U-Pace [INSERT COURSE (INSERT SECTION)]
[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME]
[INSERT SEMESTER AND YEAR]
U-Pace is a proven online instructional method combining technology (D2L [CHANGE TO
REFLECT LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT YOUR INSTITUTION]) with
personalized help and support received via email. In U-Pace [INSERT COURSE], follow the
model schedule (completing 2 quizzes every week) until you get the grade you desire. When
students follow the model schedule, they are done with the course in 12 weeks, earning their A
well before the end of the semester. This allows them to concentrate on doing well in their other
courses.
You are in control. When you schedule time to work on the course each week is up to you. You
determine when you are ready to take the two quizzes each week. You can go as fast as you want
and complete more than 2 quizzes per week to finish the course early. Some students have
completed this course in less than 8 weeks.
The structure of this course allows you to spend greater time on difficult topics and helps you
manage multiple responsibilities, including doing well in other courses. This course structure has
been proven to increase student learning, and students have also reported reduced feelings of
stress and increased feelings of support for their learning.
It is important that you check your [INSERT INSTITUTION NAME] email at least once per
week during this course to benefit from the personalized help with concepts and constructive
support provided.
Links to Sections in Syllabus (press control and click to automatically go to page)
[THESE LINKS SHOULD ADJUST AUTOMATICALLY AS YOU MAKE CHANGES TO
THIS SYLLABUS, BUT THESE PAGE NUMBERS MUST BE CORRECTED MANUALLY
AFTER YOUR SYLLABUS IS FINISHED]
[CHANGE TITLES AND SECTIONS REFERENCING D2L TO REFLECT THE LEARNING
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USED AT YOUR INSTITUTION]
What will my transcript say? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Who are my instructor and teaching assistant? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Where do I get the book? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
What will this course cover? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How does this course work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What if I don’t have a computer with internet access? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Can I use my book or notes during a quiz? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How soon can I retake a quiz? (One Hour Wait Rule) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What if I need special accommodations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How will I be graded? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How can I earn extra credit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How should I study in this course? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Where can I receive extra help for this course [OPTIONAL SECTION]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
This U-Pace Syllabus is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license,
visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
2
Where can I find information on grade appeals and other policies? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Important Dates (including deadline for completing quizzes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Model Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Whom can I contact with questions about D2L? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How do I access the D2L course homepage? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How do I access the course materials in D2L? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
How do I take a quiz in D2L? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What should I do if my computer “freezes” or loses internet connection during a quiz? . . . 11
Will taking U-Pace [INSERT COURSE] count as [INSERT COURSE]?
What will my transcript say?
Yes, this course counts as [INSERT COURSE]. Your transcript will [INSERT COURSE]. UPace [INSERT COURSE] covers exactly the same material as conventionally taught face-to-face
sections of [INSERT COURSE].
Who are my Instructor and Teaching Assistant?
Instructor
[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME]
Office Location: [INSERT]
Office Hours: [INSERT]
Phone: [INSERT]
Email: [INSERT]
Teaching Assistant
[INSERT TA NAME]
Office Location: [INSERT]
Office Hours: [INSERT]
Phone: [INSERT]
Email: [INSERT]
Do not hesitate to contact [INSERT TA NAME] or me. We want to help you! If you are
experiencing a problem accessing the materials, do not understand something, or have a
nonacademic problem that is affecting your performance, please contact either of us right away
and we will get back to you as soon as possible. This is the first time many students have taken
an online course, and many people may find it confusing. No question is a “dumb” question.
[INSERT TA NAME] and I are ready to help you with any problem you may have with the
course, no matter how small or large.
Where do I get the book?
[INSERT TEXTBOOK AND BOOKSTORE INFORMATION]
What will this course cover?
[INSERT COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY OR OBJECTIVES]
3
How does this course work?

This course combines web-based instruction (on the D2L [CHANGE LMS] course site)
with as much one-on-one help and support as you need every step of the way. You
control the pace of your learning, with flexibility to work at the times best for you each
week.

[UPDATE EXPLANATION OF NUMBER OF MODULES AND QUIZZES] In this
course you will be responsible for learning the material in 12 small modules, each
equivalent to about half a chapter in the textbook. You will be taking 24 quizzes, two for
each module. Each quiz is 6 minutes long and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions.

