SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Portland, Maine 04106
POLS 105 T1
Introduction to American Government
Credit Hours: 3
Fall 2014
South Portland Campus, Ross Technology Center, 203
Richard E. Taylor, Instructor
RTaylor@smccme.edu
Course Description
This course introduces students to the institutions and political practices of American
Government. Students will gain an understanding of the origins, structure and operation of the
American government system. The course focuses primarily on the structures and processes at
the national level, but will also touch on state and local governments. This course will examine
the relationship between the President, Congress, and Courts. It will review the political
dynamics of campaigns and elections and also examine the fundamentals values of freedom and
equality under the Constitution. Prerequisite(s): ENGL-050, ENGL-075 Corequisite(s): none.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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Describe the political institutions and processes of the American governmental system
Identify and evaluate the fundamental principles of a representative democracy, including
elections, freedom and equality.
Explain the constitutional foundations of the American political system.
Evaluate the impact that political decisions have on shaping students’ lives.
Analyze and discuss current political, social and economic issues.
Describe various political beliefs, interests and forces as reflected through political interest
groups and political parties.
Demonstrate research and mathematical skills needed to analyze and interpret political data.
Learning Outcome Competencies
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will meet the following SMCC
competencies:
Communications –
#4) Utilize information-literacy skills, including analysis of materials in proper MLA
and/or APA documentation.
Critical Thinking –
#1) Read and demonstrate understanding of complex ideas by identifying key concepts.
#3) Analyze and evaluate research data to produce a well-reasoned argument or position
on an issue.
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Global Citizenship –
#1 Explain how social interactions are influenced by local, regional, national and/or
global cultures.
#3 Explain historical and/or political developments affecting societies and nations.
Course Readings
Edwards, George C., III, Martin P. Wattenberg, & Robert L., Linberry. Government in America.
Pearson. 2012 Election Edition. Pearson. ISBN: 9780205950058
Various articles provided as needed in class
Instructor’s Introduction
At the end of this course you should be familiar with the major theoretical underpinnings of our
system of government and with the institutions that support it. You should also be aware of the
other forces that impact our political system, such as the media, interest groups, and political
parties. My hope is that you will begin to look more critically at how laws are made, how our
Constitution is interpreted and what it means to be part of a democracy. Reading, tests and class
discussions will allow you the opportunity to explore these issues.
The goal of studying American government is to make you a more informed citizen, and with
that goal in mind, part of our course will include reading the news on a regular basis. We will
discuss current events in every class and you will watch or read the news to complete
assignments and develop a working knowledge of terms relevant to government and our political
system. I will ask you to use current news stories in your class assignments.
Grading
There will be four tests for the semester, ten short writing assignments, three discussions, and a term
paper worth total of 340 points as follows:
4 - Tests @ 30 pts. p/test
120 pts.
10 Vocabulary Writing Assignments @ 10 pts. p/assignment
100 pts.
1 Term Paper
100 pts.
Discussion in Class
20 pts.
Total Points
Assignment
4 Tests
Weekly Assignments
Term Paper
TOTAL
340 pts.
Percentage
41%
29%
29%
100%
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Grading
Scoring 90 - 100% of 340 = A- to A+
Scoring 80 - 89% = B- to B+
Scoring 70 - 79% = C- to C+
Scoring 60 - 69% = D- to D+
Scoring 59 % or lower = F
Grades of AF (Academic Failure)
Administrative Failure (a final grade of AF) identifies students who have stopped attending class
and who have had no contact with the faculty member for a period during which the class has
met three or more times. At their discretion, faculty may reinstate students who resume
attending after the grade has been assigned.
Grades of I (Incomplete)
At my discretion, a temporary grade of “I” may be given when, due to extraordinary
circumstances, you will be unable to complete all required course work by the end of the
semester. This assumes you have made a consistent and persistent effort past the end of the
withdrawal period and up to the point the when the “circumstances” occur. You must meet with
me to prepare the “Agreement for Incomplete Grade” form which is then signed by both of us
and the Department Chair. The form will then be sent to enrollment services. Then, you must
complete the remaining course work by the mid-point of the semester following receipt of the “I”
grade. Any grade of “I” that is not resolved by the middle of the next term automatically
becomes an “F.”
Attendance Policy
Three or more consecutive absences from regular class meetings with no communication
between student and instructor must be reported to Enrollment Services and the student will be
assigned a grade of “AF” (Administrative Failure).
Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes and laboratory sessions. Students
who are having difficulties with absenteeism must contact their instructor as soon as possible to
discuss the steps they must take to succeed in the remaining weeks of the term. Faculty members
have authority to establish attendance standards appropriate to their course. These standards will
be clearly stated in the course syllabus.
Missed tests will be taken in the test center during the centers operating hours and schedule.
SEE STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR OTHER ACADEMIC POLICIES.
Tests: The four tests are a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and short essay (paragraph or more). If
you read the chapters with the learning objectives for each in mind along with the vocabulary words you
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will do well. Take notes as you read and listen and discuss in class. Plan ahead as to when you’ll take
the test but remember you only have 800 minutes once you start the test. Use those 80 minutes!
Vocabulary writing assignments: These are a great opportunity to relax and incorporate what you’re
reading or discussing in class along with what you see on the TV news, newspapers, internet newspapers,
and other sources of information on the operations of government. To get the maximum score, 10, on
these writing assignments all you need to do is demonstrate you understand the terms presented in the
text from a specific chapter by using them in a sentence. If you can’t use one in a sentence, simply define
each term. You do not have to limit yourself to the vocabulary terms I’ve presented, if you want to use
more, please do so as it can only help your grade. Just remember, show me you understand the terms by
using them appropriately and in context.
Term Paper: The term paper will be on a topic, on government or politics, of your choice. The paper
should be about 5-6 pages long, double spaced, in 12 pt. font. You must pick your topic and submit it to
me via e-mail by December 2nd. I expect you to cite your sources in MLA or APA or Turabian style.
Do not use only internet sources. You can use real books, conduct interviews, or be creative. If you
have questions about this you can e-mail me or better yet, go to the library or book store and buy or
borrow a book to learn how to properly cite in footnotes or endnotes magazine, newspaper, books, and
other secondary or primary sources. Keep an electronic and paper copy of the paper for yourself.
Discussions: Again, demonstrate to me that you understand what you’re reading by adding to class
discussion intelligent comments, using vocabulary terms as much as possible, on the topics provided.
You can do this by making relations between events, people, and places and showing me your thinking
seriously about the topic. Compare and contrast, criticize if you wish, but be sure to keep your comments
in some discernible context. Everyone must particpate over the course of the semsester in discussions in
order to receive points. Be to back up your opinion up with facts, details and reason.
End-of-Course Evaluation
In order to gain access to final course grades, students must complete evaluations for each course
attended at SMCC. Evaluations are submitted on-line and can be accessed through the student
portal site. Students can access the course evaluation report beginning two weeks before the end
of classes. The deadline for submission of evaluations occurs 24 hours after the last day of
classes each semester. Instructors will announce when the on-line course evaluation is available.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
ADA Syllabus Statement
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer.
For more information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling condition and wish to request
accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you
must register with the Disability Services Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 741-5923.
Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is
available upon request at this number. Course policies about online testing are modified to suit each
individual’s accommodations.
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SMCC Pay-for-Print Policy
Each semester students receive a $20 printing credit. The balance resets at the end of the
semester and any remaining credits are removed. The cost varies depending upon page size and
whether printing is done in black and white or color.
There is a $0.10 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” black and white documents.
The reverse sides of duplex (double-sided) documents are free.
There is a $.50 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” color documents.
There is a $.20 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) black and white
documents.
5) There is a $1.00 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) color documents.
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2)
3)
4)
Duplex charges (printing on both sides of a page) work in the following fashion: One page is
$0.10, two pages are $0.10, three pages are $0.20, and four pages are $0.20, etc. The flipsides
are free, but another sheet of paper is $0.10. Please be aware that a document with any color at
all (when printed to a color printer) will by default be printed in color. You are responsible for
setting the print job to print black and white if you do not need color. For directions, please go to
the IT Help tab in MySMCC.
Why is SMCC charging for printing?
The pay-for-print system is an effort to control escalating printing costs. Charging for printing helps offset
the increasing cost of supplies and encourages students to conserve resources. To find ways to reduce
your printing charges, please go to the IT Help tab on My SMCC. If you have questions about the payfor-printing policy or your printing charges, please contact the Help Desk at 741-5696 or send an email to
helpdesk@smccme.edu.
