POLS 1101
American Government
Spring 2013:
CRN 22308
Instructor:
Mr. Steve Johnson
cell: 1-706-346-6150
email: johnson_stephen@columbusstate.edu
Office: Room 326, Faculty Office Building (by appointment)
TEXT:
Section 11
rd
Wednesday only
Keeping the Republic, 4 Brief Edition (Barbour and Wright)
6:00 – 8:45pm
Stanley Hall 209B
ISBN: 978-1-60871-274-8
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Describe how the American political system works. Describe how Georgia government
works under the present state constitution. Identify the historical and philosophical roots of America’s system of
government and its Constitutional components. Explain the importance of civic responsibility in a participatory
republic. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system. Use computer technology to
find information relating to politics and government.
NOTES:
1. If a student decides to withdraw from the course, the procedures listed in the University Catalog must be
followed. –Do not assume the instructor will withdraw you; failure to withdraw will result in a failing grade.
2. This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.
3. Use of cell phones, pagers, CD players, iPods, or other electronic devices not required for the class is prohibited.
GENERAL POLICIES: All current University, College and Departmental policies on matters of academic dishonesty,
sexual harassment, student rights, obligations and appeal procedures are incorporated as part of this syllabus.
Columbus State University ADA Accommodation Statement: If you have a documented disability as described by
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 933-112 Section 504) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would like
to request academic and/or physical accommodations please contact Joy Norman at the Office of Disability
Services in the Center for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330, as soon as
possible. Course requirements will not be waived but reasonable accommodations may be provided as appropriate.
Specifics:
You are allowed 2 (two) absences before your status is in jeopardy. No exceptions or discussions.
No quiz may be submitted late. Military exercises and ball games are no exceptions. The reality is that you should
still be able to submit on time with proper time management; not to overlook the fact that the quizzes can be
done as quickly as you would like – yes, that means they can be done early.
The ONLY way to get full credit for the position paper is to BRING IT TO CLASS YOURSELF and stay for the class
(remember absences are also a concern) – not just drop it off with a friend – in other words there are no
exceptions. None means none; this does mean flat tires, sick kids, last minute work requirements, no ink in your
printer or the internet going down are exceptions – they aren’t. Papers turned in late will receive 5 instead of 30
points.
Every paper you turn in (all position papers and State Gov outline) must carry your signature which is your
academic honesty assurance that it is your own work and has been delivered by you in accordance with the
requirements of this course. Any deviation will be dealt with in accordance with the rules guiding academic
dishonesty.
Due to the increasing pressure exerted by financial aid issues, I will have to check roll every night. Excessive
absences will result in my removing you from the class with a WF. I would suggest that athletes, military personnel
and others recheck your schedules to determine how many classes you will miss and obtain any necessary
exceptions to this policy or drop this class for another. I don’t make the exceptions or allow you to miss class.
Keep it simple and don’t do it at the last minute. You are asking for trouble and trouble usually delivers.
Grading:
14 Quizzes online
1pt/Q
14 “Position” Papers
30 pts/Paper
State Government Outline
Final Exam
4pts/Q
Total
280 points (28%)
420 points (42%)
100 points (10%)
200 points (20%)
1000 points
A = 900 – 1000 points
B = 800 – 899 points
C = 700 – 799 points
D = 600 – 699 points
F = less than 600 points
Extra Credit: Since many of you will miss classes do to circumstances beyond your control, I will allow ONE extra
credit work to be done and turned in. I will put several video/audio lectures on my website. You will pick one to
listen to and then in 1 – 2 pages explain what the speaker’s topic and main arguments are and the degree to which
you agree or disagree with him/her and WHY. Avoid appeals to emotion and focus on arguments of logic. The
extra credit assignment is worth 50 points. The website is:
johnson-csu.wikispaces.com
Breakdown:
Each chapter covered in one class; 1st half – lecture/discussion, 2nd half – turn in and discussion of chapter
“Position” Paper (on one day we will cover two chapters – see reverse)
The online quizzes and final exam will consist of multiple choice questions. Final exam questions will be drawn
from quizzes themselves and information from the quizzes and lectures. Final exam will have 50 questions.
The “Take a Position” paper requires clear statement of your position on the issue and answers to the questions
posed to develop your argument. Bulleted format is preferred. Each paper typed, double space, 12 font.
Each chapter online quiz must be completed and the results emailed to me NLT noon of day we cover that chapter.
When asked for your name: put CRN, Last Name, First Name. Send a copy to yourself and send one to me at:
johnson_stephen@columbusstate.edu
The State Government Outline (or bulleted list) of the important aspects of the organization of the branches of
government, office requirements, number seats in houses, house committees etc. (should touch on at least 25
points)
Website for chapter quizzes and ‘take a position’ papers:
republic-brief.cqpress.com
Course Schedule:
January 9
January 16
January 23
January 30
Intro
Ch 1
Ch 2
Ch 3
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27
Ch 4 (#1)
Ch 5 (#3)
Ch 6
Ch 7 (#2)
March 13
March 20
March 27
April 3
Ch 8
Ch 9 (# 1) & 10
Ch 11
Ch 12 & 13
April 10
April 17
April 24
Ch 14
Thanksgiving
Final
(# indicates which number “take a position” to do for that chapter)