You can retake quizzes an unlimited number of times without penalty. The quiz retakes
will have different questions. When you achieve at least 9 out of 10 correct on a quiz, you
may progress to the next quiz. Whether you earn 9 out of 10 correct or 10 out of 10
correct does not matter for your grade. Your grade will reflect the number of quizzes you
completed with at least 9 out of 10 correct. The goal is complete all 24 quizzes by the end
of the semester.
What if I don’t have a computer with internet access or
something happens to my computer during the course?
Use the computer labs on campus and computers in local libraries in your community. Dedicate
hours to this course in an academic planner and follow your schedule.
Can I use my book or notes during a quiz,
or have someone help me with a quiz?
No. The quizzes must be completed without books or notes, and without the help of anyone.
Using your book or notes, getting someone else to take the quiz for you, or getting someone to
help you during the quiz, are clear cases of academic dishonesty. [UPDATE RULES IF USING
OPEN-BOOK QUIZZES]
How soon can I retake a quiz if I earn lower than 9 out of 10 correct?
THE ONE-HOUR WAIT RULE FOR RETAKES

You must wait at least one hour before retaking a quiz. Do not violate the one-hour wait
rule for retakes! If you do not wait a full 60 minutes from the time you submitted a quiz
before retaking the same quiz, your score will not be counted.

Taking the same quiz multiple times within an hour constitutes cheating. If you cheat,
you may be given a permanent 0 for that quiz and may be asked to remove yourself from
the course. More severe consequences for academic dishonesty may also be pursued.
4

Computer problems (i.e., computer froze, etc.) are not valid excuses for violating the onehour wait rule. If your quiz freezes, you must log back in to continue and then click
“Submit Quiz” before beginning your one hour wait. More detailed instructions on what
to do if your quiz freezes can be found at the end of this syllabus.

The one-hour wait is for retaking the same quiz. If you completed a quiz with at least 9
out of 10 correct, you may immediately move on to the NEXT quiz without waiting.
What if I need special accommodations?
Can I have extra time on quizzes?

Quiz times have been extended for many students with a recognized disability. We want
you to have what you need so you can be successful, so please don’t hesitate or wait to
tell us. I am happy to provide whatever special accommodations the Student Accessibility
Center [REPLACE WITH INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTITUTION]
recommends that will allow you to fully participate and perform well in this course.

If you have a recognized disability under the ADA, please provide me with
documentation as soon as possible from the Student Accessibility Center [REPLACE
WITH INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTITUTION, INCLUDING OFFICE NAME,
LOCATION, PHONE NUMBER, AND WEBSITE. Please drop off your VISA form as
soon as possible in my mailbox, which is located in [INSERT LOCATION] and labeled
“[INSERT INSTRUCTOR NAME].” You could also scan the VISA form and email it to
me ([INSERT INSTRUCTOR EMAIL]) or to [INSERT TA NAME] ([INSERT TA
EMAIL]).

Students with disabilities may do better in this course than in a conventionally taught
course, because they can go at their own pace.
How are students graded?
Your grade in this course is based on the number of quizzes you complete with at least 9 out of
10 correct. (Earning 10 out of 10 correct does not increase your grade).
Quizzes Completed
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
D-
5
Fewer than 14
F
Incompletes will not be given for failure to successfully complete quizzes by the course
deadline.
How can I earn extra credit?
[INSERT INFORMATION REGARDING ANY EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS. TO MAKE
SURE THE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND, YOU MAY CONSIDER DESCRIBING AN
EXAMPLE STUDENT AND HOW HIS OR HER SCORE/GRADE WOULD CHANGE
AFTER EARNING EXTRA CREDIT.]
How should I study in this course?

In this course, it is recommended that you set aside a minimum of 9 hours each week to
study the material. The time you would have spent in class is freed up to study. You
decide when to study and take your quizzes each week. [UPDATE INFORMATION IF
NEEDED]

Each assignment prepares you for two quizzes, and you must complete both quizzes
(score at least 9 out of 10 correct) before you can move on. [UPDATE INFORMATION
IF NEEDED]

Many students have to retake the quizzes a number of times before they achieve 9 out of
10 correct. Do not get discouraged! We are here to support you and help you understand
all the material. It is our goal for every student to earn an “A” in this course and this is
completely possible! If at any point you become confused or unsure about any aspect of
the course, from material being covered to how to open course material, contact us right
away! We will do whatever possible to help you to ensure your success.

