American National Government & Politics – Fall 2021

Dan Enbysk, denbysk@tacomacc.edu  | Pronouns: he/him

POLS202—03OL (10297) | 5 credits

03/29/21 to 06/07/21

Canvas Class Direct Link:  https://tacomacc.instructure.com/courses/2138156

 

Contents

Professor Information*. 2

Communication Policy. 2

General Class Information*. 3

POLS202-03OL (10297) Full Online. 3

Catalog Description. 3

Prerequisites. 3

ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment. 3

Textbooks & Supplemental Materials. 3

Open Educational Resources: No Textbook to Purchase. 3

Technology Required. 3

Wi-Fi Access: 3

Access the TCC portal here: 3

Learning Outcomes*. 3

Course Learning Outcomes. 4

Instructional Methods Used. 4

Professor and Student Expectations. 4

Chosen Names and Pronouns. 4

Professor Expectations. 5

Student Expectations. 5

Recommended Study Habits. 6

TCC Student Policies*. 6

Class Policies and Procedures*. 6

Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process. 7

Academic Dishonesty. 7

Graded Items*. 7

Assessment Structure*. 7

Grading*. 8

Graded Item Submission Guidelines. 8

Late Work. 8

Student Resources. 8

Access and Accommodations. 8

Safety. 9

Student Well-Being & Basic Needs. 9

Tentative Class Schedule. 9

Land Acknowledgment 10

Student Well-Being & Basic Needs. 10

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. 10

Diversity: 10

Equity: 11

Inclusion: 11

Anti-racist 11

Syllabus Subject to Change. 11

 

Professor Information*

Note for Fall Term 2021:  I am not on campus this term.

Office Location:  Adjunct Faculty Center (Building 18, Room 202)
Office Hours: Online or By Appointment
Adjunct Center Phone:  253-460-4399
Email: denbysk@tacomacc.edu

Welcome to POLS202! I am looking forward to having you in my class this quarter. I was once a student, experiencing what it was like to be new to college. It can be confusing and overwhelming, but if we work together, we can make this a great quarter. I’m here to help you succeed. If you feel worried about your learning and/or performance in this course, please get in touch. I am happy to listen and strategize solutions that will improve your learning and performance.

Communication Policy

My preferred method of communication with you is CANVAS email, which I check frequently. please only use your student email account to contact me via email. You can email me at any time, but you may not receive a response outside regular business hours. Business days are Monday–Friday, except for holidays.

 

General Class Information*

POLS202-03OL (10297) Full Online

Full online means that the course will be conducted using our Canvas course content delivery system. No in-person activity is required during the extent of this course.

Catalog Description

(Formerly POLSC-202) This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of the American political system. We will examine the structural foundations of American politics, including our constitutional framework, political culture, and political economy. We will then explore the various political institutions which serve as a link between citizens and government, including public opinion, the mass media, interest groups, social movements, political parties, and elections. Following this, we will turn our attention to the branches of the federal government, including Congress, the Presidency, the federal bureaucracy, and the Supreme Court.

 

Prerequisites

ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

 

Textbooks & Supplemental Materials

Open Educational Resources: No Textbook to Purchase

 

Technology Required

Because this is online course, you must have regular and reliable access to a computer to successfully access the above course materials and complete the course. If you are unsure about this, you should take the course later. You may want access to a printer to print off additional readings or handouts if that is easier for you.

 

Wi-Fi Access: 

Wi-Fi access is available to students on the Main Campus in Parking Lot “C”:  https://tacomacc.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1903/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=102951

 

 

Access the TCC portal here:  https://my.tacomacc.edu/cas/login?service=https://my.tacomacc.edu/uPortal/Login

 

Some assignments can be completed on your phone, but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please visit the Information Commons in Building 16 on the first floor at the end of the hallway.

Learning Outcomes*

Refer to the College Catalog for Degree Learning Outcomes and Specialization Learning Outcomes.

 

Learning outcomes are what you will know by the end of the course if you complete the assignments and participate in class sessions.

