Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

I. Instructor’s Information

  1. Most of our communication will be through Canvas "Inbox" on the left hand side menu under where you can send me a message.
  2. You can also email me directly at pvanzwaluwenburg@deltacollege.edu. I will try my best to respond within 24 hours, although I usually do sooner.
  3. If you have a question that the entire class may be wondering, you can post it in the Discussions Section under in "HAVE A QUESTION?"
  4. It is very important that you check your Delta College email on a daily basis!!
  5. Canvas Help: You can ask for help through Delta Help Desk at #209-954-5151 or via messaging http://otrs.deltacollege.edu/otrs/customer.pl

 II. Required Textbook:

Greenberg and Page, The Struggle for Democracy (10th edition), Longman, 2011.

 III.  Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Given lecture and text material on American political institutions, students will understand the fundamental elements that comprise the American political system. Students will have an understanding of how major institutions in our American society interact with the political system and understand and evaluate the public policy making process and outcomes.
  2. Given lecture and text material on U.S. history, students will have an awareness of the historical context and events that have and continue to shape and influence our society and the theory and reality of the American political system.
  3. Given lecture and text material on the U.S. Constitution, students will be able to analyze the main principles of the Constitution and understand and appreciate the rights and privileges granted by the United States Constitution.
  4. Given lecture and text material on the American political process, students will be able to explain how individuals can make a difference in politics. The goal is to have students who appreciate and have a continuing interest in public affairs and in government with the hope that such interest will result in direct involvement and political participation
  5. Given lecture and reading material, students will be able to gain an understanding of the structure and functions of state, regional, and local government here in California.

V. General Education Outcome (MPC Area D, Social Sciences):

  1. Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of government and the political processes at the national, state, and local levels. Included are studies of basic issues confronted by the American people and their governing institutions.
  2. The course fulfills the Social Science (Group A) requirements for the AA degree and applies toward completion of the requirement in U.S. History and California state and local government. (UC, CSU)

VI. Student Responsibilities:

Your Responsibilities

  1. In Canvas, the MODULES are organized on a week-by-week basis and contain all the work required for that particular week. Each week you will be required to do the following:
  2. Read a chapter or two in your textbook.  Need help becoming a better reader? Click here.
  3. Watch videos pertaining to the weekly topic. Here is a link to download Adobe Flash Player, which is required for this class to open up YouTube Videos.  Adobe Flash Player - Provides access to animated or interactive Flash resources
  4. View PowerPoints in PDF format from the chapter material.  Don’t have Adobe Reader?  Click here for free download.
  5. Complete a worksheet ("Assignments")
  6. Take a quiz
  7. Read an addition article that deals with a current public policy issue, such as health care, Drones, etc. These are in PDF format, which only require Adobe Reader.
  8. Engage in a weekly discussion with your classmates on the topic of the extra reading ("Forum")
  9. There will be three exams and one research paper. 

PLEASE NOTE: ALL of your work will be due on Sunday evenings at 11:55 p.m. If you do have technical or other types of difficulties and are unable to complete an assignment, email me in Canvas "In Box" and I will work with you.

I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor.  There is not much room for leniency in a compact, eight-week course. If you have technical problems with an exam, send me a private message or email me and I will take care of it (reset your attempt) the next day.

This is a fast-paced, eight-week course so GET READY TO WORK HARD and DILIGENTLY!  BE PREPARED to spend at least 6-8 hours a WEEK on this material.

Overall, Canvas is relatively easy to use.  However, if you are having problems with Canvas assignments, quizzes, discussions, etc., there are a number of tutorials to help you use the various tools in Canvas. Here is the link to take you to the ONLINE HELP 

VII. MISC.

1. DSPS: If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this class, please see me as soon as possible or contact the Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) for assistance. DSPS is located in the DeRicco Building, 2nd floor.  DSPS # is 954-5151 ext. 6272.  Click here for DSPS link.

2.Grading Scale out of 684

             A=615-684 points                 

B=547-614 points

C=479-546 points

D=410-478 points

F=410 points and below

 

3. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED, unless prior arrangements have been made with the professor.

4. Any student caught plagiarizing on the research paper will receive a zero and will be reported to Delta’s Academic Affairs Office.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due