Globalization and US Politics: Post 9/11
Austin Community College
Instructor: Karry L. Evans
Office: Room 3118 Bldg. 3000, 1218 West Av.
Phone: 512-223-3394
This course is
worth 3 credit
hours. It is an approved transfer course equivalent to University
Honors
American National Government courses.
Needed Resources
The required text
for this
course is Global Politics in a
Changing World (4th ed.) by Mansbach and Rhodes. You may
be able
to find used copies or purchase online at a discount. The ISBN# is
978-0-618-97451-1.
In addition, U.S. Politics and Globalization, by Karry Evans,
is provided
via the Blackboard site for this class. You will also be expected to
stay
informed concerning current political events through reliable news
sources,
such as the New York Times , the Wall Street Journal,
the Economist,
or other national and international sources, almost all of which are
available
online.
Course Rationale
The purpose of this
course is
to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand
and
participate in a complex political system that includes the US
government and
its policies, as well as international policies, within the
increasingly
interdependent world. These domestic and global policies will determine
the
future of the world in which you and your children live and have major
political, social, economic, medical, security, and environmental
impacts on
everyone.
Course Objectives
The following is a
list of
the main objectives this course is designed to help you achieve. These
are
items that you should concentrate on in order to be prepared for class
discussions and exam questions. After completion of this course, you
should be
able to:
1. Discuss
democracy in the
United States and the potential for the spread of democracy and
democratic
values throughout the world.
2. Describe the
foundations,
development and features of the U.S. Constitution and compare it with
features
of other Constitutions.
3. Describe the
role of the
United States in the United Nations and the World Trade Organization
and the
impact of each on U.S. sovereignty.
4. Discuss the
benefits and
problems associated with U.S. federalism, as well as other federal
systems,
such as the European Union and the Iraqi Federation.
5. Discuss the
potential for
future federal structures to accommodate the need for global governance.
6. Discuss the ways
civil
liberties and civil rights protect both the individual and categories
of people
and the impact that international conditions have on these protections.
7. Explain how
political
attitudes, values and behaviors are learned, organized and
expressed
in the U.S. and the world.
8. Discuss the role
of the
media, both domestic and international, in U.S. politics and
international
relations.
9. Discuss the role
of
political parties and elections in politics and government in the U.S.
and other
countries.
10. Discuss various
types of
non-governmental organizations, including transnational organizations
and
companies, and their goals and strategies.
11. Describe the
structure,
functions and operations of the U.S. Congress, including its role in
international policymaking.
12. Discuss the
powers and
functions of the U.S. president, including his or her role in foreign
and
military policymaking.
13. Discuss the
role of the
bureaucracy in domestic and international policymaking.
14. Describe the
structure,
functions and operations of the U.S. judiciary, including its role in
the
evolution of international law.
15. Discuss the
pros and cons
of globalization from the point of view of the U.S. and the rest of the
world.
Instructional Methodology
This course is
designed to
introduce you to the study of U.S. government and politics. We will
look at the
structure and function of major institutions, the causes of conflict
within the
American political system and the role of values and ideas in politics
and
political conflict. Various facts, current events and theories will be
integrated into our examination of American government to help you to
understand politics and its significance and impact on your own life.
Effective
preparation and
meaningful participation are very important in determining the quality
of this
course. I believe that you learn by doing. Therefore, numerous
individual and
group activities are planned throughout the semester. These activities
allow
for much better understanding of the topics, make the class more
enjoyable, and
cut down on the amount of study time needed before each test.
There is no single,
correct
way to view American politics. During the course of this semester, I
urge you
to be open-minded, to engage in critical thinking and to question text
and
lecture materials, as well as other supplemental sources of
information. My
view of education includes the notion that the classroom is a community
of
scholarship. This requires an open-minded approach to the topics and
consideration
of other opinions. In order to get answers you must ask questions and
the best
questions follow from reading, thoughtful analysis of the material and
listening to others.