 

Course Learning Outcomes

• Communicate a clear understanding of what distinguishes political sciences as a field of academic inquiry from other social sciences and the basic methodological approaches to the discipline. (COK)
• Define and appropriately employ key fundamental concepts in the study of political science. (COK, CRT)
• Describe the relationship between political culture, attitudes, and ideology and demonstrate familiarity with world’s major political belief systems. (COK, CRT, COM)
• Describe the process of political socialization. (COK, COM)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the study of politics at an individual, group, national and international level. (COK, CRT, COM)
• Explain the relationship between politics and economics. (COK, CRT< COM)
• Analyze the role of institutional arrangements and structures in explaining and predicting political outcomes at both a national and international level. (COK, CRT)
• Describe the differences between “developed” and “developing” nations and the relationship between the two. (COK, CRT, COM)
• Additional course objectives are to develop and foster student skills in the areas of: reading textbooks and taking notes, writing essays, engaging in small group discussions, conducting research using both printed and online resources, analyzing political arguments and reflecting critically upon their assumptions and logic, and becoming a more critical and informed consumer of the mass media. (CRT, COM, ITT, RSP)

 

Instructional Methods Used

This course is ONLINE via CANVAS. You are responsible for logging on to the course CANVAS page regularly to access resources and otherwise follow along with the course obligations each week and throughout the term.  I also recommend checking your student email frequently for updates, announcements or other news related to the class. For more information on how to work through the course, go to the course home page in CANVAS and read the document: Course Introduction and Orientation.

Among the ONLINE features of the course are the following:

• Communication with me via campus email and your student email account
• Announcements
• Course Syllabus/Calendar/Exam Schedule
• Online grade book
• Study guide questions, lectures, video
• Handouts and additional readings
• Discussion Forum
• Quizzes and Exams

Professor and Student Expectations

Chosen Names and Pronouns

 

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters don't list gender or pronouns, so you may be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don't make assumptions based on your name and/or appearance/self-presentation. However, you are not obligated to share your pronouns. If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of seriousness and openness to correction and learning. Thank you.

 

Professor Expectations

As your professor, I will work to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support your inquiry this term. As such, objectives which I will strive to meet include to:

• Get to know you and what your goals are for this class.
• Meet with you individually at least one time during the quarter.
• Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Administer fair and equitable policies and procedures to all students.
• Provide a schedule of activities that is clear and communicate changes by email and on Canvas.
• Grade assignments, exams in a timely manner.
• Provide feedback and comments that are thorough and meaningful.
• Be available for students during my office hours and by appointment and inform students of any changes to my office hours by email and Canvas.
• Equip students with general skills applicable to multiple career paths.
  
  

Student Expectations

• Attend class: Class time is when we make meaning of the readings and assignments. It is important that you come to class and engage in discussions and activities.
• Engage in class: Attending class is the first step – coming to class ready to actively participate in the next step. Ask relevant questions. Take notes. Work cooperatively with other students.
• Check Canvas: Assignments and other assessments are in Canvas. Check Canvas at least three times per week to ensure you complete work on time and understand instructions.
• Respect others: Please be civil and polite when communicating with me and with other students in the class. It can be easy to forget this when online – let’s work to display the type of interactions we value in face-to-face contact.
  • Please avoid swearing, slang, abbreviated “text-talk”, SHOUTING etc. when communicating and especially online and in the forums. Work to express yourself thoughtfully, clearly and with dignity. Show the best of yourself.
  • Ad hominem (personal) attacks, threats, hostility, and name-calling undermine the collective academic endeavor. Feel free to question arguments, but not people’s identity, intentions, or integrity.
  • Please avoid dominating discussions and work to listen to the ideas of others. Real communication and discussion go both ways and involves just as much, if not more, listening and considering than speaking.
  • Respect that others have different viewpoints and be humble regarding your own; demonstrate tolerance and compassion.
  • The point of the class is to learn from each other not to denigrate the identities, ideas, or values of those others. Show mutual respect for the common enterprise of learning you are engaged in and work to understand each other and the basis for other points of view. We live in a pluralistic society and world – we need to learn how to operate in it.
  • I want to encourage an environment where students can discuss different perspectives and I will appreciate your contributions to that end.

 

• Communicate with me: Keep me updated of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete your work on time. I am here to help you learn and can be flexible if something unexpected comes up in your life.
• Self-Advocacy: Seek our resources you need to be successful. There are many resources available to help you succeed at TCC, for example the Writing and Tutoring Center, Access Services, and Counseling. Use the Student Resources Canvas page to access these resources and more.

 

If there is a concern with your behavior during this quarter, we will use the Student Code of Conduct to frame our discussion. For more information on TCC policies related to student behavior, please refer to the TCC Classroom Standards and Culture webpage.

