READINGS:
It is vital that you do the readings assigned carefully prior to the
classes in which they are discussed. First, it is impossible to talk about
everything in class and I will assume that some stuff is clear from the
reading. If you skip the reading or wait until exam time, it will be harder
to keep things straight. Third, in order to answer questions when called
upon in class (see below), you need to be familiar with the reading.
ATTENDANCE:
Most assignments are due in class or require your attendance to complete.
There are no make-up quizzes or exams. Information in the lectures is often
not in the readings. Alterations in assignments, etc. announced in class
are binding on everyone. While there is no official attendance policy,
you are strongly encouraged to be in class.
INTERNET:
The Website for the class can be found at http://faculty.stcc.mass.edu/magala.
You are expected to be familiar with the internet and use email. In order
to save time (and paper), many things in class including any changes to
the assignments for the class will be distributed through an email list.
Some assignments will require you to use the internet. It is your responsibility
to ensure that you get on the mailing list by giving me a valid email address.
(If you are unfamiliar with using email and the internet, you can get more
info from the computer center.)
CLASS DISCUSSIONS:
Lectures will look primarily at broad issues in American government
and politics. For this reason, part of class sessions are devoted to discussions
of specific topics. You are expected to bring up issues of interest for
discussion. Groups of students will be assigned different topics to lead
the discussions. The format presentations is: (1). Brief summary of the
issue (2). Brief description of what you learned from the issue (3). Brief
statement showing how this report relates to any of the chapters in the
Text (citing a specific chapter or chapters). In a nutshell, presentations
must be brief and concise
GRADES:
NOTE*** GRADES ARE EARNED, NOT GIVEN!!!!!!?????. IT IS THEREFORE
IMPORTANT THAT YOU PREPARE TO EARN THE PASSING GRADE BEARING IN MIND THE
FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTIONS.
1. EXAMINATIONS - FOUR examinations EACH WORTH 20% OF THE FINAL
GRADE. Examinations will be multiple choice. The final exam is optional.
If you are satisfied with your average on the FOUR regular examinations,
you are not required to take the final. If you opt to take the OPTIONAL
FINAL, your LOWEST SCORE on the FOUR REGULAR EXAMS will be replaced by
your score on the OPTIONAL FINAL if it is higher than your LOWEST SCORE.
2. QUIZZES - FOUR quizzes, one for each regular exam will be
given as preparation for the regular exam. Each quiz is worth 3% of your
grade. (TOTAL 12%).
3. CLASS PARTICIPATION - The class is primarily lecture,
but we are all more engaged if there is some discussion.
All students will be expected to have completed assigned readings before
the class date for which they are listed and be able to ask and answer
questions and/or discuss the material both in lecture and in discussion
sessions. REGULAR CLASS ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED to pass this class. CLASS
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION ACCOUNT FOR 8% OF YOUR GRADE.
*** THE VALIDITY OF YOUR REASONS FOR EXCESSIVE ABSENCES/MISSING CLASS
DO NOT ABSOLVE YOU OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE PASSING GRADE
There is no extra credit, but some account can be taken here for improvement
over the semester.
TOTAL DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES:
QUIZ #1
3%
EXAM #1
20%
QUIZ #2
3%
EXAM #2
20%
QUIZ #3
3%
EXAM #3
20%
QUIZ #4
3%
EXAM #4
20%
CLASS PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE
8%
100%
CUMULATIVE OPTIONAL FINAL
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Exams Multiple choice questions Exams 1-4 are not cumulative. The optional
final is Cumulative.
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