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This is the course contract/Syllabus for Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) American Government SCH 257. The fall 2009 facilitator is Edmond Davis.
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[SCH 257- LEC 01/02]
[UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT]
-Or- AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Course Syllabus
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Instructor: Edmond W. Davis, BA, MA.
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Course Title: American Government
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Phone Number: 501.244.4986 (leave a short message)
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Course Number: SCH 257 sec. 01 & 02
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Credit Hours: 3 Semester Hours
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Office Location: library Bldg. (J.C. Oliver) temporary
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Core/Required: Yes
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Course Schedule: Tues./Thurs. 1pm-2:15pm, 4:30-5:45
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Offered: Sp 2010
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Science building Rm. # 4
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Office Hours: MWF: 4-4:30pm, TR: 2:15-4:30pm, Friday 1-3 & 4-6
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Prerequisites: None
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Required Text: “WE THE PEOPLE: AN INTRO TO AMERICAN POLITICS, SEVENTH EDITION, 2009.
Click on website
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Core Requisites: Yes
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Methods of Instruction: lectures, guest speakers, PowerPoint, collaborative thinking, class discussions, role playing, class projects and videos (if time is permissible). I will also introduce out of class supportive (supplemental) materials in class such as books, illustrations, letters etc. to promote learning.
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Welcome
Welcome to American Government
Instructor’s Bio
Edmond Davis has a BA from Grambling State University; MA from Louisiana Technical University; and further studies at Ruston Developmental Center, SSD #1. He is from Philadelphia, PA. Davis is the author of “BLACK AVIATORS OF ARKANSAS,” and “The OTA: Pulaski Co. AA Pilots of WW2.” He is also former President of the Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy Inc., and member of the Aerospace Education Center’s Board of Directors. Davis is also a board member to The Weekend Theatre (TWT).
Teaching Philosophy
My belief is that students should apply what is recorded in class, outside of class, and make it relevant. I think Learning comes with engaging in meaningful dialogue about various topics. My mission is to help slay the myths about the demographic makeup of African-Americans and people of color in the United States and beyond. This will be done with effective readings, collaborative learning, lectures and interactive classroom exchanges.
Course Description and Overview
In this three credit hour course students will learn about the core principles of the government of the United States and around the world. Some major areas of study will include: The U.S. Constitution, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Limited Government, Checks and Balances, Judicial Review, International Relations, and Local Government. The class meets twice per week to maintain the true structure of the course.
Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes
· Knows the key periods, personalities and ideas in American Government.
· Awareness of his/her own political rights in America
· To develop a global perspective through American Politics
· Understanding of various ways of Knowing our system of Government
· To encourage and exercise processes involving critical thinking skills
· Examining the differences between the Federal, State, and local governances.
· To identify the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches of government.
This synopsis emphasizes the relevance of politics and government in everyday life, We the People, Seventh Edition, continues to provide tools to help students think critically about American government and politics. The Seventh Edition has been thoroughly updated to include extensive coverage of the pivotal 2008 elections and important recent events and issues. Complemented by a rich package of multimedia tools for instructors and students, including an expanded DVD with more popular culture content, We the People is now more pedagogically effective than ever.
· To have students critically think and analyze materials offered from this text and to take advantage of the website, book Esources, and studyspace.
Class policies
Attendance
Students are expected to attend every class and it is mandatory. Students are also expected to actively participate in class discussions, activities, and timely complete all assignments/readings. If you miss more than 6 classes for MWF class or 4 classes for TR or WM classes you will be reprimanded administratively and by your instructor, and this is a promise. A 10-point deduction will occur if you cannot produce a legitimate and excusable document for your reasons why you were absent (doctor’s note, etc.).
Five points (-5) will be deducted for every time you are late to class. Students can sit in my other SCH 257 class only if they have a good reason.
Students must make and be able to show every realistic effort to contact me prior to an absence where they may request pre-approval. Excessive absences can result in the student being dropped from the course. You must contact your professor by all means.
All assignments are to be typed, double spaced, font size 12, Courier new, and proofread. The only assignments excused from this are the ones completed and reviewed in class, or unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Nothing is hand-written and turned in for a grade and anything else will not be accepted.
Tardiness
Classes will start at the designated time. Please be to class on time as a deduction of 5 points will occur for every time you are late. The instructors are allowed 15 minutes to get to class before a sign-in sheet can be used as attendance as students can self-dismiss, however students that remain in class will benefit. If you decide to leave early or come late you run the risk of missing important information and that you are totally responsible.
Grading & Evaluation and percentages!
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100-90
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A
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89-80
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B
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79-70
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C
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69-60
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D
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Less than 60
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F
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Incomplete
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I
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Withdrawal
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W
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Repeated
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R
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Note: Cheating of any type or form is not tolerated. Students who are caught cheating will receive an automatic “F” for the particular exam and an “F” for the course should one attempt to cheat a second time.
Classroom Etiquette for all students (Male and female): please put all electronic devices on vibrate, silent or off mode. Texting/emailing during instruction is considered disrespectful behavior and will not be tolerated as a 10 points will be deducted from your grade if you text or talk on devices in class. If you do have to take a call, leave the classroom in a fashion that is non-disruptive. Do not answer phones in class. No hats, do-rags, hoodies, bandanas, “wife-beater” or tank top T- shirts, headscarves, sunglasses, bedtime or morning time clothes in class. There will be no sleeping, napping, resting your head, or eating/drinking in class, undergarment exposure (sagging and/or cleavage is unacceptable and violators will be giving (1) ONE verbal warning before being asked to leave or be escorted out of class and a 10 point deduction. You must also bring your textbook and writing utensils to every class no exceptions. Profanity & disrespectful vernacular will not be tolerated. We are to greet each other respectfully at all times. View the “MANNERS MATTER” document in your ABC “S” domain to know about what is expected of a college level student.
