*Helpful Hint*

Read This ENTIRE Web Page (and all links)... About 15 pages, if you print it out...Too Much To Read??? Drop this class NOW! If you can't read a 15 page syllabus you will not succeed in this course.

This is college.

I do not teach children.

Be prepared to do the work, or

DROP THE CLASS NOW!

GET YOUR BOOK NOW and start reading:

Text: We the People, Ginsberg, Lowi & Weir. Shorter Tenth edition (10th, 2015), 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?) Why not buy a used version of our text online?There are many versions of WW Norton's Ginsberg's We The People - any of them will work.

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.

ALSO: "California Government" by Anagnoson et al., Published by WW Norton, 2015. About the California Government Textbook: If you buy a used California Government Textbook, ANY ONE WILL WORK! There are many used (and cheap) California Government Textbooks - they all work the same - they help you prepare to do your course project. Any recent California Government text will work... get a cheap used one online.

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.

*Helpful Hints*

*If you have never used eTudes before...

Click on "eTudes help" and take the tutorial.

ALSO About eTudes:

Please, I DO NOT use eTudes private messenger, just email me or text.

DO NOT send work via private message on eTudes, please.

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.

It is up to you to track your progress on eTudes grade book. If you think I have made an error or an omission, email me ASAP

But Remember....

The eTudes grade book is not the official gradebook of the class. I may not change the eTudes grade book, but the important grade book, the OFFICIAL grade book, is my hand-written grade book in my office! (Yes, I have trust issues with technology)

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 &Rubric:

Students will (outcome)

The BEST way is to text me at

(323) 920-5308

Please DO NOT leave me messages on eTudes. I do not use eTudes private messenger. DO NOT send work through private messenger.

On Campus Office Hours:

Mon. & Wed.: 12 - 1:45 pm

*Virtual Office Hours: M & W 4-5pm, T & Th 2-4pm

Or send me an email (meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu),

Or call and leave a message at (323) 953-4000 x2562

(Non emergency calls only - I check it through our email system)

Please remember, I DO NOT use eTudes private messenger and you CAN NOT send work to me that way.

Stop by and visit sometime

FH 219 - LACC ext. 2562

You can do work early, but you CANNOT do it late!!!!

By the end of week 1 - if you have not done the student statement - you WILL be excluded from the class!

to view the Key Terms, Concepts and "some things to think about" for each chapter... click here

week 1

8/29

8/31

"Intro to Political Science"

*Student Self Assesment & Ugly English Assignment Explained - Orwell Article .... Click here for Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”

Take the Student Self Assesment bring it to class on 8/31*

Student Statement DUE on eTudes

week 2

9/5

9/7

No Class - College Closed

Ch 1 ..... "US Political Culture"

Course Project "1st Thesis" DUE on Etudes

week 3

9/12

9/14

Ch 2 ... Why Back then never was"

Ch 3 ... "How's your relationship?" (with the Federal Government)

QUIZ #1 DUE on eTudes.(Chs 1 & 2)

week 4

9/19

9/21

Chs 4 & 5.... "Civil Rights & Civil Liberties and Are You Rich?"

No Reading, LIBRARY DAY - Meet outside MLK Library

Start Your Social Media Project

week 5

9/26

9/28

Ugly English Assign. - Instant Grade-ification in Class

No Reading: "Critical Thinking and YOU"

Ugly English Example & Translation Due in Class

QUIZ #2 DUE on eTudes(Chs 3 - 5)

week 6

10/3

10/5

Guest Speaker on Politics of Food.

Ch 6 ... "Methodology"

week 7

10/10

10/12

Ch 7... The Media

Should We Run It? Print it out - BRING IT TO CLASS or have access to it.

."The Media - Setting the Agenda"

Course Project "Working References" DUE on Etudes

week 8

10/17

10/19

Ch 8... "We the People..."

Read, PRINT OUT - Bring to class: Privacy, Libel and Free Speech.

QUIZ #3 DUE on eTudes(Chs 6 - 8)

Party ID Project DUE on eTudes * and bring to class on 10/24

week 9

10/24*

10/26

Ch 9... "Where's the party at?" * BRING your PARTY ID PROJECT to Class!

Ch 10... "How to get elected" Create "Your Candidate"

Social Media Grade Project DUE on eTudes

Course Project "Working Thesis"DUE on Etudes

week 10

10/31

11/2

Your Candidate's Ad - Instant Grade-ification in Class

Guest Speaker on Campaigns

week 11

11/7 *

11/9

QUIZ #4 DUE on eTudes

(Chs 9 - 12)

week 12

11/14

11/16

Ch 13... "He (or maybe She) is just the president"

Crisis in Cuba - Should We Invade? Print it - bring it to class (Also bring a map of Cuba).

week 13

11/21

11/23

Ch 14... "The Bureaucratic Theory"

California State Senate Simulation Game

week 14

11/28

11/30

No Class - Prof. Meyer will be out of town.