 

Recommended Study Habits

 

Regular participation and engagement is critical to doing well in the class, so be certain that you are able to commit to fully to the course, complete all class assignments and keep up with the course readings so that you can do your best. Only students who can commit to the course for the next 12 weeks should register for the class. If you think missing significant time is going to be unavoidable you should strongly consider taking the class later. You are responsible for becoming familiar with the full content of the course. Topics, questions, and issues brought up in lectures, discussions as well as the course texts and other materials constitute that content and your ability to thoughtfully discuss them on exams is a condition of doing well in the class.

You will be evaluated on your ability to understand and utilize content from the course on exams, assignments, forums, and quizzes. Much of that means being able to communicate your ideas effectively in writing. Simply put, you will need to bring all the content from the course to bear, have clearly stated arguments, and then follow through on your arguments in an organized fashion. It is expected that you can contribute some synthesis and analysis of your own on exams and assignments - not simply regurgitate the ideas from the course materials. In other words, it is expected that you exhibit some thinking (not simply opinions) of your own. (Please give some consideration to what you think the difference between the two might be). College-level writing skills are expected. If you are still working on that, ask me about additional support for your writing.

 

TCC Student Policies*

 

TCC works hard to create a vibrant learning culture where you can succeed. Please refer to the college-wide standards and policies that support this important work.  Some of these policies include Religious Accommodations, Withdraw/Retakes, and the Student Code of Conduct.

Class Policies and Procedures*

• Attendance: Attendance is not tracked in this class. However, failure to stay caught up with reading and assignments will likely be detrimental. Attending class consistently is likely to be beneficial.
• Due Dates: All assignments are due by 11:59pm the day of the due date, unless otherwise listed on Canvas.
• Late work: Late work is accepted only with prior approval/arrangement.
• Cell phones & other electronic devices (For face-to-face courses only): I generally encourage an electronics-free physical classroom unless they are central to our learning goals. I will let you know when that is the case. If you need to take a phone call or use your phone for a non-class purpose, please leave the room temporarily so that your screen does not distract others.
• Children in class: By college policy, children are only permitted in the classroom if approved by the instructor. Please talk to me if you need to bring your child to class so that we can ensure a positive learning environment for the class.
• Food/beverages in class: Beverages are O.K. in my classroom, but please no food/snacks, etc.
• Group work (face-to-face courses only): Group work is an essential part of this class. Please talk to me if you have any concerns or reservations about working in groups during and outside of class time so we can discuss strategies to help you succeed.
• Suspended operations: In the event of the campus closing due to inclement weather, a power outage, or another unexpected event, please check your Canvas messages for updates on how we will adjust our course schedule. In the event you are unable to access Canvas via the Portal, please use this direct link: https://tacomacc.instructure.com/courses/coursenumberhere.

 

Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process

I make every effort to grade fairly and reasonably – but also seriously. If you have questions or concerns about this class, please talk to me about them. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair, Andrew Cho in F-4, acho@tacomacc.edu. Mr. Cho can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. If you think that your final grade has been given in error, check with me please. If we can’t resolve the issue, please see the final grade appeal process.

 

Academic Dishonesty

 

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY!
“As stated in the TCC Catalog, ‘Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students”. In this course, the sanction for academic dishonesty in any of the forms listed above or in the Statement on Academic Dishonesty, (see link below) will result in a zero score on the particular assignment or exam on which the incident occurred. A second offense will result in failing the course (an ‘E’ grade). Please be VERY CAREFUL about this as there is zero tolerance for cheating and plagiarism. I do selective internet searches on student papers and it is not much trouble to catch cheating and plagiarism. Save yourself a lot of trouble and learn to cite your sources properly. The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website.

Graded Items*

Assessment Structure*

In this class, we will have the following graded items: discussion forums, a term paper and two essay exams. Each of these assessments is intended to help you learn about psychology and progress toward our course learning outcomes. Table 1 shows the points possible and weight of each assessment category.

Table 1: Assessment Structure

Categories	Category Weight
Discussion Forums	55%
Exams	45%
Total	100%

 

Grading*

Final grades will be assigned using the following scale:

Table 2: Grading

Grade	Percent
A	93 to 100%
A-	90 to 92%
B+	87 to 89%
B	83 to 86%
B-	80 to 82%
C+	77 to 79%
C	73 to 76%
C-	70 to 72%
D+	67 to 69%
D	65 to 66%
E	64% and below

 

Graded Item Submission Guidelines

All graded assignments must be submitted via Canvas in the “shell” or dropbox for that particular assignment unless otherwise communicated. I won’t accept assignments emailed to my Canvas or campus email unless I approve that with you ahead of time.