Do not get behind! Yes, this is a self-paced course, but it is recommended that you follow
the model schedule and complete 2 quizzes each week (or go faster). Stay on track. Do
not assume that you will be able to catch up if you fall too far behind in the beginning of
the course. Some students underestimate how much time it takes to get 9 out of 10
correct. Don’t let this happen to you. Start off with a bang! Do as much as you can now,
in case something happens later in the semester in another course or your life outside of
school.

D2L [CHANGE LMS] is typically slower during the end of the semester due to the large
quantities of users during this time. Do not wait until the last week to try and take many
quizzes, because you may have difficulties accessing the site quickly.
Where can I receive extra help for this course?
[INCLUDE THIS SECTION IF THERE IS ANY ADDITIONAL TUTORING
OFFERED AT YOUR INSTITUTION]
6

Always feel free to email me or [INSERT TA NAME] or visit our office hours. We are
available to help you with any problems related to the course.

You can also receive additional help from the [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT
TUTORING SERVICES, INCLUDING OFFICE NAME, LOCATION, PHONE
NUMBER, WEBSITE, TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED, AND LINKS OR
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING UP]
Where can I find information on grade appeals and other policies?
[INSERT LINK TO YOUR INSTITUTION’S POLICIES, OR INSERT THE TEXT OF THE
POLICIES DIRECTLY]
Important Dates
[INSERT ANY ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT DATES]
[ADJUST DATE]
First day of classes – Quizzes activate
[ADJUST DATE]
Last day to drop without receiving a “W” on
transcript
Last day to drop or withdraw (“W” will appear on
transcript)
[THAKSGIVING OR SPRING] Break
[ADJUST DATE]
[ADJUST DATES]
[ADJUST DATE AND TIME –
11:59PM ON LAST DAY OF FINAL
EXAM PERIOD IS SUGGESTED]
Deadline for completing quizzes
Model Schedule
[ADJUST DATES, TOPICS, AND READING ASSIGNMENTS FOR EACH WEEK]
Week 1: Tuesday, September 3rd – Sunday, September 8th
Introduction and American Political Culture
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 1, Declaration of Independence, Ginsberg Appendix
Take Quiz 1 and Quiz 2
Week 2: Monday, September 9th– Sunday, September 15th
The Founding and the Constitution
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 2, Constitution, Ginsberg Appendix
Take Quiz 3 and Quiz 4
Week 3: Monday, September 16th – Sunday, September 22nd
Federalism
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 3
Take Quiz 5 and Quiz 6
7
Week 4: Monday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 29th
The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 4
Take Quiz 7 and Quiz 8
Week 5: Monday, September 30th - Sunday, October 6th
Public Opinion
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 6
Take Quiz 9 and Quiz 10
Week 6: Monday, October 7th– Sunday, October 13th
Political Participation and Voting
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 8
Take Quiz 11 and Quiz 12
Week 7: Monday, October 14th - Sunday, October 20th
Political Parties
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 9
Take Quiz 13 and Quiz 14
Week 8: Monday, October 21st - Sunday, October 27th
Campaigns and Elections
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 10
Take Quiz 15 and Quiz 16
Week 9: Monday, October 28th – Sunday, November 3rd
Interest Groups
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 11
Take Quiz 17 and Quiz 18
Week 10: Monday, November 4th - Sunday, November 10th
The Legislative Branch - Congress
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 12
Take Quiz 19 and Quiz 20
Week 11: Monday, November 11th - Sunday, November 17th
The Executive Branch - The Presidency
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 13
Take Quiz 21 and Quiz 22
Week 12: Monday, November 18th- Sunday, November 24th
The Judiciary - The Federal Courts
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 15
Take Quiz 23 and Quiz 24
You are done! Congratulations on all your hard work.
8
DEADLINE FOR COMPLETING QUIZZES:
[INSERT DATE AND TIME]
[IN THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS, INCLUDE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING
ACCESSING AND USING YOUR INSTITUTION’S THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM, INCLUDING SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR YOUR COURSE, AS BELOW]
Whom can I contact with questions about D2L?
[INCLUDE INFORMATION FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK AT
YOUR INSTITUTION
How do I access the D2L course homepage?
Step 1:
D2L for this course will work best if you access the internet using Firefox as your
Web browser.
Step 2:
Go to the UWM homepage (www.uwm.edu).
Step 3:
Click on “D2L” near the top of the screen.
Step 4:
Click on the “UWM ePanther” button.
Step 5:
Enter your username and password (Your username will be your ePanther email