Grading and Course Requirements
Your grade will be
whatever you
want it to be. I do not grade on a curve; consequently, everyone can
earn an “A”.
Your grade will come from a total of three unit tests, three essays, 2
outside
events, a final project, and attendance and participation. The possible
points
are distributed in this manner:
Three Unit Tests
worth 100
points each =
300
points
Three Essays worth
100 points
each =
300
points
Two Event Reports
worth 50
points each =
100
points
Final Project worth
100
points =
100
points
Attendance and
Class
Participation worth 100 points each =
200
points
TOTAL
1000 points
Letter grades will
be
assigned based on the total number of points accumulated.
900-1000 points =
90-100%
= A
800-899 points =
80-89%
= B
700-799 points =
70-79%
= C
600-699 points =
60-69%
= D
0-599 points =
0-59%
= F
Unit Tests
There will be three
unit
tests worth 100 points each. Each unit test will consist of 50 multiple
choice
questions worth 2 points.
50 multiple-choice
questions
worth 2 points each =
100
points
Make-up Exams
Tests must be taken
on the
date they are scheduled unless prior arrangements are made. There
are no
make-up tests. A comprehensive final
exam will be given at the end of the semester for anyone wishing to
make up a
missed exam.
Take-Home Essays
There will be three
take-home
essay tests. Instructions for the essays are available on the
blackboard site
for this class and the due dates are listed on the calendar at the back
of this
syllabus and on blackboard. Each essay is worth 100 points.
Attendance and Participation
Class attendance is
mandatory, but it is not enough to just show up. The only way to make
the class
interesting and relevant to your lives is for everyone to come to class
prepared to discuss the assigned reading and the current news items for
the
day. There will also be film clips shown on a daily basis that we will
discuss
and use as a supplemental resource. Some assignments will require you
to bring
information from internet or other media sources for discussion. All of
these
activities require you to be present to contribute to the quality of
the class.
Therefore, attendance and participation will count for 200 points or
20% of
your final grade.
Classroom Etiquette
Tardies and other
disturbances will not be tolerated. Expected classroom etiquette
includes
arriving to class on time, remaining in class until you are dismissed,
and
controlling whatever urges you feel to get up or disrupt class in other
ways.
Please inform me about any medical or other condition that might
prevent you
from meeting these basic requirements. It is also expected that you
will show
respect and consideration to me and your fellow students at all times.
This
includes paying attention and not engaging in other activities not
related to
what is happening in the class. If this is seen to be a regular
problem, a
mandatory conference will be scheduled to determine if you will remain
in the
class.
Event Reports
This assignment requires
writing two reports on political events
or activities. You may choose to attend any of the number of political events or meetings that take place in Austin on a regular basis. If attending two events outside of class is overly burdensome due to work or family, you may choose to substitute two other reports approved by me.
There will be a
large number
of events throughout the semester that will qualify. Some take place on
a
regular basis, such as meetings of various political groups (the ACLU,
Amnesty
International, the Arab and Jewish Peace Alliance, etc.) and political
parties
(Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, and Green parties). Other events
are
listed in the Community section of the Chronicle and Statesman. UT and
the LBJ School
also sponsor political events, including
lectures by distinguished speakers. You
should not attend two meetings of the same group, though. They should
be
different organizations or events.
The written portion
of the
assignment consists of a detailed report on each of the 2 events. Each
report
must be typed and a minimum of 2 pages (46 lines), double spaced, and
in a
normal 12 point font. (FYI: This syllabus is typed in a normal 12 point
font).
The content of the report should be the important political issues that
were
discussed. You will need to take notes or record what is said in order
to do
this. I do not want a narrative about who was there and what
happened.
You should focus on what was said about substantive political issues.
2 Reports worth 50
points
each =
100
points
Points will be
deducted if
instructions are not followed, including approved events, coverage of
the
issues, format, and the minimum number of pages. Points will also be
deducted
at a rate of 10 points per day , including weekends, after the due date.
