Introduction to Political Science
ACC Summer Institute at
Instructor: Karry
L. Evans Office:
Phone:
Email: kevans@austincc.edu Room 212, Attache Bldg.
Fax: 512-223-3414
Course Description
This course is an introductory survey of the discipline of
political science, focusing on the history, scope, and methods of the field and
the substantive topics in the discipline. This course includes a survey of the
political culture, institutions, political parties, and domestic and foreign
policies of the
Instructional Methodology
This course combines classroom work, independent research
and fieldwork at ACC and
Course Rationale
The purpose of this course is to enrich your personal and
intellectual growth through a combination of stimulating coursework and hands
on field research in
Needed Resources
The required text for this course is Comparative Politics in Transition (5th ed.) by John McCormick. There are new and used copies available in the bookstores around the Rio Grande Campus or you can order online through Amazon or other book sites. I do not have any problem with students using the 4th edition if you can purchase it at a savings. You will also be expected to access information on current issues in the countries we will be studying. This can be done via the internet using web sites provided in the text, as well as others you may find in your research.
Learning Outcomes
This course is designed to help you achieve the following learning outcomes:
Grading and Course Requirements
Your grade will come from a total of six chapter quizzes, four country studies, a final paper, and your attendance and participation. The possible points are distributed in this manner:
3 Tests worth 100 points each = 300 points
4 Country Studies worth 50 points each = 200 points
1 Research Paper worth 300 points = 300 points
Attendance and Participation = 200 points
TOTAL 1000 points
Letter grades will be assigned based on the total number of points accumulated.
90-1000 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
Tests
There are three tests worth 100 points each. Each test is made up of a variety of multiple-choice and short answer questions. The questions will come from material covered in the chapter notes posted on the course Blackboard site and from information covered in lectures, discussions and multi-media presentations. The test dates are listed in the calendar at the end of this syllabus.
Country Studies
The country studies will constitute the supporting research
for your final paper. You will need to choose a topic that you can research for
the
You can research your topic using the websites I have provided on the Blackboard site. You will then summarize the information you have found for each country and type out a page or two noting the sources for each separate piece of information. This does not have to be in paragraph or essay form. The main point is to compile relevant information that you can use in your final paper. Make sure you save your work on your computer so you can use it in your final paper. The due dates are listed in the calendar at the end of this syllabus.
Research Paper
The more in-depth portion of your research will be conducted
in
The final paper will consist of your introductory paragraph
and thesis statement, the supporting information on the
Attendance and Participation
Once you have enrolled in this course, you have made the commitment to attend every class, to arrive on time and to be prepared to discuss the topics for the day. Failure to do so during the first two weeks of class will result in you being dropped from the course and loosing whatever money you have paid for the study abroad portion of the course. Failure to do so the second two weeks of class will result in you being dropped from the course. Once again, there are no refunds of money paid toward the study abroad portion of the course.
Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
This course and the study abroad experience can have a very
positive impact on you and your future life decisions. In order to maximize
this potential and minimize any negative impact, you will have to conduct
yourself in a mature manner that is an asset to the entire course. No rudeness
or disruptions will be tolerated in class or in any meetings or events outside
of class. Your behavior must be kind and respectful toward everyone. While we
are in
Communication and Feedback
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about the
course. It is very important for me to get feedback from you about the class,
so I will be available to meet with you anytime before we leave for
Withdrawal Policy
One option in the case of failure to meet the course requirements, is
to officially withdraw from the class. It is your responsibility to officially
withdraw from class. Withdrawal forms are available from the Admissions Office
at each ACC campus.
Incomplete Policy
There is no opportunity for receiving an Incomplete for this course
since the final portion is offered in
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 authors 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 any of the ACC
campuses. 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
Please be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any
beliefs or ideas expressed in or outside of class as long as you follow the
requirements outlined under Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity. I believe
every persons views are legitimate and I expect each of you to respect the
views of others. All comments should reflect this mutual respect.
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.
Calendar
Date Topics and Assignment
5/2 Required Meeting No Exceptions
6/1 The Comparative Approach pp. 1-21
Research Methods
6/2 Liberal Democracies pp. 23-35
Comparison of Executives pp. 78-79
6/3 British Government and Politics pp. 82-123
Comparison of Legislatures pp. 166-167
6/4 Test 1
Communism and Socialism pp. 169-180
Russian Government and Politics pp. 184-204
6/5 Russian Government and Politics pp. 204-221
Comparison of Electoral Systems pp. 222-223
Research
Notes Due for
6/8 Chinese Government and Politics pp. 226-263
Comparison of Political Parties pp. 264-265
Research Notes Due for 2nd Country
6/9 Test 2
Developing Countries pp. 267-280
Indian Government and Politics pp. 328-347
6/10 Indian Government and Politics pp. 348-363
Comparison of Ideologies pp. 366-367
Research Notes Due for 3rd Country
6/11 Mexican Government and Politics pp. 284-323
Comparing Judiciaries pp. 522-523
6/12 Test 3
Research
Notes Due for
6/13 Fly
From
Orientation on Room and Board
6/14 Orientation
on
Tour of Zocalo and Museum
6/15
2:45 4:00: Intro to Culture of Merida through Language
6/16
6:00 9:00: Field Trip / Primary Research
6/17
2:45 4:00: Intro to Culture of Merida through Yucatan
6/18
6:00 9:00: Field Trip / Primary Research
6/19
1:00 2:30: Mexican Judiciary & Student Topics
6/20 Celestun and Surrounding Areas
Focus on Social, Political and Economic Development
6/21
Focus on Historical Connections
6/22
2:45 4:00: Intro to Culture of Merida through Language
6/23
6:00 9:00: Field Trip / Primary Research
6/24
2:45 4:00: Intro to Culture of Merida through Language
6/25
6:00 9:00: Field Trip / Primary Research
6/26 Progresso and Surrounding Areas
6/27 Fly
from