JIM FOWLER

OFFICE HOURS: MTWTH 1500-1700

OFFICE: 207 RIO GRANDE CAMPUS (RGC)

TELEPHONE 223-3053

EMAIL:JFOWLER@AUSTINCC.EDU FAX 223-3050

WEB: WWW2.AUSTINCC.EDU

TEXTBOOK:
THE NEW AMERICAN DEMOCRACY BY FIORINA AND PETERSON, ALTERNATE SECOND EDITION

PURPOSE:
Talking politics must rank as one of the most popular of American activities. For whatever reason, Americans enjoy their politics. Hearing politics and politicians being discussed for many of us is an early family experience. The result is that we all have some notion of the political system. This notion may be vague, or well formed, reinforced with information and direct personal experience, or without specific data. It is a rare individual who is totally without some idea of how their society functions politically.

There are two interrelated and equal purposes of this course. The first is to help you equip yourselves with the ability to understand the political world around you. To do this involves (1) drawing out of you what you already know, (2) organizing this knowledge, and (3) introducing you to some additional facts and concepts.

The second purpose is to train you for active citizenship. This means more than voting. Being an active citizen involves knowing you own opinions about current issues, expressing those opinions, understanding the opinions of other citizens and possessing at least the minimal skill to "think like a political person" and organize for political goals. To do all this means that you must learn facts and how to interpret them, and then arrange them in a useful mental image of government and politics.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM:
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical writing, particularly about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance class discussions and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

PROCEDURE IN CLASS:
In the schedule you will find the required reading in the textbook for each week. Read the material before the class time. The class sessions will consist of lectures and discussions about the context of the materials in the chapters. This means that you must read the chapters to know what is in them since the class activity will not be a recapitulation of the textbook.

ATTENDANCE:
You will be subject to withdrawal from the class if you miss four straight sessions unexcused. The excused absences must be cleared with me. You will be subject to withdrawal from the class for any six unexcused absences throughout the semester. Be careful, this is not done automatically. You are responsible for withdrawing yourself, but I might withdraw you.

There are three reasons for this emphasis on attendance. First, students who miss a lot frequently fall behind in their work and subsequently do poorly in the course. Second, the college is supported partially by state funds based on attendance. Third, the interaction in class is essential. Here is where you get to "practice" verbalizing what you feel about politics. The sharing of ideas with the class will greatly enhance the benefits, as well as the pleasure, you receive.

Do come to class. It is definitely worth the effort. There is no need, however, to call me to tell me that you will be absent or late for class. However, if illness or some other serious situation occasions an extended absence, you should let me know.

GRADING POLICY:
Each student will be judged on the quality of his or her examinations and additional written work. There will be three essay exams. The exams will be given in the classroom. There are no retests. To make a "C" a student must average 70 on three essay exams and write one acceptable book report.

To make a "B" a student must average 80 on three exams and write two acceptable book reviews.

To make an "A" a student must average 90 on three essay exams, write two acceptable book reviews.

EXTRA POINTS: From time to time extra point opportunities will be announced in class. You may use four of these this semester, for a total of five extra points. The extra points will be added to your exam scores. You may write a 10 page optional term paper with five separate sources for a possible higher letter grade. You must register your topic with me by 22 October. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEADLINE.

CHEATING: Read the attachment on academic dishonesty.

INCOMPLETE POLICY: To be eligible for an “ I “ or incomplete you must have finished one examination with a grade of C or better and completed and turned in a satisfactory book review. Any exception to this must be occasioned with illness or some other personal serious circumstances determined by the instructor.

BOOK REVIEW:
A book review is not a summary. It is your response to and involvement in the work of the author. I expect the review to reflect what you think about what the author has written. You do not have to like what you read. Honestly reflect on what you read and then write what you feel.

A review should consist of three parts. First, write about the author, who is he/she, what has he/she written, what are his/her credentials, etc. If you cannot find anything - that is also significant. The second part is a brief summary of the theme of the book. The third part is your response: most of your effort should go here.

Any book referred to in the textbook is acceptable for review. If you want to read some other book, bring it to me for prior approval. Be aware that the ACC libraries do not necessarily have all the books on these lists. You may have to go to the other libraries in the city.

