Introduction to American Government
POLI 1-004: T/Th 9:00-10:30, Room 506
Professor Sara Parker, Ph.D.
www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/sparker
Email: sparker@chabotcollege.edu
Office: IOB 401P
Phone: 510.723.7683
Office hours: Mon 1:45-3:15; Tues 1:15-3:15; Wed 1:45-3:15
You may make an appointment with me if you are not available during these times.
Pedro Reynoso
Instructional Outreach Librarian
Office: Library 117
Office hours: By appointment
Email: preynoso@chabotcollege.edu
Phone: 510.723.6767
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COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, you will have a strong understanding of the American political
system: its structure, culture, institutions, as well as its shortcomings. Some of the
many topics we will cover include: the constitutional underpinnings of the American
political system, federalism, political parties, legislative, executive, and judicial branches
of government, media and civic participation, and California politics. The course will
approach these topics from both a historical and a contemporary perspective. Each of
the course themes will integrate course readings with class discussion, current events,
and apply theoretical ideas to practical political dilemmas.
The overarching goals of the course are to: 1) instill a high level of confidence and
understanding with how American democracy functions; 2) encourage active
participation in the political sphere; 3) strengthen your ability to take and support a
political position in a clear, persuasive argument; 4) prepare students for future courses
in political science.
This semester, this section of American Government will be participating in a pilot
program to help students at Chabot become proficient researchers. A substantial
portion of your grade in this course will be based on an in-depth research paper on a
politically oriented topic that will be structured as assignments due over the course of
the semester. All students who complete these assignments will be eligible to
participate an undergraduate research symposium at the end of the semester.
Throughout the semester, the Outreach and Instruction Librarian, Pedro Reynoso, will
assist us. We will go over this process in detail on Tuesday, February 2nd. YOU MAY
NOT MISS CLASS ON THIS DATE.
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES
Philosophy
Our classroom is a community of scholars. We will challenge each other to read, write,
speak and think in a sophisticated manner and to extend newly acquired knowledge
beyond the confines of this course. As your instructor, I will be prepared for class,
available outside of class, fair, and respectful.
In turn, students must take responsibility for and be active participants in their education. I
expect students to arrive on time, be prepared for class, and to be respectful towards
classmates and myself. If you need disability-related accommodations in this class, have
emergency medical information, or need special arrangements, please see me privately. All
information will be kept strictly confidential.
Punctuality/cell phones
I expect students to be seated in class prior to the start of lecture. Arriving to class late is
disruptive to me and to your classmates. Cell phones may not be out at any time during
class. Texting is not acceptable behavior during class. You can expect me speak to students
who have repeated violations with regard to either of these issues.
Late/missed work or exams
ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS. I will not accept
assignments by email unless prior arrangements have been made. You must notify me
of the inability to turn in or complete an assignment before it is due. Late assignments
drop 5% if they are not turned in at the beginning of class, and 10% each class meeting
they are late. Exceptions will only be made in extreme circumstances and with official
documentation. Missed midterms may not be made up without prior authorization and
appropriate documentation.
Absences
Attendance is mandatory. School policy allows instructors to drop students from their
rosters in any of the following circumstances: a) student misses either of the first two
classes of the semester, b) student misses four consecutive classes, c) student misses six
cumulative classes. If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out what you missed.
You must be in class on simulation days.
Academic honesty
I expect that you will adhere to academic honesty. I take all forms of academic
dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism, very seriously. Plagiarism is the
representation of someone else’s work as your own, and includes, but is not limited to,
having someone else do your work or failing to properly attribute work to the rightful
source. Violations will result in a zero on the assignment for the first infraction, and an F
in the class on the second.
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Personal initiative
Students arrive in this class with differing levels of preparation and are encouraged to take
advantage of opportunities to maximize their own learning experience. There are multiple
opportunities for students to challenge themselves by conducting additional research and
doing the optional reading in the course reader. Similarly, there are a host of opportunities
available for students who need additional support. I encourage students to stop by my
office hours, to participate in review sessions, complete all optional review questions, and
to seek out programs offered through the campus Learning Connection
(www.chabotcollege.edu/learningconnection).
Required Text
American Government: Historical, Popular and Global Perspectives, Brief Edition, 1st
Edition by Kenneth Dautrich and David Yalof (note: this is a paperback version). This
book is available to buy, rent, or purchase in E-version (whole or chapter by chapter).
Optional text
There are copies of a Reader for sale in the bookstore located next to the required
textbook. They have a red cover. If you are considering becoming a political science
major, enjoy learning through reading primary sources, or are interested in getting the
most you can out of this course, I encourage you to purchase the reader. The readings
are organized to follow the outline of the course.
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COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND EVALUATION
A. Participation/Effort (10%, 30pts)
Active participation is highly encouraged. Participation is based on:
 Questionnaire (due by the end of the second week)
 Constitution exercise
 Mock Congress
 Supreme Court simulation
 Group activities
 General contribution to class discussion
 Graded activities during library sessions
The following is a description of a student who puts in an excellent effort:
 Attends class every day, is on time, and is enthusiastic about learning
 Prepares for class by doing the assigned reading and plans ahead for
major assignments.
 Actively volunteers in class discussions, leads group work without
dominating.
 Is courteous, considerate, and supportive of classmates and instructor,
and respectful of class rules.
 Seeks out additional help when needed and/or challenges his/herself to
go above and beyond basic expectations.
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B. Two Midterm Exams (15%, 45pts each)
Each of the midterms will cover only material from the preceding unit(s).
Questions will be drawn from readings, lectures, and films, and will include
multiple choice and short answer questions.
C. Research Paper (35%, 105pts)
The grade is broken down into seven assignments. The first six assignments will
help you build towards the final draft of your paper. Details on all assignments
pertaining to the research paper will be provided in detail in class on Tuesday,
February 2nd.
D. Final Exam (25%, 75pts)
The final exam will be cumulative, with a greater concentration on the final two
units. Questions will be drawn from readings, lectures, and films, and will
include multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
There are 300 possible points. The points and grades break down as follows:
A 90-100% (269-300)
B 80-89% (239-268)
C 70-79% (209-238)
D 60-69% (179-208)
F Below 60% (less than 179)
*With the exception of current event articles and participation grades, which will be
calculated at the end of the semester, grades will be kept up to date on Blackboard –
where you may view them at any time.
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ADDITIONAL NOTES/INFORMATION
1. PLEASE BRING THE COURSE SYLLABUS AND CALENDAR WITH YOU TO EVERY CLASS.
(I will let you know in advance if you need to bring your book).
2. If YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ACCESS BLACKBOARD, GO TO:
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/online/Login/
If you have any trouble or need help, please get in touch with me immediately.
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