PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
U. S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS POL 1010
Class Hours: 3.0						Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0						Revised: Spring 05
Catalog Course Description:
	This course provides an introduction to U.S. government and politics focusing on citizen participation and governmental institutions. Topics include the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, voting, the media, parties and groups, public opinion, Congress, the Presidency, the federal bureaucracy, and the courts.
Entry Level Standards:
	Students must be able to read and write at the college level.
Prerequisites:
	None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
	Government in America: People, Politics and Policy, brief 7th edition; George C. Edwards III Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert J. Lineberry
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week				Topic
	1				The Constitution
	2				Federalism
	3				Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
	4				Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
	5				Public Opinion and Political Action
	6				The Mass Media and the Political Agenda
	7				Political Parties
	8				Campaigns and Voting Behavior
	9				Campaigns and Voting Behavior
	10				Interest Groups
	11				Congress
	12				The Presidency
	13				The Federal Bureaucracy
	14				The Federal Courts
	15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
	A.			Acquire a general understanding of the key concepts and ideas upon which the American system of government is based. III, IV
	B.			Demonstrate a clear understanding of how the American political process works. II, IV
	C.			Develop critical skills which are necessary to the decision-making process in a democratic republic like the United States.  I, VII
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBR's general education goals.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
	1.			Use teamwork to accomplish in class group activities utilizing knowledge of course concepts. Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome Active Learning Strategy
	2.			Complete a project (oral presentation, report, application paper), demonstrating their ability to apply course content. Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy, Technological Literacy Outcome
	3.			Use the World Wide Web and Pellissippi State library resources to access information for media reports, application papers, and oral presentations.   Technological Literacy Outcome
	4.			Access available course software for study and review of concepts. Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
	5.			Practice elements of the work ethic such as professionalism, preparedness, punctuality, honesty, cooperation, dependability, contribution, effectiveness, and good manners.  Transitional Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
	1.			Understand our governmental heritage (where our rules emerged). A, B
	2.			Understand our governmental heritage (how our rules emerged). A, B
	3.			Understand basic societal rules (the Constitution). B
	4.			Understand the mechanisms individuals use to influence their government (i.e. , interest groups and political parties). A, B, C
	5.			Understand how the electoral system operates. B
	6.			Understand the delicate balance of power between the President, Congress and the courts. A, B, C
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	A. Testing Procedures: 50-80% of grade
			The final course grade will be determined by a combination of exams and other assignments such as written and oral reports and group projects.  Examinations may come from any combination of lecture, text, videos and reading assignments.
	B. Laboratory Expectations:
		N/A
	C. Field Work:
		N/A
	D. Other Evaluation Methods: 20-50% of grade
		In addition to exams, students will be asked to complete other assignments such as written and oral reports and group projects.
	E. Grading Scale:
		A   =  90 - 100  B    =  80 - 89  C    =  70 - 79  D   =  65 - 69  F    =  Below 65
VI. Policies:
	A. Attendance Policy:
		Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.
	B. Academic Dishonesty Policy:
		Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
	C. Accommodations for disabilities:
		If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.