PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICICAL SCIENCE POL 1020
Class Hours: 3.0							Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0							Revised: Fall 2005
Catalog Course Description:
		Analysis of politics and political systems in various countries.  Topics include model states; democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian states; political socialization and participation; political leadership; public policy; international relations; and revolution, terrorism, and war.
Entry Level Standards:
		Students must be able to read and write at the college level.
Prerequisites:
		None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
		Understanding Politics, 6th edition, Magstadt
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
		Week				Topic
		1				The Study of Politics
		2				Comparative Political Systems, Model States
		3				Constitutional Democracy
		4				Authoritarian and Totalitarian States
		5				Parliamentary Democracy
		6				New and Emerging Democracies
		7				Developing Countries
		8				Political Socialization
		9				Political Participation
		10				Political Leadership
		11				Ideology, Public Policy
		12				Revolution, Terrorism, and War
		13				Revolution, Terrorism, and War
		14				International Relations
		15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
		A.			Acquire a general understanding of the key concepts and ideas upon which different systems of government are based, III
		B.			Demonstrate a clear understanding of how the political process works, III
		C.			Develop critical skills which are necessary to the decision-making process, 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, Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
		3.			Use the Internet and library resources to access information for media reports, application papers, and oral presentations, Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome
		4.			Access available course software for study and review of concepts.  Technological Literacy Outcome, Social/Behavioral Sciences 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 Pellissippi State’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.			Acquire a general understanding of the key concepts and ideas upon which different systems of government are based
		2.			Understand the U.S. governmental heritage
		3.			Understand other countries' governmental heritage
		4.			Understand basic societal rules
		5.			Understand the mechanisms individuals use to influence their government
		6.			Understand how the electoral system operates in various political systems
		7.			Understand the balance of power in various political systems
		8.			Understand the purpose and function of political structures
V. Evaluation:
		A. Testing Procedures: 50-80 % of grade
		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.