Political Science 1 – ITV Course {#4538}
Introduction to American Government and Politics
Assistant Professor David J Uranga, M.A., UCLA
Orientation on 1-9-2013 in Classroom C333 from 6:50-10pm
ITV meets on 1/7, 1/28, 2/11, 3/11, 4/1 and 4/22
Office C352C, Office Hours: MW 9-1015am; W 2-330pm
Email: duranga2012@gmail.com
Facebook: david.uranga@facebook.com
Twitter: @djuranga
I - Introduction
Welcome to the Canvas online-based Study of American Government and Politics (Pol Sc1) taught
by yours truly: David J Uranga! During this semester, we will study “Principles and problems of
government with emphasis on national government in the United States”. The trick here, however,
is that each student in political science one will study, learn about politics, take five online tests,
{called Exam Preps}, five online exams {objective format} and 5 in class essays on correlational
or cause-effect arguments seen in our videos. For the entire semester, we will test
hypotheses of American Government and better understand american politics and our system.
II – Texts
Coleman, John J et al. Understanding American Politics, 2nd edition. Loose Leaf and E book version.
Pearson: NY, 2011
Framework for Democracy: An Introduction to American Government, Intelecom, 2003.
<www.intelecom.org>
III – Grading
Your grade will be based upon the successful completion of 5 tests, 5 exams and 5 online discussion
posts and essay based responses. More info on the schedule below
5 Quiz Preps
5 Online Exams {low score dropped}
5 In Class Essays {low score dropped}
Extra Credit Opportunity
20 points
40 points
40 points
1-3 points
Your course grade will be out of 100 possible points.
Letter Grades will then be assigned on the following basis:
90%-100% (90-100)
80% - 89% (80-89)
63% - 79% (63-79)
55% - 62% (55-62)
Below 55% (0-54)
A
B
C
D
F
“Love me Two Times!”
IV. FIVE QUIZZES {WORTH 20%} AND FIVE EXAMS {WORTH 60%}?
Each of you will complete 5 exam preps and 5 Objective format based online exams. Every two
weeks or so, each of you will have a smaller objective-based Quiz Prep followed by a larger
objective online based Exam based upon readings and curriculum below.
V. THE IN CLASS ESSAYS {40% grade}
All students will write five essays in response to a variety of essay prompts based upon the
Framework for Democracy video lessons watched. The essay rubric below sets up basic guidelines to
getting the best possible grades on each essay.
As you log onto canvas, notice the home page and the online and in class assignments schedule.
After printing out the syllabus and reviewing the course expectations, please open up the first
essay prompt found at the homepage. Each student shall be expected to complete the online exam
preps and the online exam 1-5 BEFORE the next meeting. On 1/28 for example, each student will
bring a blue book and a pen; then each student shall write out a 5 paragraph essay on 1 of the
selected essay choices for you. You will NOT know which of the numerous essay choices will be on
your exam. I shall choose a short list from a huge list of essay options presented to you on the
canvas homepage. This is done to prevent writing out the essay in a blue book ahead of class.
The rubric below will help you how to correctly construct the in class essays:
ESSAY RUBRIC
Criteria
Fail (0 points)
Inadequate (0.4-
Average (.6-.8
Superior (.8-1.0
.6 points)
points)
points)
Opening paragraph
A sufficient
Introduction is
present and does of the essay does
beginning is
invigorating and
present and sets
lays a solid
Intro is not
Introduction
not set up the
not lay solid
argument
groundwork for
Course Content
thesis
Complete lack of a
Thesis is weak
Core argument is
Main argument is
central argument
and/or not
present and
clearly revealed
entirely related to
relevant to the
and makes a
the topic
topic at hand
strong claim
Thesis is not
_2 point
up the argument foundation for the
the argument
Argument
Total
Minimal support of Adequate support Main argument is
supported by any
thesis by text
of thesis by
fully supported
text information.
content.
textbook content.
with relevant
_/2 point
__/2 point
facts from our
texttbook.
Conclusion
Complete absence
Conclusion is
Thesis is restated
Argument is
of any form of
present, but does
and main points
restated and main
not review main
are reviewed.
conclusion.
points and/or does
not restate thesis
points are
reviewed in a
thoughtful,
reflective manner.
Provides sound
closure
Total lack of
Essay structure is The essay has the
Ideas are well
__/2 points
Cohesion
organization
and/or coherent
development of
ideas
flawed and ideas
are
underdeveloped
basic and
necessary
framework in
logical order
organized and are
_/2points
clearly introduced,
developed and
concluded
Total Score
_/10 points
VI – SCHEDULE OF READINGS, TESTS, AND EXAMS GIVEN FOR Spring 2013
Unit starts on
Readings from text
SLO 1 {9/10}
C
chapters.
lessons 1-4
Exams # on
SLO 2 {9/24}
C
chapters.
7-11 FD Two on 2/11
lessons 8-11, 13
On 2008 and 2012?
SLO3 {10/15}
C chaps. 12-14 FD lessons Three on 3/11
12,14-18
On the Battle between the
branches.
SLO 4 {11/5}
C chapters. 15, 5-6 FD Four on 4/1
lessons 19-21, 5-7
On the Role of the US
Supreme Court and Civil
rights/liberties for all.
SLO 5 (11/19)
C
chapters
lessons 22-26
On public policy and the
effect
of
the
2008
election upon all matters
policy.
1-4 FD One on 1/28
17-19 FD Five on 4/22
**In Class Essays on...
On the US Constitution?
where C = Coleman et al; FD**=Framework for Democracy; SLO = Student Learning Outcomes.
VII – MISCELLANEOUS
There are no make-ups for the midterms unless you are ill or have a medical reason for missing a test. If you
miss a test, its your dropped score.
Cheating on any exam means an F at first and progressively worse till your grade equals a zero score and
possible disciplinary action if warranted. Please avoid using WIKIPEDIA for anything.
Excessive missing of tests and attendance (for example, 2 missing exams) = drop time! Please come to class
prepared to succeed!
VIII– Information on the Professor.
Professor David Uranga received his BA California State University, Northridge in 1987, and his MA from the
University of California at Los Angeles in 1989. He began teaching in 1987 at Cal State Northridge. He has
taught at Glendale Community College, College of the Canyons, and here at Pasadena City College since 1990.
You can reach Professor Uranga at duranga2012@gmail.com
IX - Political Science One Student Learning Outcomes
The Outlines for Political Science 1 are as follows, according to the Pasadena City College Course Outline:
Course Description: Principles and problems of government with emphasis on national government in the Untied States.
Political Science 1 and Political Science 2 are usually required for advanced political Science.
Course Credit: Satisfies part of the IGETC curriculum. Satisfies the CSU American Government requirement. NO CREDIT if
taken after American Institutions 5.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisities: None.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
Five Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the making of the constitutional convention.
2. Test the electoral connection between candidates and public policy.
3. Test the theory of divided government and its efficacy.
4. Test the claim that the U.S. federal judiciary determined the civil liberty and civil rights agendas of the
nation.
5. Examine claims of how public policy is made and sustained.