Course Syllabus

Am Pol 100-10 ONLINE Summer 2024.pdf

Political Science 100-10 (4034)

AMERICAN POLITICS

Units: 3

SUMMER 2024

ONLINE

Final Examination:

THURSDAY, June 27, 2024

 

Location: Online

 

Adjunct Professor: Jason Buckner

Office Hours: Wednesday 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm or by appointment

Contact Info: Through CANVAS, jbuckner@sbccd.cc.ca.us or professorbuckner@gmail.com

Cell: (909) 257-4908.

I will respond to all emails and phone calls within 24 hours.

 

 INTRODUCTION

This course is a basic introduction to American politics that is designed to teach you the basics of the United States and California constitutions and governments with primary emphasis on the American national government. Topics covered include the political philosophy of democracy and constitutionalism; the specific provisions of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; the operations of national political institutions including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court; the role of political parties; and an overview of California government and politics. This class will be taught from a practical perspective as opposed to a philosophical one.

THE KEYS TO AN ENJOYABLE AND SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER

If you are not familiar with my approach to teaching political science, please make careful note of the following.

First, this class will make sense to you only if you are familiar with recent and current events in American politics. You will be expected to monitor government and political news nationally and in California and to discuss relevant developments in class.

Second, make sure to complete the reading assignments. My recordings and discussions will not parrot what’s in the book and will be essential to your success on the quizzes and exams. On the other hand, do not get lost in the reading. You are expected to master the obvious, not the obscure. Do not get bogged down. Utilize the chapter summaries.

Third, show up for live synchronous classes, view videos, complete discussions and interact with your fellow students. This course relies heavily on participation and practical exercises. If you do not complete the work for virtually every class, it will be tough for you to get a decent grade.

Fourth, pay attention to the recordings, engage intellectually, and be prepared to think things through. You will be expected to learn some basic information, but, more importantly, you will be expected to apply that information in an appropriate way.

REQUIRED READING

There is one book for this course, and it is free.

1.     American Government by Krutz.

ISBN: 978-1-951693-38-1, Copyright Year: 2021, Publisher: OpenStax College

*You may download this textbook for FREE on the OpenStax website and on Canvas: https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/AmericanGovernment3e-WEB.pdf

You also retain the option to purchase or rent a hard copy text version from the bookstore or elsewhere.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

As explained above, the course requirements are simple:  Do the reading, show up, participate in classroom discussion and exercises and complete all written assignments on time.

he components of your grade will be as follows:

• Class Participation – Videos and Discussions …………...…….............................50%
• Chapter Quizzes ……………………………………………………………………20%
• Final Exam….…..............................................................................................30%

To reiterate, attendance in the form of watching videos, completing Discussions and Assignments is critical for participation, not just for 50% of your grade, but because knowledge of material from the class and particularly the lectures will be necessary for both the midterm and final.

Course videos are found under the Assignments tab.

The Quizzes can be found under the Module, Assignments or Quizzes tab on Canvas, and the answers are found within the videos and the text.

Discussions are posted to Canvas under the Module, Discussions and Assignments tabs. You will have until the end of the summer term to complete them for credit.

One comprehensive Final Exam based on the readings and lectures will represent 30% of the grade. The Final will consist of multiple choice, short answers, and a short essay designed primarily to make sure that you have a solid grasp of the basics of the subject matter to meet the SLO requirements below.

There will also be opportunities for extra credit.

Recordings

Recordings will be frequently posted and can be found in the Module, Assignments, and Discussion sections on Canvas. You are responsible for viewing all of them and responding accordingly. The recordings are essential to your success. They cover all of the testable issues and topics of the course.

Discusssions

Discussions will be posted weekly to the Discussion section on Canvas. You are to read them, watch all of the recordings, and respond to the questions posted on Canvas.

Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)

1. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the constitutional structure of the United States government by identifying and distinguishing the various, different functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and their associated bureaucratic and regulatory agencies, as assessed by examinations and written reports.

