SYLLABUS FOR AMERICAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Tulsa Community College
Spring 2013
Course: American Federal Government, POLS 1113, Section #: 201, Call #: 30215
Day and Time: M-W 5:30-8:20
Start and end dates:
Jun 03 – Jul 24
Instructor: Bob Ritz, MA
robert.ritz@tulsacc.edu
britz@cox.net
Home Phone: (918) 895-3341
TCC 595-7473
Classroom: NE 2409
Office Hours: by Appointment
Campus Police: 595-8888
Campus Nurse: 595-7570
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Liberal Arts
Associate Dean: Dr. Ernie Evans
Office: NE 1102
Phone Number: 595-7089
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS
SERVICES:
Director: Dr. Mike Limas
Office: Facet Center A-151
Phone: 595-7473
THIS IS A REQUIRED COURSE, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE A PREREQUISITE. You
may be taking this course because you want to, but you must take this course because
you cannot graduate from any college or university in Oklahoma without it.
TEXTBOOK:
Thomas E. Patterson, We the People: A Concise Introduction to American Politics, 9th
ed., (New York: McGraw-Hill) 2011.
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES ensure that graduates gain skills, knowledge, and
abilities that comprise a common foundation for higher education and a backdrop for
their work and personal lives. These goals are critical thinking, effective communication,
and technological proficiency.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: POLS 1113 is a study of American
federal government – historical perspectives and concepts, the Constitution as the
foundation of the federal government, and an understanding of the principles,
organization, functions and relationships of the three branches of government. There
will also be an emphasis on research and citations, and time will be spent during some
class periods for this purpose.
TEACHING METHODS: Reading assignments must be completed in advance of class.
We may utilize lectures, videos, guest speakers and class discussions. Some issues will
be controversial. During class discussions, (1) first listen critically and respectfully, (2)
get permission to speak, (3) then and only then respond intelligently.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: There will be two tests worth 100 points each and a
100 point term paper. The exams will consist of multiple choice, true or false, fill-in-theblanks, and short essay questions answered in complete sentences. PART OF THE
TESTS WILL COME FROM THE LECTURES OR OTHER SOURCES. Quizzes and short
writing exercises may ensure that students stay current in their reading. Points from
these activities will be subtracted from the next test so the total number of points will
always be 300. Make-up for in-class work will be at 25% off. The grading system is a
standard ten point scale. Extra credit may be offered.
270 – 300 = A
240 – 269 = B
210 – 239 = C
180 – 209 = D
Below 179 = F
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is critical for the learning process. Students should
schedule outside activities around their school schedule, not the other way around. If
you have a history of absences, you should not take this class. Roll must be taken
because of students who receive financial aid or veterans benefits. Students should
remain in class for the full class period, minus scheduled breaks. Students who miss
more than twenty-five percent of the class will have their grade reduced by one letter
grade regardless of what the actual grade was. Students who are absent should get
class notes from a classmate, not the instructor.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: Late assignments will be accepted by
the next class period for a reduction of twenty percent. Students missing an exam must
contact their instructor at the earliest possible moment. Make-up exams for excused
absences (instructor notified in advance with verifiable excuse) will be administered in
the first floor testing center at the NE campus, and will not be the same as the original
test. For students with unexcused absences, make-up exams will consist entirely of
essay questions. Only one make-up exam per semester. Also, students may not leave
the classroom during a test without permission.
DISCIPLINARY ISSUES:
UNAUTHORIZED TALKING: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied
opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during class encourages the free exchange of ideas
that are essential to higher learning. You may say most anything you wish to say in this
class. However, first get permission to speak. Talking between students is forbidden.
Offenders will be required to leave for the remainder of that class period.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used in
class without permission. This especially includes text messaging. If you bring phones,
they must be turned “off,” not “vibrate.” A cell phone going off in class will be subject
to disciplinary action.
ETC: Food and drinks are allowed, as long as they don’t become a problem. If you bring
snacks, clean your desk at the end of the class. NO CRUNCHY FOOD, PLEASE !
ALSO, please remove your hats and sunglasses.
STUDENT HANDBOOK: Each student is responsible for the information contained in
the TCC Student Policies and Code of Conduct Handbook. This information may also be
viewed at www.tulsacc.edu.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (plagiarism, cheating on tests, etc) is not tolerated at TCC.
Further, the college has adopted a policy delegating certain authority for disciplinary
action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, the
dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from the class. In the case of academic
dishonesty a faculty member may:
 Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to
complete a substitute assignment or test;
 Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
 Recommend that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;
 Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Instructors
may also request that other disciplinary action be taken against a student at the
administrative level by submitting a request to the Dean of Student Services.
PLAGIARISM: Writing is part of the learning process. Your writing must reflect your
own ideas or research, not someone else’s. Plagiarism is defined as deceiving others
about your work. This is generally understood as five to seven words in sequence
without a citation. TCC has a software program called Safe Assign which can spot
plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their work through Safe Assign.
Instructors may use this tool to check a student's work after the fact. Work which is
obviously plagiarized will receive a grade of “F” or worse (see above). The word
“PLAGIARISM” may be stamped on your transcript in red ink, which essentially means
that your college career is over.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of
a class. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for the deadline that applies. Begin the process with a discussion with your instructor. Contact the Advisement Office to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade)
or change to Audit. After the drop/add period this can alter your financial aid award. Students may
receive a bill from TCC. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a
course grade of “F,” which may also have financial aid consequences for the student.
COMMUNICATION: TCC students receive a TCC e-mail address for all official communication. You must
use your TCC e-mail address to send and receive e-mail at TCC. Personal phones or e-mail addresses do
not constitute official communication. Check your e-mail frequently.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations
arise, TCC gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations. This information is also posted on
the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu). DO NOT CALL TCC DURING BAD WEATHER.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of TCC to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and Section 504of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the
Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918)595-7115 (voice). Deaf and hard of
hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
Tobacco Free College: Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance with the
Governor’s Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523 which
prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace, and all
vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This Order
includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all grounds, buildings,
facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all
campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is
responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the policy
may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1
06-03
Introduction,
Info Tests, Immigration Lecture, FILM
Week 1
06-05
Chapter 1
Political Thinking
Week 2
06-10
Chapter 2
Constitutional Democracy, Constitution
Week 2
06-12
Chapter 3
Federalism
Week 3
06-17
Chapter 4
Civil Liberties
Week 3
06-19
Chapter 5
Equal Rights
Baake paper assigned for 06-24
Week 4
06-24
Chapter 6
Public Opinion, REVIEW
Week 4
06-26
Chapter 7
Political Participation, Mid Term Exam
Week 5
07-01
Chapter 10
The News Media
Nat. language paper for 07-03
Week 5
07-03
Chapter 11
The Congress
Week 6
07-08
Chapter 12
The Presidency / FILM
Reagan paper assigned for 07-15
Week 6
07-10
Chapter 14
The Federal Judicial System
Week 7
07-17
Chapter 16
Welfare and Education
Week 8
07-19
Chapter 17
Foreign Policy
Week 8
07-24
Review / Final Exam / Term Papers Due