Incomplete Policy
In the event that a
student
completes 2/3s of the coursework, but fails to attend sufficient
classes to
adequately fulfill the remaining requirements and has acceptable
documentation
explaining the reasons for their inability to do so (incarceration,
hospitalization, military duty, etc.), I will give an Incomplete final
grade.
You are then responsible for making arrangements with me to fulfill the
remaining course requirements by the end of the next semester. At that
time,
the Incomplete will be changed to the appropriate letter grade in your
files.
Withdrawal Policy
Another alternative
in the
case of failure to attend class or meet the course requirements, is to
officially withdraw from the class. It is your responsibility to
officially
withdraw from class if necessary. Withdrawal forms are available from
the Admissions Office.
Evaluation and Feedback
There will be
continuous
evaluation of your performance and my performance throughout the
semester. I
will give you regular feedback through evaluation of your performance
on
homework and unit tests and through conversations with you about your
participation in group activities and discussions. In return, I will be
asking
for periodic feedback from you concerning this course and my
performance as your
instructor. All of this is designed to allow everyone to perform to the
best of
their ability and improve the overall content and dynamics of the
course.
Instructor Conferences
My office is
located in Room
212 in the Attache building at 1209 Rio Grande. I am available for
consultation
during my posted office hours. If you need to meet with me at a
different time,
you can talk to me during class, email me or call my office at 223-3394
and
make an appointment.
Scholastic Dishonesty
As described in the
ACC
Student Handbook, scholastic dishonesty constitutes a violation of
college
rules and regulations and is punishable according to the procedures
outlined in
the Handbook. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
cheating
on an exam (either providing answers to or stealing answers from
another
student), plagiarism and collusion. Plagiarism includes use of another
author’s
words or arguments without attribution. Collusion is defined as the
unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written
work for
fulfillment of any course requirement.
In the event of
scholastic
dishonesty, I will meet with the student to discuss the alleged
offense. If
evidence supports the charge, I will inform the student and the
Assistant
Provost in writing. The Assistant Provost shall asses a penalty
appropriate to
the charges and shall inform the student of such in writing. The
student may
appeal the decision of the Assistant Provost.
Disability Services
If you have a
documented
disability and wish to request accommodations, you should contact the
Office of
Students with Disabilities at 223-3142. The office is located in Room
A155. The
office director will meet with you and recommend appropriate
accommodations and
services after you have submitted the required documentation.
Individuals
eligible for services include, but are not limited to, those with
chronic
problems related to health, mobility, orthopedic, hearing, vision,
speech,
traumatic head injury, attention deficit, learning or psychiatric
disabilities.
Academic Freedom
Each student is
strongly
encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom
situation that
includes discussion and critical thinking, 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 discussion 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.
My Pledge to You
I
will do my best
to instruct this class and to increase your understanding of
globalization and
US politics.
I
will be kind
and respectful to you as long as you treat me with the same kindness
and
respect.
I
will be fair in
grading and expectations.
I
will do
everything I can to make class interesting and applicable to your life.
I am
interested
in who you are and what you do.
I
will be
available to meet with you. If you need to meet with me and cannot make
it to
my office hours we will work out another time to meet.
My Expectations of You
You
will arrive
to class on time.
You
will read the
assigned chapters before coming to class and be prepared to discuss the
issues
covered in those chapters.
You
will complete
all assignments and turn them in on time.
You
will conduct
yourself in a mature manner appropriate for a college student and not
disrupt
class by talking when I am presenting information to the class.
You
will show
respect for me and your fellow classmates.
You
will let me
know when you do not understand the material or have difficulty with assignments or tests.
Caveat
This course guide
represents
the course as it was planned prior to the beginning of class. I will
make every
effort to adhere to all the policies and procedures outlined above, as
well
as the following
calendar. In
the event any changes are necessary, I will let you know.