Instructor: Roger Marietta
Email: rmarietta@bcconline.com

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these words you will not be able to access the course materials. The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further assistance.

In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:

Recommended: Eligibility for English 1A. The fundamental principles of American federal, state and local government. Governmental structure, political parties and public policies. Offered every semester. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU. (CAN GOVT 2)

An exploration of the fundamental principles of American federal, state, and local government will be conducted. Governmental structure, political parties, and public policies will be explored.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Think rationally and critically with the philosophical principles of government which make the American experience unique.
2. Develop an understanding of fundamental political principles and the political philosophies of the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
3. Read and analyze divergent political writings.
4. Evaluate and develop hypothesis and observations regarding practices and outcomes of the American political system.
5. Understand the role of the media in developing public opinion and its impact on domestic and foreign policy formulation.
6. Understand the role of the judicial review, majority rule, and minority rights.
7. Understand the reality of American foreign policy and how it is shaped by numerous influences which are constantly changing.
8. Understand the unique system of California government and the impact of California’s constitution and politics which are unique to state and local government.

In the box below please write: “I understand an accept the course description and objectives”

Wilson, James Q. (2007). American Government 9th Ed., (Brief version). New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

*Note: Students can use the 9th or 10th edition for this class.

In the box below please write: “I will have the text by the end of week one”

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

Note: All assignment due dates are listed on the front page of the course. All assignments must be turned in by 12:00 pm (Noon) on the date listed.

Week 1

Wilson Chapters 1 and 2. Online discussion question. Online quiz.

Week 2

Wilson Chapters 3 and 4. Online discussion question. Online quiz.

Week 3

Wilson Chapters 5 and 6. Online discussion question. Essay on "Pick one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights and discuss it's limitations" (500 words).  (See Instructor's Posting Area for further guidance).

Week 4

Wilson Chapters 7 and 8. Online Discussion Question. On Campus Midterm (Proctored -- See syllabus for proctor procedures)

Week 5

Wilson Chapter  9. Online discussion question.

Week 6

Wilson Chapters 10 and 11. Online discussion question.

Week 7

Online quiz over Chapters 10 thru 12.

Wilson Chapter 12. Online discussion question. Essay (500 words) "Why the U.S. Supreme Court is important to my life". (See Instructor's Posting Area for further guidance).

Week 8

Wilson Chapter 13. Online discussion question. Online quiz.

Week 9

Wilson Chapters 14 and 15. On campus final examination (proctored).

Writing assignments:

Two online essays: up to (100 points each) for a total of 200.

Discussion postings: 8 discussions each worth 5 points up to 40 points overall

Other:

Online quizzes up to 15 points per quiz (possible total of 60 points).

Objective Examinations:

On campus midterm exam: up to 100 points
On campus final examination: up to 100 points

Points Grade

450-500 A
400-449 B
350-399 C
300-349 D
299 or less F

In box below please write: “I understand and accept the activities, due dates, and grading scale for this course.”

In the box below, please write: “I understand and accept the ‘course assignments and activities expectations’ section of this syllabus.

There will be two on-campus meetings. One meeting will be held for the midterm exam and one meeting for the final exam. You must log onto this site: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ during the first week of class and follow the instructions you find there. If you cannot attend the exam meetings you will have to find an approved proctor, for example, a librarian or education officer.

In the box below, please type: "I understand there are two meetings, one for the midterm and one for the final. I further understand I must fill out the activation form and visit the orientation site at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/, and that it is my responsibility to arrange for an instructor approved proctor if I can not attend the examination meetings."

Syllabus Disclaimer

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when conflicts, emergencies or situations arise that necessitate a change. Students will be notified of any changes.

In the box below, please type: “I understand a syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when conflicts, emergencies or situations arise that necessitate a change. Students will be notified of any changes.”

Disability Statement