).
Grade Notes: Tests and the Final are 60% of your grade - prepare for them by reading ahead, participating fully in class meetings, taking notes and studying. The Final Exam is cumulative and given only at the scheduled time. There is no extra credit and substantial points are reduced for late work.
Capable students who fully apply themselves are successful in the class.

Fall 2013 Schedule Notes for Political Science 1 Students
Our 54 instructional hours occur over a 16 week period from August 26th to December 15th at the day(s) and times our class is scheduled to meet with allowances made for official holidays (see Schedule of Classes - official holidays for Fall 2013 are Monday September 2, Monday November 11 and Thursday/Friday November 28 & 29).
Reading the corresponding chapters in advance of the lectures will improve your learning and allow for informed discussions in class. These schedule notes are intended to facilitate your preparation for class. The dates of exams and assignments are announced in class.
Chapters in your text correspond to the topics and sections that are part of the class and lectures. The following three sections correspond to the three exams taken over the course of the semester and are a part of the cumulative final exam at the end of the semester.
Fall 2013 - Political Science 1
Section One Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, Federalism, Constitution and overview of American politics
(Weeks one to four)
Test One
Section Two Political Parties, Interest Groups, Campaigns and Elections, Public Opinion, Media
(Weeks five to eight)
Test Two
Research Paper and Presentations
(Week nine)
Section Three Judiciary, Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, California
(Weeks ten to fourteen)
Test Three
Review for Final/Final
(Weeks 15 & 16)