Students may seek clarification of any grade given. Students are required to document all grades given. Students are encouraged to retain all papers/writings until the course is completed. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to keep up with students’ paper after attempts have been made to return them to the student. Four (4) exams given will have equal weight in determining the final grade for the course and a fifth section will be dedicated towards miscellaneous items.
American Map Exam of the 50 states 25%
Mid Term Examination 25%
Essay Examination 25%
Final Examination 25%
Quizzes, E.C., CE, attendance undisclosed
100%- Plus?
Participation
Students maximize their learning when they share personal and unique experiences and perspectives with each other. For this reason, classroom participation is a vital part of the learning experience. Students are also required to participate in what is called a “Current Event” segment at the beginning of each class. Each student is to report at least three (3) stories mostly all of positive nature. Checking your email (ABC or other), and the campus CAMS network daily is very important and is required for your entire academic experience at ABC. CAMS usage and email updates are a part of your participation.
Diversity & Students with Disabilities Statements
I encourage everyone regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity/Ancestry, gender, cultures and religion to participate while in class. The instructor and students will be sensitive and respectful and will not tolerate discrimination or bias in any form in class or on campus. If you feel like you are being singled out or targeted, please let me know.
Statement of Disability Support
It is the policy of Arkansas Baptist College to accommodate students with disabilities pursuant to federal and state laws, and the College is committed to equal opportunity for all students. Any students who need special accommodations, for example, in seating placement, arrangement for examinations, or class location, etc. should notify me (the instructor) in writing regarding their need. You must be self-identifying to get help. Don’t assume that the instructor knows your situation. Please email Dr. John McAllister ADA coordinator during the first week of the semester or as soon as possible thereafter. Waiting will only hurt your cause. John.Mcallister.arkansasbaptist.edu
Late Assignments
It is understandable that things may arise unexpectedly that are beyond your control and I will make every effort to assist you. No papers will be accepted after the end of class unless you have arranged for a justified Incomplete. Please make arrangements to have others turn your work in, only in the event that you cannot, and with prior notice and approval from Instructor. You must have been in class at least 60% of the time to get an “I”. The responsibility for the grade you receive rests entirely upon you.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is required of all members of a learning community. Hence, the College will not tolerate cheating or plagiarism on tests, examinations, papers, or other course assignments. Students who engage in such dishonesty may be given a failing grades or expelled from the College.
Plagiarism –If you “quote” or paraphrase someone else’s work you must provide a proper citation, documentation (source). Academic papers should not consist of more than 10% quotations. Using words or ideas of another person and presenting them as one’s original work is considered plagiarism. Copying and pasting some websites materials onto your paper is also considered plagiarism. Proofread what you turn in as a safety measure. This can sometimes occur through carelessness or ignorance. Re-submitting your own work without the proper recognition or governance can be defined as academic dishonesty. The student will always be held accountable. If you are uncertain about proper documentation of sources, please contact me by phone or email and please no text messages or Blocked #’s.
Available Help: Literacy Writing Center, Scholars College Advisors, Library staff, Enrichment Lab, and extra help from the instructor(s) and/or any writing professional. Tutors are also here to assist you.
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as needed using “selected reading techniques.”Due to the nature of this course selected subjects rather than the entire book will be covered as noted in the Course calendar below.
Course Calendar
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ASSIGNMENTS reading pgs. for the wk
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Points
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Due Date
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Assignment for Week 1 Ch. 1, 2-39
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Assignment for Week 2 Ch. 2, 40-79
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Assignment for Week 3 Ch. 3, 80-116
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Assignment for Week 4 Map Exam, Ch. 4, 118-155
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25
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2/8/2010
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Assignment for Week 5 Ch. 5, 156-201
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Assignment for Week 6 Quiz?, Ch. 6, 204-244
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Assignment for Week 7 Ch. 7, 246-281
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Assignment for Week 8 Midterm
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25
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3/15/2010
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Assignment for Week 9 Essay format , Chpts. 8/9,282-361
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Assignment for Week 10 Ch. 10, 362-415
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Assignment for Week 11 Quiz?, Ch. 11, 416-451
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Assignment for Week 12 Ch. 12, 454-501
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Assignment for Week 13 Essays due, Ch. 13, 502-542
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25
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4/12/2010
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Assignment for Week 14 Ch. 14, 544-586
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Assignment for Week 15 Chpts. 15/16, 588-675
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Assignment for Week 16 FINAL EXAMS
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25
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TBA May 2010
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Quizzes, E.C., C.E., attendance%____
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undisclosed
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Items below may change at any time and some information will be compressed
TOTAL 100
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Sign it, detach it, and turn it in to your instructor to activate your student status!
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STUDENT/PROFESSOR CONTRACT
By signing this document you understand that as an adult that you are responsible for your input and output of this course. You are now legally bound to produce positive results in class arena of academics. This contract means that you are accountable for you actions related to the course and your overall well-being here at Arkansas Baptist College.
Students’ signature of agreement of course syllabus above
Full Name: __________________________________
Phone number and Email: ______________________________________________
Name and time of course: _______________________________________________
Date: _________________
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