This is the Class Home Page/Syllabus.

Read This Entire Web Page (and all links).

This class moves very fast - do not fall behind or you will fail!

if all this is too much - DROP THE CLASS NOW!

GET YOUR BOOK NOW and start reading:  

Text: We the People, Ginsberg, Lowi & Weir. Shorter Ninth (9th,2013), WW Norton Publisher (or any recent edition). You may purchase the new text from the LACC bookstore. It comes with a California Government text attached (for free?) If you buy a used book, you must still purchase any California Government Text. There are many used versions of this text.

NOTE WELL: There are many US Government Texts called: "We the People." Only the one by Ginsberg, Lowi & Weir is acceptable. It must be published by W.W. Norton. Any recent used edition of this text by these authors and this publisher is acceptable to use for this class.

No Late Work will be accepted in this class. All late work will earn 0 points. No exceptions. You CANNOT TEXT Work! You CANNOT email work! All work is posted on eTudes in assignments and quizzes are taken on publisher's web site.

This class is just as much work than my "regular, on campus" classes. It may even be more work!

Because you do it mostly alone!!!!

If all this seems too much, DROP THE CLASS NOW! Let others who are ready have a chance.

This class starts on 9/2/14 and runs through 6/8/14. No work will be accepted after Dec. 21, 2014.

Not everyone succeeds in online classes.  But those who stick with it often earn an A!

This class is all about YOU - How much work are YOU going to do? (More than a regular class, that's for sure) How much can YOU motivate YOU?  Are you self motivated? If not: DROP THE CLASS. Its all about YOU!!!! This class is NOT LESS WORK than a so-called regular class.  It may be MORE WORK! Are you good at doing work EVERY DAY? If not, DROP THE CLASS!

Be Honest with Yourself!

Maybe this isn't for you!

This class is designed to be 100% online. All work is done through eTudes. And on the publishers web site "Study Space" where you will take the chapter quizzes.

If all this seems too much, DROP THE CLASS NOW!

Let others who are mature and ready have a chance.

If you have never used eTudes before, click on "eTudes help" and take the tutorial and learn how to use eTudes.

How to get on eTudes: Go to the LACC web page, on the left, click on "classes/areas of study" - From there - look to the right - in the light blue area - see where it says "eTudes portal"? WELL - first click on "eTudes help" and take the tutorial and learn how to use eTudes. If you can't get on eTudes, maybe you shouldn't take an online class???

I do not use the eTudes calender. We use the Class Schedule (Below).

You MUST adapt to the Schedule. It will not change for you.

When an assignment on eTudes is closed - it's closed and you missed it...

I will not (cannot) change eTudes. Sorry

We will be using eTudes for this semester - learn it - use it - get on it! NOW! -

For all Course Projects You MUST use APA citation format CLICK HERE for a great page on APA .

Each Course Project has specific directions that should be followed.

All Course Projects must have an APA style bibliography. You are expected to do RESEARCH for your Course Project. You are expected to have citations in your Course Projects (and California State Government Essay), using the APA style citation format.

The California Government Essay Project (the mid-term) must be done in APA with citations, title page, abstract, bibliography, etc.

There are no prerequisites for this class. 

However, you should be able to read and write at the college level .

Course Objectives:  Students will develop an understanding of and be able to discuss the following concepts: power, federalism, limited government, civil liberties, the pluralist and elite theories of U.S. government, the legislative process, the electoral process, interest groups, the independent judiciary, political parties, domestic and foreign policy and the role of the media in politics. Students will be able to write college level essays on all these topics. Students will be expected to analyze their own political beliefs and others'. Students will also learn to spot "ugly English."

Course Learning Outcomes Matrix:

Students will (outcome)

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W.W. Norton, the publishers of our text, have a free online "Study Space" designed to give you study help and access to the e-book among other things. Also each chapter has chapter quizzes. You can take as many quizzes, as often as you want. (You will be given a choice of the number of questions you want to be asked). You must take a twenty (20) question chapter quiz for each chapter WE COVER !. If you want full credit, you need to get 15 out of 20 correct. Take it as many times (during that week) as you want. Taking the quiz late earns you 0 points. Your Choice. Keep up or lose up to 75 points.

After you complete the chapter quizzes on the Study Space you will be asked for MY EMAIL NAME and our class section number, that's how I will be notified of what you do.

You DO NOT have to email me the results.... please.

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You can do work early but you cannot do it late!!!!!

Here is a link about how to construct an argument.

- 1 - (9/2 - 9/7) - No Reading - Intro: " What is Political Science?" - BY end of DAY 1: Sign in on eTudes Class Discussions, "Day 1 Sign-in" & Complete all the steps on the "Week 1 checklist" (including posting your "Student Statement" (with name and section number) on eTudes by the end of week 1, in the Assignments section.

- 2 - (9/8 - 9/14) Ch. 1 - "American Political Culture: The Pluralist & the Elite Theories. & Ch 1 QUIZ DUE & Course Project Declaration (1 or 2 sentences) DUE on eTudes by end of the week.

- (The First Class Discussion on eTudes starts - DO NOT START A NEW TOPIC - just respond to my post). There will be four (4) three-week class discussions. You MUST participate in them all!

- 3 - (9/15 - 9/21) Ch. 2 - "Why 'Back then' never was" Part 1: Who's my Founding Father?" - The Historical Theories. & Ch 2 QUIZ DUE

- (First Class Discussion: week two on eTudes).

- 4 - (9/22 - 9/28) Ch. 3 - Part 2: "Federalism, or How's your relationship? The Historical Theories (continued). DUE: Ugly English Example & Translation Assignment DUE! & Ch 3 QUIZ DUE

- (First Class Discussion: FINAL week on eTudes).

- 5 - (9/29 - 10/5) Chs. 4 & 5 - Civil Liberties & Civil Rights: Are YOU Free? Are YOU Rich?" The"Free Market" theory. & Ch 4 & 5 QUIZZES DUE

- (Second Class Discussion starts on eTudes).

- 6 - (10/6 - 10/12) - Ch. 6 - "Methodology & Opinion Polls & Modeling" The Scientific Theory. DUE: The Critical Thinking Project DUE! & Ch 6 QUIZ DUE

- (Second Class Discussion: week two).

- 7 - - (10/13 - 10/19) - Ch. 7 - "The Media: Setting the Agenda" The "Fifth Estate" Theory. DUE: Course Project "Working References" DUE! & Ch 7 QUIZ DUE

(Second Class Discussion ends at end of week).

- 8 - - (10/20 - 10/26) - Ch. 8 - "Political Participation and Protests. The Power to the People Theory." DUE: The Party ID Project DUE! & Ch 8 QUIZ DUE

- (Third Class Discussion starts on eTudes).

- 9 - - (10/27 - 11/2) - Ch. 9 - "Political Parties, Tea?" "The parties still matter" Theory. DUE: The California State Government Essay DUE! & Ch 9 QUIZ DUE

- (Third Class Discussion: week two).

- 10 - - (11/3 - 11/9) - Ch. 10 - Campaigns, Election & Who votes? The elections Theory. DUE: The Political Contribution Project DUE! Post it on eTudes. & Ch 10 QUIZ DUE

- (Third Class Discussion ends).

- 11 - - (11/10 - 11/16) - Ch. 11 - "Interest Groups & Iron Triangles. & Ch 11 QUIZ DUE

- (Fourth Class Discussion starts on eTudes).

- 12 - - (11/17 - 11/23) Ch. 12 - "And three or more is a Congress..." & Ch 12 QUIZ DUE

- (Fourth Class Discussion: week two).

- 13 - (11/24 - 11/30) - Ch. 13 - "He's just the President." DUE: Course Project DUE! Post it on eTudes. & Ch 13 QUIZ DUE

- (Fourth Class Discussion ends).

- 14 - (12/1 - 12/7) Ch. 14 - "The 4th branch of Government? The Bureaucratic Theory." & Ch 14 QUIZ DUE

- 15 - (12/8 - 12/14) Ch. 15 - "The Courts: The "And Justice for all" Theory & Ch 15 QUIZ DUE

FINAL EXAM WEEK: (12/15 - 12/21) The Final Exam will be a few "short answers" (1-3 paragraphs, based on the discussion questions at the end of each web lecture page ("some things to think about") and Two Long Essays (click here) I will choose. You will Post your answers on eTudes in the exam section.

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No Late work will be accepted.

No Late work will be graded. You will earn 0 points for all late work.

ALL WORK is posted on eTudes in the Assignment section. (and the quizzes)

Grading by points:

This class is transferable to UC and CSU system and is a college level class. We have no time for your drama, games, disruptions, nor for that matter, anything that distracts from the class. You are expected be an adult.

Please do not involve me (nor the class) in the drama that is your life!