 

2. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the constitutional structure of the California state government by identifying and distinguishing the various distinctive functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the state, along with associated bureaucratic and regulatory agencies, as well as local governments, as assessed by examinations and written essays and reports.

 

3. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to participate in the American political system by means of political party affiliation, lobbying, voting, and other sorts of political activism, as assessed by examinations and written essays and reports.

 

 

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H* and READ 015

Course Credit Information: Course credit transfers to CSU and UC C-ID (Course Identification Number): POLS 110.  Associate Degree Applicable.

Course Notes

This course utilizes computer based and mobile application software programs to enhance the student’s participation in their education and to provide and efficient and easily access course content. These programs are listed below.

• Canvas: You can locate the syllabus, lecture slides, alerts, updates, and supplemental materials necessary for their success in the course.

 

Additional Policies

Discussion/Debate Policy: Political science study requires discussing highly controversial matters in an open and frank manner that students may, on occasion, take offense to. Necessarily, the foundations and function of our democracy requires the free flow of ideas and opinions to identify, understand, and solve critical issues that affect us as citizens. However, oppressive language will not be tolerated. Ad hominem attacks on individuals or protected or unprotected classes will not be tolerated. Rather, arguing for or against ideas (not the person) or positions supported by evidence is highly encouraged. All political views and policy positions, regardless of the viewpoint or popularity, are to be respected by all students and will be protected by me as they are necessary to the achievement of our learning outcomes. Violations of this policy will mirror those of the technology policy with an exception of an initial warning for the first offense as you are learning to debate civilly.

Reading and Written Assignments

INTRODUCTION

Week 1            May 28 to May 31            Review Videos 1 and 2 on Course Introduction and

Syllabus Overview, What is Politics? What is

Government? Who’s in Charge? Types of

Governments, Types of Economies, And, What is

Political Participation?

The Constitution and Its Origins

                                                            Krutz, Chapter 2

                                                            Chapter 2, Quiz 1

 

CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND FORMAL INSTITUTIONS

Week 2            June 3 to June 7

Federalism

Read Krutz, Chapter 3

Quiz 2, Chapter 3

Congress

Read Article 1 of the US Constitution, pp. 665-668

Krutz, Chapter 11

Chapter 11, Quiz 3

Week 3            June 10 to June 14

The Presidency                 

Read Article 2 of the US Constitution, pp. 668-670

Krutz, Chapter 12

Read Electoral College Results, pp. 689

Chapter 12, Quiz 4

The Judiciary

Read Article 3 of the US Constitution, pp. 670

Krutz, Chapter 13

Chapter 13, Quiz 5  

 

CALIFORNIA AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES

Week 4            June 17 to June 21

Review Lecture and Complete Quiz 6

Live and Recorded Final Exam Review

Week 5           June 24 to June 27                                       

FINAL EXAM DUE: THURSDAY, June 27, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

 

GENERAL NEED TO KNOW THINGS:

1. DO NOT PANIC. If there is something you do not know, cannot access, or I have not discussed or posted something or stated when it is due, it is not a cause for concern. A good rule is that, “If I have not said anything about it, you need not worry about it.” I will communicate clearly what I expect from you and when.
2. If you cannot access something, please contact me or IT. It is not uncommon for things to go down because SBVC has not yet fully developed or allowed access to Canvas’ abilities.
3. Be honest with me. If you are having issues, let me know ASAP so that we can make arrangements or accommodations.
4. It is likely that things will change. I routinely cut out assignments and extend due dates. This is not a cause for concern because it is built into the course structure.
5. Do the discussions and watch the videos. This is your chance to participate and is 50% of your grade. The discussions are not solely limited to governmental politics. I will always ask, “What is going on in the world?”, so here, you may talk about anything happening in sports, celebrities, business, social media, your life or our community or anything else interesting to you.
6. Pay attention to the Announcements. I will have lectures or real time video conferences that you can attend that are intended to help you as students with things like transferring, writing personal statements, writing for exams, etc. This also includes study sessions prior to tests and the final exam. If you are unable to attend them, they are recorded and stored under the Conference tab on Canvas for two weeks. Students who participate or review them do very well on all parts of the course.
7. Pay attention to the extra credit.

