email: meyerjn@lacitycollege.edu

TEXT ONLY (323) 920 - 5308

Prerequisite for this class: Student must have completed ENG 19 or be ready to take ENG 28 (or equiv.).

Plato's Republic, Ch 7 & 8

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1497

Aristotle's Politics, Ch1, 5 & 6

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6762

Thomas Hobb's Leviathan, Ch. 1, 10, 13, 17, 19, 21, 26, 29

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3207

Marx & Engles' Origins of Family and Private Property

http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1884/origin-family/index.htm

and The Communist Manifesto

http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/

Cut and paste the urls above, they are all free. Or buy cheap used copies, paperbacks, etc., or even get them downloaded (most for free). There is even a free app called "politics" that has most of our readings.

All work is Due on eTudes (see schedule below)

NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED.

No work will be accepted via email. No Late work will be accepted -

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.

You will read and write a GREAT DEAL in this class - if all this is too much - DROP THIS COURSE NOW!

Be Honest with Yourself! .... Maybe this isn't for you!
All work is posted on eTudes and when the assignment closes it is closed - done. NO LATE WORK!!

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, click students then 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).

Leaving the class and returning is extremely rude and will not be accepted. If you leave, leave for the day...You have disrupted the class once by leaving DO NOT DO IT AGAIN by returning!

If you can't be still for ninety minutes at a time - maybe you should take a different class...

Exemplary: Identifies the correct fundamental aspects of American governmental structure and provides detailed examples, formulates a clear and precise repose using own words, answers question with detailed response and follows all directions.

Acceptable: Identifies the correct fundamental aspects of American governmental structure, articulates response in own words but does not express ideas clearly, answers question and follows directions.

Unacceptable: Fails to identify the correct fundamental aspects of American governmental structure, fails to formulate and clearly express response using own words, does not provide through answer, does not follow directions

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,

Office Hours:

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

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

*TEXT ONLY: 323 920 5308

*Text Only:(Google voice, PLEASE DO NOT leave a message, I will NOT pick up nor listen to voice messages on this number. (Don't know how, not gonna learn.)

During Virtual office hours, I will return your text as soon as I can, instantly if possible. The rest of the time I will get back to you within 24 hours (not Friday - Sunday)

PLEASE ALWAYS include your full name and section number or I can not know what you are talking about!!

 

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 silence your phones and

PUT THEM AWAY!

No talking on the phone in class*

No texting in class.*

(No drunk texting EVER!)

*Offenders will be asked to leave the room for the remainder of the class. Second offenders will be suspended. Do not be children. Turn off your phone and put it away.

Please: Do not communicate with me using Facebook or any other social networking. I will not respond to any "friend" requests nor any communication using any social networking. They are not proper ways to communicate with me during the semester.

If you wish to follow me on instagram: jopeyer

Please take this class

seriously or DROP!

This class is transferable to UC and CSU systems 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.

"Be Grown or Be Gone" We have no time for childishness.

Please do not involve me (nor the class) in the drama that is your life! Or your forgotten paper, pencil, etc. What grade are you in?

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

Please don't just get up and walk out it. It is rude and disruptive. If you leave class, leave for the day, please. If you cannot "sit and stay" for an hour and twenty minutes... maybe this class is not for you....

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

By the end of week 3 - if you have not done both thought pieces - you WILL be excluded from the class!

2 (9/5)

(9/7)

Ist Thought Piece due on 9/11. Bring a copy to class or have access to it in class for discussion on 9/12

3

(9/12)

(9/14)

2nd Thought Piece due on 9/18. Bring a copy to class or have access to it in class for discussion on 9/19

4 (9/19)

(9/21)

Course Project "Beginning Thesis" due, 9/25

5 (9/26)

( 9/28)

6 (10/3)

(10/5)

3rd Thought Piece due on 10/9. Bring a copy to class or have access to it in class for discussion on 10/10

7 (10/10)

(10/12

Midterm Exam Paper due10/18

Course Project "Working References" due 10/18

8 (10/17)

10/19)

9

(10/24)

(10/26)

4rd Thought Piece due on 10/30. Bring a copy to class or have access to it in class for discussion on 10/31

10

(10/31)

(11/2)

Course Project "Working Thesis" due 11/6

11 (11/7)

(11/9)

5th Thought Piece due on 11/6. Bring a copy to class or have access to it in class for discussion on 11/7

12 (11/14)

(11/16)

13 (11/21)

(11/23)

14 (11/28)

(11/30)

Course Project Due on (12/4)

Finals Week

(12/14 - 12/20)

Approximate Points-to-Letter Grade scale:

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

Write 3- 5 pages (9 - 15 paragraphs) of your honest reaction to the question and be prepared to discuss your piece in class.

PRINT your work and bring it to class or be able to access it remotely to assist you in our class discussion.

1. Is life real or a reflection of reality? Are you "chained" to seeing the world one way? Be specific, give examples.

2. Is there "human nature"? Speak about yourself, your life experiences and what you know or suspect about human nature.

3. Would you rather live in More's Utopia or under Machaivelli's prince (as a citizen not the ruler)? Give specific reason to support your choice.

4. Are we more free today than those in the Enlightenment era? Give specific examples from your life to support your argument.