address without the “@uwm.edu” at the end. Your password will be the same as for
your ePanther email account.) Click “Log In.”
Step 6:
Scroll down and select the current semester.
Step 7:
Under Fall 2013, select [INSERT COURSE].
Step 8:
You will be taken to the course homepage, where you will see any current
announcements.
How do I access the course materials in D2L?
Step 1:
On the course homepage (see instructions above to reach the homepage), select
“Content,” located in the upper left hand corner of the screen.
Step 2:
Under “Course Documents” you will find a copy of this syllabus and a series of lecture
notes for the course modules. Click on the document that you wish to view. If a popup window appears, click “Open.” It may take a few moments for the document to
load, and it may appear in a separate window.
You should also go to “Links” where you will find links to the publisher’s study
resources for each chapter of the textbook. These resources (in particular, the study
9
plan, chapter outline, practice quizzes, and flashcards) should be very useful in helping
you understand the material.
Step 3:
Before you can take the quizzes for a topic, you should read the assigned chapter
in the text and the lecture notes for that topic. You should also access and use
the study resources provided by the publisher to review the assigned chapter.
Step 4:
If you wish to return to the course homepage, click on the name of the course at the
very top of the screen near the left corner.
How do I take a quiz in D2L?
Step 1:
Choose the most reliable internet connection and device available. Hard-wired internet
connections are more reliable than wireless internet connections. It is NOT
recommended that you use mobile devices – many students have had problems in
the past when taking quizzes on mobile devices.
Step 2:
On the course homepage (see instructions above to reach the homepage), select
“Quizzes” in the upper left corner.
Step 3:
Click on the quiz you need to take.
Step 4:
Read the instructions for the quiz, and when you’re ready click “Start Quiz!”
Step 5:
Select the best answer for each question. You can see which questions you have saved
answers to in the “Questions” section of the quiz’s left panel. You can also click on the
question number in the quiz’s left panel to go back to the question.
Step 6:
It is recommended that you click the corresponding “Save” button after answering a
question. You can also click “Save All Responses” to save all previous responses. If
your computer freezes or your internet connection is lost during your quiz, you
may lose any unsaved responses. If you change an answer, verify that the change is
saved prior to submitting the quiz.
Step 7:
Click “Next Page” or “Previous Page” to navigate between pages.
Step 8:
You will have 6 minutes to take your quiz. A timer will show up on the screen under
“Time Taken.” Although you can start a quiz and navigate away from it at any time
during the attempt, the timer for the quiz does not pause.
Step 9:
Click “Go to Submit Quiz” when you are ready to submit. If you try to submit a quiz
with unanswered questions, you will see a warning at the top of the “Submit Quiz”
page informing you about unanswered questions. Click the link beneath the warning to
return to each unanswered question.
Step 10: Click “Submit Quiz.” Even if you haven’t answered all of the questions, you should
click “Submit Quiz” at the end of the 6 minutes, or your computer may become hung
10
up (which could prevent you from retaking the quiz in an hour). After 6 minutes, you
will not be able to change any of your answers.
Step 11: You may need to wait a minute after hitting “Submit Quiz” (especially if you are using
a mobile device). You will then see the grade you earned on that quiz. If your quiz
shows up as a “late submission” that is okay, your quiz will still count.
Step 12: If your score is at least 90%, you may proceed on to the next quiz. If your score is
lower than 90%, you will need to retake the quiz. You must wait a full hour before
attempting the same quiz again. You cannot begin your one-hour wait until you
click “Submit Quiz” on the first quiz.
Step 13: Click on the name of the course near the upper left corner of the screen to return to the
course homepage.
What should I do if the computer “freezes”
or I lose internet connectivity while I am taking a quiz?
Step 1:
Shut down the browser
Step 2:
Open a new browser window
Step 3:
Log back into D2L
Step 4:
Navigate to the course and enter the quiz again
Step 5:
Continue taking the quiz
*Note:
The 6-minute timer will keep running during this process.
*Note:
You may lose any responses that you did not save before your computer froze or you
lost internet connection. This is why it is a good idea to save your responses as you
move through the quizzes
*Note:
Even if your computer freezes or you lose your internet connection, you MUST
log back in and click “Submit Quiz” before you can begin your hour-long wait
between quiz retakes.