Statement on Support Systems

I know that being a community college student can be incredibly challenging. I, too, was one. There will inevitably be situations that arise wherein you may need assistance. Aside from making myself available to you anytime, the college maintains resources to assist you in a variety of ways for a variety of issues. Below, you will find links to some of these Student Support Services. Let me know if you have any questions.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES:

San Bernardino Valley College provides in-person and telehealth services for mental health counseling and medical health. To ensure the health and safety of all, we require appointments for all of our visits by creating an appointment 24/7 online. To make an appointment, please call (909) 384-4495. We are located in the front of parking lot #8. Not all mental healthcare situations and medical health needs are appropriate for telehealth, such as emergent and/or crisis services. If interested, see our Online Services.

Students enrolled in specific courses may also use the services of the Health Science/Nursing Resource Center. The Valley 360° Resource Center provides food, clothing, hygiene, and baby items for hundreds of San Bernardino Valley College students, allowing them to focus more time on their academics and pursuing their professional and personal goals. This resource center is made possible through partnership with the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino and Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino. For more information visit the Valley 360 Resource Center.

COUNSELING

The Counseling Department is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment and valuing individual lived experiences. Counselors are essential in providing student-centered counseling services and ensuring equitable access and empowerment to a diverse community of learners.

To schedule an appointment with a counselor visit the ESARS Scheduling System.

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

If you are having technology issues with your computer or Canvas, you can visit our campus technology services and visit the help desk to file a help ticket.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

At San Bernardino Valley College, we work hard to support our students' academic needs. There are many resources available to help both struggling students and students seeking high levels of achievement.  These services include:

• The Academic Success Centers are here to assist all students with their academic needs. Tutors provide free assistance in a wide variety of courses. We now have two locations! The Math and Science Success Center is located in PS 121 and the Tutoring Center is located in LA 206. Supplemental Instruction (SI) Across the Disciplines is also now available through the Academic Success Centers. We are here to help you succeed!
• The Writing Center offers students many different methods to increase their skills in reading and writing.
• The Library offers many great resources to students including over 80,000 volumes, online databases, and librarians to assist students who are searching through the Library's resources.
• Students looking for a computer access should visit the Open Use Computer Lab.

VETERANS SERVICES

The Veterans Affairs Office at San Bernardino Valley College serves as a liaison between veteran students, and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The office is equipped to assist veteran students with the appropriate forms to process claims for educational benefits.

The Veteran's Resource Office has on-site Administrator and Veteran's Representative from Admissions & Records to assist with any questions concerning veteran educational benefits or educational experiences at San Bernardino Valley College. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment visit the Veteran’s Resource Center.

DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

The mission of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) In my role as the course instructor, I will ensure that all students will have the tools necessary to compete globally by strategically utilizing the skills learned from their individual collegiate experiences in my class. In addition to the support I provide, the Student Accessibility Service team members will facilitate growth, inclusion, and critical thinking to develop leadership and address the diverse learning abilities of students. As a result, students will cultivate strategic ways of navigating their academic, social, and personal goals through self-advocacy, campus involvement, and community awareness that will propel them to continue their educational and career opportunities.

If you have or believe you may benefit from accessibility services, visit the SAS website for programs, services and to schedule an appointment. Students who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, please call (909) 332-5877 for video conferencing.

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)

The San Bernardino Community College District recognizes that as a result of financial need, language barriers, and other academic challenges, some students may require specialized support services in order to achieve their college success. Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program that provides uniquely designed services to full-time SBVC students, who also demonstrate both economic and educational disadvantages.

To make an appointment or to completed and application, visit the EOPS website.

STUDENT EQUITY

Student Equity Planning is administered through the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Program at the California Community College's Chancellor's Office. College student equity plans focus on increasing access, course completion, ESL and basic skills completion, degrees, certificates and transfer rates for all students as measured by success indicators linked to the CCC Student Success Scorecard, and other measures developed in consultation with local colleges.