 

Late Work

Again, late work is not accepted except with prior approval/arrangement. Do your best to turn in assignments on time.

 

Student Resources

You have access to great resources on campus and people ready to support you. Login to Canvas and access the Student Resources course to learn about some of these excellent resources.

Access and Accommodations

Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.

 

If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.

 

Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.

 

Safety

We care about the safety of our campus and community and all of us are needed in order to create a safe and secure learning environment. Please review the full list of safety resources available to you, which are listed on our TCC Ready website. Additionally, please watch this brief video to familiarize yourself with our general safety practices. Please program the Public Safety number into your cell phone (253-566-5111) or 5111 from any campus phone (If this number is inoperable due to an emergency, dial 253-495-4146) and sign up for TCC Alerts! to receive emergency notifications to your cell phone.

 

 

Tentative Class Schedule

Every attempt will be made to maintain this schedule, but schedule changes may occur during the quarter. Check Canvas for the most updated schedule.

Week	Date	Day	Topic(s)
1	9/20		COURSE INTRODUCTION & THEORIES OF THE STATE & STATE FORMATION
2	9/26		POWER & THE STATE
3	10/3		THE STATUS OF DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA
4	10/10		HISTORY OF THE EARLY AMERICAN STATE
5	10/17		SLAVERY, RESISTANCE, ABOLITION
6	10/24		RACISM AND RACIAL VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
7	10/31		LABOR RIGHTS AND LABOR MOVEMENTS
8	11/7		SOCIAL CLASSES AND ECONOMIC TURMOIL
9	11/14		WAR AND IMPERIALISM
10	11/21		CRISIS
11	11/28		REVIEW
12	12/5		FINAL EXAM

 

 

Land Acknowledgment  

 

We must acknowledge that TCC was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup, who have called this area home since time immemorial.  The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to the Puyallup reservation to make way for settlers, and we recognize that the privilege of our campus being located on this land has come at great cost to indigenous people.  We honor the resilience of the Puyallup Tribe and its people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of all the people of this region. 

 

Student Well-Being & Basic Needs  

These are exceptionally trying times, so if you find yourself falling behind because of issues related to mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress etc.), please reach out. Additionally, please let us know if you need help securing basic needs (such as food, a safe place to stay, or a computing device for completing coursework) at any point during the quarter.  Any student who has difficulty affording groceries, or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live - and believes this may affect their performance in this course, is urged to contact the TCC Dean of Retention and Student Success - Ruth Fritz (rfritz@tacomacc.edu).  TCC has many campus and community service resources that can support student needs and I can assist you in exploring them.  

 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion   

 

Diversity: TCC welcomes people all across the wide scope of races, colors, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual identities and orientations, genders, religions, political affiliations, physical abilities, economic backgrounds, professional histories, marital and parental statuses, and generations. Like our school, I value the diversity in our classroom because it enriches our learning environment and deepens our understanding of others. Additionally, I hold an expectation my students will eventually cultivate a similar appreciation for such diversity.  

 

Equity:  TCC empowers our community through equitable access to opportunities, knowledge, and resources. We promote intercultural engagement, institutional responsibility and awareness of historical inequities and direct action toward overcoming systemic barriers to create a community where all people can be welcomed, heard, known, represented, and successful.  

  

Inclusion: We will work together to create an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and is offered a platform to contribute to our space. To this end, every student: 1) has the right to be called by the name they wish and to have their name pronounced correctly; 2) has the right to be referred to by the pronouns that they share; 3) has the right to express their opinion without fear they are speaking for an entire identity group; and 4) has the right to respectfully identify any barriers to their inclusion in the course without fear of being punished by the professor. 

 

Anti-racist  

The Social Sciences Program at TCC unequivocally rejects white supremacy, racism and other forms of hate and bias. No matter the name or label, white supremacist, anti-Semitic and racist thought and action are antithetical to our values. We will work to dismantle racism and discrimination on campus, in our communities and in society as part of our shared efforts to elevate humanity. (Adapted from University of Nevada, Reno)

 

Syllabus Subject to Change

Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible using multiple means of communication. Please check Canvas for the most updated schedule and assignment list during the quarter.