Extended Learning Institute
Northern Virginia Community College
Syllabus |
PLS 135, American National Politics
Fall, 2008
Professor Mitchell
Updated July , 2008
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EMAIL
Voice Mail
443 783 2269 |
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IMPORTANT DATES: You will receive a Quick-Start Syllabus in the mail, which will confirm your registration in this course and contain your course enrollment dates, as described below. If you do not receive this course enrollment confirmation by 10 days after the course is scheduled to begin, contact ELI registration immediately at (703) 323-3368.
| Start Date |
This is your official start date; all other dates are based on it. It is important to start your course on time. It is expected that you will perform assignments on a weekly basis. If you can not do this, it is expected that you will contact the instructor with an explanation |
| Last Refund Date |
This is the last date on which you can drop this course and receive a refund of your tuition. This is also the last date on which you can drop this course and add another course without paying additional tuition. To drop this course, use the Nova Connect online or telephone registration system, or send a written request to ELI Registration. This is also the date that the instructor will drop you from the course if you have not begun your assignments. |
| Last Date for Withdrawal |
This is the last date on which you can withdraw from this course without grade penalty. Use the Nova Connect online or telephone registration system to drop the course, or send a written request to ELI Registration so that it is received by this date. You will receive a grade of "W." If you do not send in the minimum required assignments as specified by the Course Guide by this date, you will be administratively withdrawn with no refund. |
| End of Enrollment |
All assignments and examinations should be completed by this date. (Also see the information in the section on Course Progress and Incomplete Grades.) |
| Texts |
The textbook is: Karen O'Connor & Larry J. Sabato. Essentials of American Government: Continuity and Change, 2008 Edition: ISBN# 978-0-2-0552683-3. (When you buy your book, check that it has the word "Essentials" in the Title. Learning Activities will be based on this edition.
Since this an online course, please purchase your text on line from the bookstore, http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/. Campus bookstores will no longer have the texts for this course. If you have any trouble, please contact the instructor:
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Course
Description |
This course PLS 135, American National Politics , teaches students about introductory concepts in American national government and politics. It covers democracy, the Constitution, federalism, public opinion, media, political parties, campaigns, elections, interest groups, the three branches of government, civil liberties and civil rights.
Prerequisites/Expectations/Recommended Knowledge and Skills:
- Students should have an on line connection and strong Internet navigational skills. Students should also have Microsoft word on their computers.
- This course presupposes some knowledge of American Government. At the minimum, a knowledge of high school civics or College U. S. history or PLS 120 is required.
- Students will need to know how to use email and attachments.
- Students will need Internet Explorer.
- Students will need skills in accessing web sites and downloading files.
- English 111 writing skills are required.
- Students must have transportation to the testing centers in order to take examinations. Students who are not in the area are requested to provide approved proctors. Forms are on the ELI Web site.
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Course
Objectives |
If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:
1. be aware of the historical roots of the U. S. system, the changing composition of our society. society and the issues raised by change.
2. be aware of general provisions of the Constitution and how it has adapted to changing times.
3. understand the concept of federalism and how the distribution of power between the national government and the states has created conflict from time to time.
4. be aware of the influence of public opinion and how individual participation can influence our political system.
5. understand how public officials, political parties, interest groups and the media compete to influence and set the public agenda.
6. understand the application of individual rights and how the Supreme Court shapes these rights.
7. understand the operation of the Congress, the presidency and the Supreme Court and how policy is made.
8. understand the operation our bureaucracy and it can shape policy.
This course is valuable for teacher certification, law enforcement, and college transfer. It also supports good values for citizenship. |
Course
Progress |
It is important to start your course on time. It is expected that you will perform assignments on a weekly basis. If you can not do this, it is expected that you will contact the instructor with an explanation. The Course Guide provides a weekly schedule for assignments and their submission. Please consult the Course Guide for attendance requirements. |
Course Technologies
| Email |
All NVCC students automatically receive a student email account through the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). It is College policy to use this account. (instructors will not reply to non-VCCS accounts).Please put your name and course number in the subject line of the email. For information on how to set up and access your account, go to http://www.nvcc.edu/ithd/studentmail.html, or call the IT Help Desk at (703) 426-4141. |
| Blackboard |
This course also uses Blackboard as a course management system which contains assignments, lecture outlines and other important documents. If you have never used Blackboard, go to Blackboard web site. Information on securing your user name and password is at User Name. |
For additional help in starting your distant course, go to ELI web site.
To review ELI Policies and Procedures, go to ELI Policies.
To improve your success in this course, go to Strategies For Success.
Confused, call the ELI HOT LINE
(Be sure to take a photo-ID with you to the lab.)
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