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This course is designed for students who want to study at distance. The course is divided into weekly lessons that include textbook readings, online lnotes, and study questions. Students are expected to keep up with the material week by week. Try not to fall behind by accessing the course at least every week. Students are graded completely on their performance on the three exams. Remember to schedule the exam dates carefully. There are no makeup exams given. ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS!
All students must register for this course--see the COMMUNICATIONS section for information, messages, chats and conference.. You should also send me an email once the class starts on June 18th to let me know how I can contact you by email.
Please familiarize yourself with the course format and content by using the links above and below. Welcome!
Class begins June 18th, 2007
Use the links below to go to the chat system, or to use other communication links..
(3 units)
We'll be chatting at times scheduled in the "weekly message" .
TOPIC: See the "weekly message"!
(You must use a java-enabled browser.)
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| Date | Purpose | Time | Bldg-Rm
| 6/18 | Introductory Session | 7 - 10 pm | 18-204
| 7/16 | Midterm Exam | 7 - 10 pm | 18-204
| 7/30 | 2nd Midterm and Final Review Session | 7 - 10 pm | 18-204
| 8/6 | Final Exam | 7 - 10 pm | 18-204
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| Office Fall Hours Phone Fax Personal Page | 15-141 By Arrangement (650) 574-6656 (650) 574-6680 Go to my homepage |
Survey of the organization and function of the federal government; examination of the dynamics of the American political systemPrerequisites:
Recommended eligibility for English 800 or equal qualificationMeetings: All meetings are mandatory:
Materials:Students can expect to spend 1-2 hours work outside class for each hour in class working on assignments.
Introductory Meeting Monday, June 18th 7-10 PM in 18-204 1st Midterm Monday, July 16th 7-10 PM in 18-204 2nd Midterm and Final Review Monday, July 30th 7-10 PM in 18-204 Final Exam Monday August 6th 7-10 PM in 18-204
The text is required: O'Connor and Sabato, American Government, 2006 Ed., Longman Publishing. It is available in the bookstore. The text is an important part of this class. You will find this particularly true on the final exam.Lesson Topics:Note: if you have a copy of the 2004 edition you may successfully use it but you will have to adjust the page assignments..
| WEEK OF: | SUBJECT: | Reading in O'Connor |
| Lesson 1 | Background of the American Republic | Chapter 1 |
| Lesson 2 | The U.S. Constitution | Chapter 2 and Appendix II |
| Lesson 3 | Federalism | Chapter 3 |
| Lesson 4 | The First Amendment | Chapter 5 |
| Lesson 5 | Bill of Rights | Chapter 5 |
| Lesson 6 | Civil Rights and the 14th Amendment | Chapter 6 |
| July 16th | 1st Midterm | |
| Lesson 7 | The Supreme Court | Chapter 10 |
| Lesson 8 | Other Courts and Judicial Procedure | Chapter 10 |
| Lesson 9 | Public Opinion | Chapter 11 |
| Lesson 10 | Voting Patterns | Chapters 13, 15 |
| Lesson 11 | Campaign Styles | Chapter 14 |
| Lesson 12 | Political Parties and Interest Groups | Chapters 12 and 16 |
| July 30th | 2nd Midterm and Final Review | |
| Lesson 13 | Congressional Organization | Chapter 7 |
| Lesson 14 | Legislative Process | Chapter 7 |
| Lesson 15 | Presidents | Chapter 8 |
| Lesson 16 | Bureaucracy | Chapter 9 |
| August 6th | Finals | Chapters 7-16 |
You must attend all sessions of the class. It is the student's responsibility to file the appropriate paperwork if you decide to drop the course.Homework Assignments:No make-ups will be given. If you miss an exam you will automatically be dropped from the class.
If you feel there will be some difficulty in making the examination dates, don't sign up for the class.
Although it is not absolulely necessary that you read the text assignments every week, it is very helpful. Try not to fall behind in your reading as the assignments add up quickly.Exams:
The first midterm is a one hour(or less) "short answer" test. The second midterms is a combination essay and multiple choice exam. The final is all multiple choice.
The First Midterm exam will cover the first half (actually lessons 1-6) of the course. The Second Midterm will cover chapters 10-15 and lessons 7-12 The Final exam will be comprehensive, covering material from the chapters specified (7-16)
| 1st Midterm 2nd Midterm Final | 30% 30% 40% | short paragraph length answer bluebook essay and multiple choice multiple choice |
| June 18th | On-Campus Course Orientation MANDATORY
| June 18th | Last Day to Register for Class
| June 24th | Last Day to Drop This Course with Eligibility for a Refund
| June 24th | Last Day to Drop This Course without it Appearing on Transcript
| July 16th | Midterm Exam MANDATORY
| July 25th | Last Day to Drop This Course with a "W" Grade
| July 30th | 2nd Midterm and Final Exam MANDATORY
Review
| August 6th | Final Exam MANDATORY
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