Extended Learning Institute
Northern Virginia Community College
Syllabus |
PLS 211, U. S. Government I
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. Written requests must be received by this date. 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send in the minimum required assignments as specified by the Course Guide by this date, you will be administratively withdrawn with no refund.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. American Government: Continuity and Change, 2008 edition, ISBN# 13 9780321415332.
Please be sure that you do NOT buy the Essentials edition. PLS 135 uses the Essentials edition of this text. Learning Activities and your paper are based on the full edition and you will not be able to complete your assignments for PLS 211, if you buy the wrong edition.
Since this an online course, please purchase your text on line from the bookstore, http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/. Campus bookstores are no longer have the texts for this course. If you have any trouble, please contact the instructor: |
Course
Description '
Prerequisites |
PLS 211 is an introductory course in American national government and politics. PLS 211 covers democracy, the Constitution, federalism, media, political parties, campaigns, elections, interest groups, civil liberties and civil rights. PLS 212 covers the rest of the topic in the course. At the present time, ELI does not offer PLS 212.
Prerequisites/Expectations/Recommended Knowledge and Skills:
- Students should have an on line connection and strong Internet navigational skills. Students should also have Microsoft word.
- PLS 211 presupposes a some knowledge of American Government equal to that of PLS 120, Introduction to Political Science, or PLS 135, American National Government.
- Students will need know how to use email.
- Students will need Internet Explorer 6 or later. Other browsers are not recommended for blackboard.
- English 111 writing skills are required. Research and documentation 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 |
Objectives:If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:
- understand the philosophical underpinnings of the U. S. system, the composition of our society and the issues emanating from changing composition.
- be aware of general provisions of the Constitution and how it has adapted to changing times.
- 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.
- be aware of the influence of public opinion and how individual participation may influence the system.
- understand how public officials, political parties, interest groups and the media compete to influence and set the public agenda
- understand the application of individual rights and how the Supreme Court interprets these rights.
This course is valuable for teacher certification, para legals, and college transfer. It also supports good values for citizenship.
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| 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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