NO EXCUSES! Here is a list of real excuses sent to me from my online students. SPARE ME YOUR LAME EXCUSES!

As the great poetess said: "Be grow or be gone."

For my grading rubric on the Course Project, California Government Essay and the rest of the assignments, click here .

Approximate Points-to-Letter Grade scale:

By the end of Week 1 - DO ALL THE STUFF ON THE CHECKLIST First ...

Do everything on the checklist then post the "student statement" with your full name and section number in the correct spaces on eTudes in the Assignment section.

...If you cannot do all you need to do by Week one, than maybe you should drop the class...

Class Discussions:

Posting work on the Class Bulletin Board (on eTudes ) serves several functions. First, it is an attempt to build a sense of "group" even if it is only "virtual." Second, it allows students to see if any other students are working on similar policy areas. You are encouraged to "make friends" and to work together whenever possible. Of course, every student has to do her or his own work. Third, posting work creates an open environment where we can help each other by sharing ideas. Fourth, it takes advantage being online in a way a traditional class could not.

You will need to be able to access eTudes If you cannot get on eTudes by the end of week one you will be dropped from the class. 

You earn participation points by giving your opinion and contributing to "Class Discussions."  There will be four separate Class Discussions which will last three weeks each.  You should post your thoughts on the question as well comment on what others have said.  Of course, common rules of civility apply.  You are expected to make a posting for each and every one of the class discussions.  All postings must be accompanied by your name and email address.  No anonymous postings. No personal attacks or anything you wouldn't say face to face.  Just say what you think and why.

Contribute to the discussions, positively.

All you do, really, is what you would do in class.  Say what you think and why you think it.  In a paragraph or two give your opinion and the reasons for it.  When commenting on others' thoughts, don't just say "I agree," say why you agree. 

You can access the discussions, when they are open and active on eTudes . Remember to include your name and email address on everything you say, or you won't get credit.  No anonymous postings, please.

The class discussions are graded at the end of the year in their totality. You can earn up to 50 points by simply posting your opinion and responded to some one else's opinion (at least once each discussion). Do less and earn less.

Here are the topics:

Discussion One: What should Pres. Obama NOW?

Discussion Two: What should be our College's main focus and mission?

Discussion Three: What's the state of education in our state?

Discussion Four: What can be done to "fix" the LAPD and LA Sheriff's?

For Your Course Project You will pick a topic to work on ALL Semester Long...

Your Course Project is you researching a topic of your choice AND to useing that research in your paper to make an argument on some specific Labor Policy Issue (or the political activities of a union). CLICK HERE to see examples. You must use APA citation format: Have citations in your paper and an APA style bibliography (called References). APA also requires an abstract and a specific type of title page. YOU are expected to learn and use APA in the California Gov. Essay and the Course Project.

ETudes often will mess up your footers and headers so you really do not have to do them and thus worry about them.

You must demonstrate that you used your RESEARCH in these papers, which means you must have citations in the body of the paper.

Page numbers for these assignments are minimums... In college level English, about two paragraphs (or three) a page... Title, abstract and references NEVER count in any page total. (So sorry, in college now.)

You MUST use APA citation format for the Course Project and the California State Government Essay: click here for a great page on APA .

For Your Course Project Declaration - post on etudes... State your topic in a sentence or two.

If you cannot reduce your point to a sentence or two, you really don't have a point but some ramblings...

You can pose a question about a labor issue (Lame example): Is the federal minimum wage too low?) Or you can state your point: The bottom half of the income earners in our country hold practically no wealth, here is an idea of a government policy to fix that. Or you can state a testable "scientific sounding" hypothesis: American consumers drive child slavery around the world because of their hunger for cheap consumer goods.

Put thought into this and say as much as you can with the right words, in clear and well written sentences...not just a whole bunch of words.

Once you have picked a topic, and I have approved it - you cannot change it. If you mess this up, I will give you another chance, but just THINK BEFORE you write and post.

For Your Course Project "Working References" - post on etudes... By week seven, you should have many more than EIGHT (8) college-level scholarly resources that you have found, read, and plan to use in your Course Project paper.

List them in correct and complete APA style - DO NOT worry about formatting.

The UGLY ENGLISH EXAMPLE AND TRANSLATION simply involves finding an example of what Orwell calls "ugly English." Then translate your example it into "standard" or "simplified" English.

Here's what to do:  Find an example (a word or phrase) and type it in quotes. Note the source. Provide the simplified "translation" of how the author (or speaker or whatever) could have better made the point. You can use newspapers, magazines, text books, radio or TV broadcasts, even things you hear people. All these are places to find examples of inappropriate jargon, obtuse verbiage, over-used expressions, inappropriate foreign terms and the like. Be creative, this just might be fun!

For further information and examples click here to go to Orwell & Ugly English Assignment Explained. The Ugly English assignment must be posted on etudes in the assignment section. Follow the format on my web page and you get 25 points. (It's kind of like a gift!)

The Critical Thinking Op-Ed Project:

First, choose the op-ed piece or article you will be analyzing. You can use an opinion piece or article from any newspaper, magazine, web site, etc... It does not have to be about politics, but wouldn't it make more sense if it were? A traditional opinion/editorial is an argument by someone who is clearly identified, paid to write it, and qualified to have an opinion on the subject. DO NOT use editorials (they have no "by line." - they are written by a staff). DO NOT use "letters to the editor." DO NOT USE BLOGS - unless the piece conforms to the standards of a traditional op-ed piece (from 250 - 1500 words, clearly on one topic, expert, etc). The web page explains the eight answers you must provide about the op-ed piece. Just fill in the blanks, with bullet points or brief clauses, do not copy the question - Post answers on eTudes in the assignment section. Click here to learn more about Critical Thinking and the Project

The Political Contribution Project:

 The Political Contribution Project - click here for more details - You have a million dollars to give to either five or ten political groups.  This can be done on the web and just might be fun - check it out.   Post work on eTudes in assignment section - just follow the directions and you'll earn the max points!!!

The Party Identification (ID) Project:

The Party Identification (ID) Project - click here for details - You are forced to look around your world and find which political party people around you identify with.  Then you share our results on eTudes. Just follow the directions and you will earn the max points!!!

The California State Government Essay: You pick one of four essay questions and write a 5-8 page research paper answering the question. Follow APA style citation format, including an abstract and bibliography. You must have citations in your paper. You will post this in eTudes assignment section. Click here for more details.

The Course Project You will post your course project on eTudes. Write it in word (or whatever) and cut and paste it into eTudes in APA style (don't worry about the formatting and headers). Once you post on eTudes it may not let you change - so THINK BEFORE you post!

Write this in "Word" or similar format. Cut and paste it into the eTudes assignment section (box) that calls for it.

You CANNOT turn it in any other way (not under my door, etc) It must be posted on time (So don't be lame and blame eTudes. Don't wait 'til the last minute - fool!).

The FINAL EXAM 100 points: 50 points for several "short answer" questions (1-3 paragraphs based on the discussion questions on each weekly lecture pages. And 50 points for (my choice of) ONE OR TWO ESSAYS from the list provided by clicking here. The Final cannot be taken early. It will be open for Finals week. No work will be accepted after the final closes. The Final CAN NOT be taken late..

Students are responsible to live up to, and adhere to, all rules and regulations listed in the Student Handbook, the College Catalog, the College Schedule of Classes, and the various regulations, requirements and rules of the College and the District.

Students with disabilities or who need any assistance or reasonable accommodation should contact the instructor. Such students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services

Students are encouraged to form and work in study groups. However each student must do her or his own work. Students who copy, cheat, plagiarize or in other fashion violate the spirit or letter (or both) of the rules of the College or the District (or both) may be excluded from this class, at a minimum.

Please do not ask for an incomplete. I will not grant it.

Any questions - please email me: meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu or text me!

Take the student self assessment - click here - print it out and take it seriously. Do not share your answers with me. Put them to work in your life!!!!! Do this each semester and see how you have grown!

Here's a few things to remember about this course:

No Late Work will be accepted in this class. All late work will earn 0 points. No exceptions. You CANNOT TEXT Work! You CANNOT drop work in my mail box. It must be posted on eTudes before it closes!

All work is posted on eTudes in assignments or exams and quizzes are taken on publisher's web site.

Also:

1. This class is VERY FAST - DO NOT FALL BEHIND - All work received LATE will NOT be graded. You will earn 0 points.

2. Text me any time, but please remember, this is not an "instant class." It may take me a few days or a week to get through to all the grading and emails. Please remember that YOUR emergency is not my emergency... sorry.

3. You are expected to do the reading (from the text) and then click on the appropriate lecture page from eTudes. You can read ahead a little, but don't fall behind!

4. You are expected to go to the publisher's web site "study space" (see link above) and take a twenty question quiz. You can take it as often as you like but you must get at least 15 out of 20 correct to earn the maximum points for each quiz.

5. This is the same class as any on campus class - it is not "easier" or "less work." Most students tell me it ends up being more work and even harder than an on campus class because you have to have self motivation and self discipline and the ability to work mostly alone.

6. All work for the course is due no later than midnight (11:59 pm) Sunday 12/21, 2014. All work received after that will not be graded.

7. Always include your Full Name & section number in all emails and your name on all texts (ur name on all txts).

I put a great deal of time and effort into my web pages. I think they answer all your questions about how the class works....

IF YOU READ THEM! ----- SO READ ALL THE LINKS!

When you read each week's lecture pages, you will find many links.  When they appear in italics (like this type).  That's a link to an OUTSIDE web page that I think you may find of interest or it may help further elaborate upon or enhance your understanding of a concept or word.  If it says: "click here" or "click here to see..." that is a link to my own web pages.  They generally have my "Political Science, POWER & You" logo on them as well.  You should READ ALL MY WEB SITES.  The links to outside sources are for your enrichment and are optional.   Also, some links are to many of the activities we do in class, most are group activities. You don't have to do any of the activities (some of them really can't be done by yourself, but you can pretend you are in a group, I guess).

Many students drop the class, but those who stick it out often discover how easy and fun online classes are - just do the work each week - don't fall behind - it's hard to catch up.

It's never too early to start thinking about your Course Project - check out your options on the assignments page.  Your Course Project is as Fun as you want to make it. The MORE YOU PUT INTO IT - THE MORE FUN IT WILL BE! 

Students with disabilities or who need any assistance or reasonable accommodation should contact the instructor.   Such students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services. You need to be your own advocate.

Students are encouraged to form and work in study groups. However, each student must do her or his own work.   Students who copy, cheat, plagiarize or in other fashion violate the spirit or letter (or both) of the rules of the College or the District (or both) may be excluded from this class, at a minimum.

I will not grant an incomplete - so please do not ask!

Remember: eTudes, email and the internet are NOT PERFECT (me neither, you?). If you think I have made an error or an omission, email me ASAP!

Prof. Joe Meyer, email: meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu

Please always put your section number and name on all emails!

This is a very large class which need you to act like an adult.

"Be Grown or Be Gone!"

We will use eTudes for EVERY assignment, so no excuses.

If all this is too much, please drop the course NOW!

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BY DAY 1 Checklist and "Student Statement"

1. Register for the class. Buy the Text book. Buy it used, its cheaper. If you buy it at the LACC bookstore it comes with the California Government Text included. If you buy the text used, also buy any current California Government text.

2. Go to the eTudes and read the Class Home Page/Syllabus and READ IT. Begin doing all the things for the checklist BEFORE Day 1.. The class schedule will NOT change for you. You must adapt to it.

3. This is be a large class so please be courteous and give me time to grade things.

4. Check out the Publisher's Study Space and find the chapter quizzes. We are using Version 9. Get on it and learn it. No excuses. Do it Now. After week 1, late quizzes will earn 0 points. Get on it Now.

5 After you have done all of the above and can honestly attest to everything in the student statement (Below) - copy it and paste it into the proper place in eTudes in the assignment section. Make sure you put your FULL NAME and Section Number) where it belongs (2 places) YOU DO NOT have to email it to me.

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"Student Statement" for Political Science 1, ONLINE:

I, ________________________________(insert your name and section #), swear and attest to the following:

1.) That I have read the Class Home Page/Syllabus and all the links.

2.) I am able to access eTudes. I have verified my email address.

3.) I have read the student code of conduct (in the student handbook) and understand that I can work with others but I MUST DO MY OWN WORK! No one will do any of the work in the class for me. I will not cheat, or in any way, violate the letter, nor spirit, of the district and college policies. I understand that plagiarism is a serious offense which will result in receiving 0 points for the work plagiarized.

4.) I have accessed the publisher's Study Space and found the chapter exams. I will chose 20 questions for each quiz, and take each on time, or I will not earn any points.

5.) I will not make any anonymous postings on eTudes. I will be courteous and appropriate in all my emails and postings and texts.

I _____________________________________(your name and section number) do so declare and affirm!"

Post this in the proper place in eTudes.

PLEASE - always include your full name and SECTION NUMBER on all emails and texts to me.