Guest Speaker on the Election Results

week 15

12/5

12/7

Course Project Poster Day

Ch 15... "...and justice for all."

QUIZ #5 DUE on eTudes

(Chs 13 - 15)

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.

This class is transferable to UC and CSU system.

This 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:

A 500 - 450	B 449 - 400	C 399 - 350	D 349 - 300	F Below 300

I will not grant an incomplete. So please do not ask!

*Helpful Hint*

*If all this is too much - DROP THE CLASS NOW!

Many people wish to add - If you think you will not be successful in this Class - DROP IT NOW and let others who can do it add the class.

Work associated with the Course Project:

Course Project "1st Thesis" in a sentence or two, you should be able to respond to one of the four questions provided below. It should be clear, concise and have a point worth making. It should also be clear which of the four questions you are responding to. If you make a good faith attempt it can't really be wrong. Keep in mind this thesis will probably change... maybe it should.

Course Project "Working References" should be at least ten (10) college level sources you will be using in your course project paper. Must be in APA format.

Course Project "Working Thesis" will be one sentence that, at least at the time this assignment is due, is currently the thesis statement of your Course Project Paper.

The Course Project Poster You will create a visual arts poster to help you give a brief presentation to the class about your Course Project.

The Course Project You will research and make an argument in response to one of the following four questions about California and our state and local governments:

1.   What is the ONE MOST important problem facing California?   What are some of the other important problems and explain why the first issue must be the top priority? State specifically what must ne done by the State of California (or a local government in California). Give specific examples of this issue or problem and say what MUST BE DONE! Focus on the solution to the problem. What state policy would address this issue positively? What can be done to improve the situation? What can be done (or not done) to make things better for this issue... or even simply to stop it from getting worse. But is that enough to prepare for the future? Be Bold But Be Realistic. Be specific.

2.   How can we improve the public educational system in California? Be specific.  What demographic changes and budget changes have taken place, are taking place, or will soon take place that have had an impact (or will have an impact) on education in our state? What are some the problems facing the state's education system?    What are some proposals to “fix” the state's education system? Make an argument for a specific educational policy change that will help improve our state's educational system. Be Bold But Be Realistic. Be specific.

3.   Identify the many elements of our state government design that were inspired by, or a result of, the progressive reforms.   What is the “plural executive?”   What is the referendum/initiative process? What is the status of the state's constitution?   What are the governor's duties and powers?    How do the political parties operate in the state assembly and senate? Which of these changes have made democracy in our state stronger? What MUST be done TODAY to correct or improve upon the progressive reforms to strengthen democracy in California? Be Bold But Be Realistic. Be specific.

4.   Has crime increased or declined since the decade of the 1990's in the state of California?   What about in the last ten years? Last five? What about the perception of crime? What state policies were put in place in the ‘90's to address crime?   What have been the costs and consequences of these policies?   Have they been “worth it?”  And what policy would we follow now? What must be done NOW to improve our state criminal justice system? Be Bold But Be Realistic. Be specific.

It should be MORE THAN ten (10) pages AT LEAST! With more than 15 sources, properly used and cited. (Of course the title page etc., does NOT count in the page count, what grade do you think this is?)

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, etc).

Other assignments for this class:

"In Your Own Words" Vocabulary Quizzes:

These are essays tied to the text book. You can find the words and concepts to answer in the text book but the understanding has to come from you. You are expected to use the vocabulary and concepts in the book to answer the essay questions asked about you, your politics, you beliefs, your knowledge, etc... they will always be open on eTudes for more than a week. Make the vocabulary words your own words...

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

The Ugly English assignment must be posted on etudes in the assignment section. Follow the format on my web page and you get 20 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

Your Candidate's Ad:

In a simulation in class, you will be a campaign manager and develop a message and an ad. You will share this ad with the class for 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 Political Contribution Project:

 The Political Contribution Project - click here for more details - You have a million dollars to give to either five 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 Social Media Grade Project:

You will be viewing (following) two opposing political groups' efforts on various social media platforms and you will assign a reasonable letter grade to both organizations.

You will do an APA title page, citations and references. (There will be no APA abstract).

First - chose a broad political topic or political issue. Not one you know about or even care about. It helps you be objective if it is an issue you know little about and will learn about mostly from this project. With that issue in mind, find on the web, TWO (2) competing political organizations. Make sure they are on different (opposite) sides of the same political issue and also that they are not charities, but political organizations (read what they say about themselves).