Be sure to log OUT of the system when you’ve finished your printing, to prevent unauthorized access to
your account.
Add-Drop Policy
Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring
semesters and the first three days of summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and
associated fees for that course. Please note any course that meets for less than the traditional
semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no refund for nonattendance.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for
that course. The withdrawal period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring
semesters and the second through ninth week of twelve-week summer courses. This period is
pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student must complete and
submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center (no
phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has
officially withdrawn. A course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect
financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or ceasing to attend class does not constitute
withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.
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Plagiarism Statement
Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it
consists of taking credit for work done by another person or doing work for which another
person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas or writings of another person without
clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code as well as the
Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled
has knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the
College’s Disciplinary Officer and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of
Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the course and a failing grade in the course.
Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee under the terms
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
SCHEDULE
With the exception of Week 1, the material for each week will be available from Tuesday at the
end of class until the following week. Work will be graded by the following Tuesday.
Weeks Topics
Text Chapter (Assignment time)
Test #1 Period
August 25 - September 12 Chapters 1 - 3)
1
Introduction to Government
Chapter 1 (August 25 - August 29)
Introductions
Review of syllabus/text & instruction methods
Current Events
Government and Politics - What's the difference?
Assignment #1 Due following week
2
Constitution: Origins
Chapter 2 (September 2 - September 5)
Review Assignment
Assignment #2 Due following week
3
The Constitution: Federalism
Chapter 3 (September 8 - September 12)
Review Assignment
Assignment #3 Due Following week
Test #2 Period
September 15 - October 3 Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14
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TEST #1
September 16th on Chapters 1, 2 & 3
Congress & the Federal Bureaucracy
Chapter 11 & 14 (September 15 - September 19)
Assignment #4 Due Following Week
5
The Budget: Politics, Taxing & Spending Chapter 13
Assignment #5 Due Following Week
6
The Presidency
Chapter 12
(September 22 - September 26)
(September 29 - October 3)
Test #3 Period
October 6 - October 24 Chapters 4, 5, & 15
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October 16th on Chapters 11, 12, 13 & 14
TEST #2
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Federal Courts, Civil Liberties Chapters 15 & 4 (October 6 - October 10)
Assignment # 6 Due Following Week
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Federal Courts, Civil Liberties Chapters 15 & 4 (October 13 - October 17)
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Civil Rights & Public Policy
Chapter 5 (October 20 - October 24)
Assignment # 7 Due Following Week
Test #4 Period
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October 27 - December 12 Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10
TEST #3 October 27 on Chapters 4, 5, & 15
Public Opinion and Media
Chapters 6 & 7 (October 27 - October 31)
Assignment # 8 Due Following Week
The Media
Chapter 7
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Political Parties & Campaigns Chapters 8 & 9 (November 3 - November 7)
Assignment #9 Due in two weeks
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Campaigns, Elections, Interest Groups Chapters 10 (November 17 - November 21)
Assignment # 10 Due Following Week
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TERM PAPER DUE December 2
Review
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TEST December 9th on Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10
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FALL SEMESTER 2014
August 21-22, Thurs.-Fri.
Faculty Professional Days
August 25, Mon.
Classes Begin
August 25-September 2, Mon.-Tues., 5:00pm
Drop/Add Week**
September 1, Mon.
Labor Day – No Classes
September 9, Tues.
Scholarship Application Deadline
September 23, Tues., 5:00pm
Early Alert Reporting Due
October 13, Mon.
Columbus Day - No Classes
Final Day: Submit Spr/Sum ‘14 Incomplete
October 20, Mon.
Grade Changes
*October 25, Sat.
SMCC Open House (South Portland)
October 28, Tues., 5:00 pm
Academic Alert Reporting Due
November 3-7, Mon.-Fri.
Advising Week
TBD
SMCC Open House (Midcoast Campus)
November 10, Mon., 8:00am
Registration Begins (Spring 2015)
November 11, Tues.
Veterans’ Day - No Classes
November 17, Mon., 5:00pm
Last Day to Withdraw From Classes**
November 27-28-29, Thurs.-Fri.-Sat.., (begins
Thanksgiving Recess- No Classes
3:00pm Wed..)
December 1, Mon.
New Student Registration
*December 4, Thurs.
College Forum
December 13, Sat.
Fall Classes End
December 15, Mon.
Open Registration
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