The book review should be at least three (3) typed double-spaced pages. If your handwriting is clear, you do not have to type it. DO NOT BIND THE REVIEW IN PLASTIC OR ANY OTHER COVER. Try to select a book to expand your consciousness. Do not simply read in an already established area of interest. A very good use of your energy and time is to read books that pertain to your research paper.

Final important note: Prepare all papers as if you were in a college composition class.

TERM PAPER:
The term paper is in this course because it represents, first of all, an extra effort, a deeper involvement, in the subject. More than this, however, a term paper involves acquiring the skills of information gathering and writing essential ingredients in the development of yourself as a useful, educated person. Not everyone takes a government course with the same goals in mind. For some of you the minimum credit is satisfactory. i wish all of you would try for the "A". This may not be a part of your goals. But for those who do go further in the course and explore a particular topic at greater depth, the additional letter grade is there to reward your efforts.

Term paper topics must be current. For instance, any issue before the Congress, the President, the bureaucracy is acceptable. Occasionally, you will find an issue in the news that has yet to be considered officially by the governmental institutions. Be sure to confer with me before you decide on your topic. You must meet with me by 22 October. Your paper must have footnotes (or endnotes) and a bibliography. There must be a minimum of five separate sources cited in your footnotes. A source may be a book, an article in a periodical, a government document, an interview, etc. The footnotes and bibliography should conform to the requirements found in any if several manuals of style found in the library. YOU MUST TURN IN THE DRAFT WITH YOUR FINAL VERSION.

The length should be a minimum of 10 typed double-spaced pages. If your handwriting is clear, you do not have to have the paper typed. There should be a cover sheet of paper. DO NOT BIND THE TERM PAPER IN PLASTIC OR ANY OTHER COVER. If you have never written a term paper please see me. Be careful about selecting too large a topic. You should focus on a subject that (1) interests you, (2) can be covered in 10 pages, and (3) does not interfere with your study time.

Too frequently a term paper is not completed because the student has selected too broad a topic and runs out of time. A good technique for focusing your final topic is to phrase your topic as a question, with the idea that your report will be the answer. Another approach may simply be to select an issue and report on its origin, its political support, its content, and its impact. Select the technique that best suits you.

It is acceptable to write a term paper for this class in conjunction with another class. You could create a body of information and spin-off a paper for another instructor and also, using the same material write one for this class. However, it is not acceptable to turn in a paper identical to a paper for another class. During your research if you run into a problem or if you are having difficulties organizing your report, come see me for help. PLEASE NOTE: Papers may be turned in at my office, room 207 at the Rio Grande Campus, placed in my mailbox in the Provost Office on the 2nd floor at the Rio Grande Campus, or sent by U.S. Mail to: ACC, 1212 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITY:
You may choose to donate 30 hours this session to a political campaign, a public official or some other public service activity. If you do, keep a daily log of your activities and write a summary of about ten pages. The log and report may be substituted for (1) the two book reports or (2) the term paper or (3) disappointing grades. You select the outside volunteer work, register the place and the name of the supervisor with me. If you select extra grade points, the paper can be worth up to 10 points.

A WORD ABOUT WITHDRAWALS:
The unexpected event that changes the amount of time available for school happens to all of us. Moreover, sometimes a course for other reasons does not work out well. the college provides an opportunity for you to withdraw from a course without penalty(see class schedule). After this date, a grade must be assigned. Be careful about withdrawing if you are attending college under a program of the Veteran's Administration since a withdrawal can cost you some money.

(NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw if necessary, do not leave it up to the instructor.)

IF YOU CANNOT HEAR, SEE, OR TAKE NOTES:
This course involves reading your book, taking notes, listening in class, reading the blackboard, and writing essay examinations and papers. If you have problems with these activities and wish assistance, be sure to ask for help. You can also inquire of the OFFICE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (OSD) for help. Please do not ignore this offer for help. The college is here to help you. Furthermore, if you need extra help, such as a tutor, ask OSD. Also read the attachment for further information on this topic. To be eligible for accommodations you must register with OSD very early in the semester.

YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBILE FOR ALL
INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINES
IN THIS COURSE GUIDE