5. When did you first hear the word "communist"? What did it mean to you then? what does it mean to you now? Give specific examples in your life where your understanding of the term expanded, grew or developed.

First, choose one of the research questions and develop an 8 - 12 page research paper (APA style, with 8 - 12 citations in the body of the paper from at least 8 - 12 college level sources (not Wikipedi nor blogs, etc). Fully develop the question and provide as deep and comprehensive of an answer as possible given the assignment.

Research Questions:

1. What is justice? How can it be created or developed by government? Cite authors from class and others to create your own deep understanding of justice in the 21st Century.

2. What is democracy? Can it be exporte3d, created or developed around the world? Should it be?Cite authors from class and others to create your own deep understanding of democracy in the 21st Century.

3. In 21st Century America, is there still a "common good," or "civic virtue," or "civil society"? What, specifically does it mean (who decides, etc) and how is it realized today? Cite authors from class and others to create your own deep understanding of "common good," or "civic virtue," or "civil society."

4. Are all governments corrupt? Is all corruption the same? How can corruption in government be reduced or limited or eliminated? Cite authors from class and others to create your deep understanding of corruption in the American political system in the 21st Century.

5. Is the language of Marxists still relevant today? Has communism failed and if so what does that tell us about humanity's future? Cite authors from class and others to create your deep understanding of the relevance of Marxism in the 21st Century.

6. Compare and contrast the language of the American Far Right Militia's and the so-called Muslim fundamentalist extremists. Given the internet and globalization in general what re the implications for peace and understanding between Islam and the West. Cite authors from class and others to create your own deep understanding of political extremism in the 21st Century.

7. Is a corporation a "person"? What if there were no such concept? How would this change US society and the political system?Cite authors from class and others to create your own deep understanding of the role of corporations in American society and politics 21st Century.

8. Exactly how does feminism differ from all the other perspectives we have covered in class. Answer the basic question of this course: "What is a state, a citizen, how does it or they get their authority? What is good governance, civic duty, and civil society"? from a Feminists perspective. Cite authors from class and others to create your deep understanding the Feminist perspective in the 21st Century.

9. Can you cross the same river twice? What is the effect of time on the human condition? Are we modern humans so different from our ancestors? (Ancient or closer) Has humanity "progressed" and what does that mean? Cite authors from class and others to create your deep understanding of the the progress of humanity into the 21st Century.

10. Today in the United States, is voting "worth it" for the average American? Does our electoral process really matter to the conduct of our government? Cite authors from class and others to create your deep understanding of the impact of voting in America in the 21st Century.

11. How has the concept of "city-state" evolved into the current international system of nearly 200 "states" (countries)? Could fundamental changes be made to the international system? Should they be? Can technology have a role in driving this change? Is the current nation/state system doomed to collapse and be replaced? By whom or what?

Course Project "1st Thesis" in a sentence or two you should state the thesis you have begun your investigation using. It should be clear, concise and have a point worth making. 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 is to help you make a short (2 - 5 minute) presentation on your Course Project. It is a visual aide for your COURSE PROJECT Presentation (in Class).

Midterm Exam Paper

You will answer one of the following questions, typed, doubled spaced, APA style, with citations, etc.

1. How does Aristotle differ from Plato on the basic question of this course: "What is a state, a citizen, how does it or they get their authority? What is good governance, civic duty, and civil society"? Is any other this relevant to the 21st Century. Cite at least five examples from the authors' work to make your argument

2. Given the technological advances of the 21st Century, could anything like More's Utopia exist today? Would you want to live there, why or why not. Give at least five specific references to More's work, apply it to today and defend your position.

TAKE HOME FINAL EXAM Paper - due to LACC rules, the final must be "typed up" and delivered on the day of the final... not done on eTudes...

3. Given TV, radio and the internet, is Machaivelli's advice more useful to corporations? To Political candidates? The Masses? or whom? Give at least five examples of advice that today would be greatly enhanced by the current state of world communication or five examples of where Machaivelli's advice would be wrong because of global communication.

4. Of Hobbs, Locke and Rousseau, who had the greatest impact on the writers of the US Constitution? Cite at least five examples from the authors' work to support your argument.

5. Is communism and Marxism still relevant in the 21st Century. Cite at five examples from the authors' work to support your argument.

6. Considering all the authors we covered in class, which one do you think is still the most important to study and understand? Why? Cite at least five examples from the author's work to support your argument.

Your PARTICIPATION GRADE will be based on your active and positive participation in class, specifically your actions in the many groups activities in class. Of course your attendance and punctuality are a prerequisite for participation.   You need to stay in class all class long.

Leaving class is rude - if you leave, don't come back on that day - just leave and don't bother us with your drama!

Students need to be on time and attend all class meetings.   Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. ALL If you are not present when roll is taken you will be marked absent.  Tardiness is simply rude and disrespectful.

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.

LACC Addendum Mandatory Information

FALL 2016

Course: POL SCI 005
Title: History of Western Political Philosophy

Course Description:Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics and of basic political problems and proposed solutions:
Analysis of selected political theories, relevance of theory to contemporary problems, and new approaches to political
thought.

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 political theory and theoretical texts and explain how they may be applied to current
political systems and current political problems.

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.