Then you will follow these two (2) political organizations on their VARIOUS social media (web pages, twitter, instagram, please don't make me list them all). No you do not have to click "follow" - yes students have asked - like I could find out??? Hey guess what? My Little Pony isn't real either... Bill Gates isn't going to send you a dollar...)

View these organizations' social media efforts for AT LEAST one MONTH! (MORE is better.) You will be asked to include the dates and times you viewed these various social media platforms. Pay attention to how they differ or are simmilar. Take the grading process seriously (you want me to, don't you?)

Follow these directions or lose points:

Part 1 - APA Title Page

Part 2 - List the names, street addresses, web and other socail media platform addresses of ID info (#, @, etc)

List the EXACT DATES you viewed each groups' social media presence and which social media platforms you viewed. The more you view - the more fair the grade.

List the letter grade you gave each of the two groups.

Part 3 - (In at least 500 words) Find, discuss and synthasize grading rubrics (NOT MINE) which discuss the diference between an A, B, C etc... Using at least two (2) others' rubrics, develop your own grading rubric. In the abstract, explain what each group should have done to earn an A, B C, etc...

Part 4 - (In at least 1000 words) Give a detailed explaintion of the letter grade you gave each group. State specif things they did correctly or poorly. Use spefic examples to support your grade. If all you had was the information from this project which "side" of the issue seems most attractive to you now?

Part 5 - APA References. You list the resources that helped you in Part 3 as well as using APA to cite the exact date and time you viewed each social media platform (HINT - make sure this information, now in APA format - matches what you claimed in Part 2).

The FINAL EXAM 100 points: 50 points for (my choice of) TWO of the ESSAYS from the list provided by clicking here. and 50 points for five (5) "short answer" questions (1-3 paragraphs based on the discussion questions on each weekly lecture pages ("Some things to think about").

The Final cannot be taken early. It will be open for about a week. No work will be accepted after the final closes. The Final CAN NOT be taken late..

Click Here To See Potential Final Exam LONG Essay Questions.

*Helpful Hint*

*If all this is too much - DROP THE CLASS NOW!

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

Note Well:   Plagiarism is the serious ethical and legal violation of presenting other people's words or ideas as your own. Plagiarism or any other form of cheating can result in a failing grade for the paper, a failing grade for the course, and a formal report to the dean of students. See the student conduct code in the Catalog and Schedule of Classes.  

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

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!

Here's a few things to remember:

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. This is not an "instant class." It takes me a few days or a week to get through to all the grading and emails.

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. 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.

5. All work for the course is due no later than midnight (11:59 pm) on Sunday Dec. 18, 2016. All work received after that will not be graded.

6. Always include your Full Name & section number in all emails and your name on all texts (ur name on all txts, pls). Or I will not respond.

LACC Addendum Mandatory Information

FALL 2016

Course: POL SCI 001
Title: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Course Description: An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions
and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy.
Units/Transferability: Transferrable to UC and CSU

Prerequisites/Co-requisites/Advisories: None
Course Student Learning Outcomes: The core competencies: #1 Information Competency: Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking and #2 Written and oral.
Communications Students will be able to analyze and judge the US political system: 1.Investigate and analyze
questions of democracy in our republic. 2. Determine the impact of the news media on American politics. 3.Judge the
effectiveness of various current legislative efforts. 4.Determine the impact of political party 'de-alignment' on the
American political system. 5.Make predictions about electoral and legislative outcomes.

Grading Scale or Criteria
A - Excellent
B - Good
C - Satisfactory
D - Less than satisfactory
F - Failing
P - Pass; at least equivalent to a “C” grade or better
NP - Not Pass; equal to “D” or “F” grade;

Drop Date and Repeats:

Attendance Policy:

Students who are registered and miss the first class meeting may lose their right to a place in the class. Whenever
students are absent more hours than the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor may exclude them
from class. If the instructor determines that there are no mitigating circumstances that may justify the absences, the
instructor may exclude a student from the class. Students are responsible for officially dropping a class that they stop
attending.

Financial Aid

If you need help paying for books and other college expenses, call the Financial Aid Office at (323) 953-4000 ext.2010,
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/.

Accommodations

Students with a verified disability who may need authorized accommodation(s) for this class are encouraged to notify
the instructor and the Office of Special Services (323-953-4000, ext.2270) as soon as possible, and at least two weeks
before any exam or quiz. All information will remain confidential.

Student Code of Conduct:

Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism,
working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do
so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity
for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade (see LACCD Board Rule 9803.28). Penalties may include a grade of zero or
"F" on an exam or paper, or even suspension from the College.

Week 1 Checklist:

1. Register for the class. Buy the Text book. Buy it used, it's 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. Read the student handbook especially about cheating and doing your own work.

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) and - DO NOT email it to me ... just post it on eTudes.

"Student Statement" for Political Science 1, ONLINE: