Introduction to Government

PS-001-6268 - Fall 2024  

(fully online/asynchronous)

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Professor:  Steven L. Fuchs, J.D.

Class Location and Times:  FULLY ONLINE 

Online Office Hours (via ConferZoom): Tuesday and Thursday 11:20am--11:50am  (just book an appointment via Tech Connect Zoom). 

Final Exam: Tuesday, December 10, 2024  10:30am to Noon (timed to 90 minutes)

 Email: Please use the Canvas Mail Utility if possible, otherwise sfuchs@collegeofthedesert.edu

Advisory: You should have access to a laptop or desktop computer, along with a secure Internet connection. 

Texts (Required):  The two required texts (both free) are:

1. 1.  Krutz, Glen and Sylvie Waskiewicz. (2021). American Government 3^nd Ed. Rice University: Open Stax LINK: Download OpenStax US Government

2. Reti, Steven (2022) Introduction to California Government and Politics PoliSci150. Version 3 LINKLinks to an external site.

BOTH books are free and required for this course.

Be sure to download both textbook PDFs to a computer or tablet for when you need to read the texts, but do not have Internet access. 

Campus Resources: Paper copy of the books are available (on reserve only) at the Indio and Palm Desert libraries. Be mindful that if someone else is using the book(s), you will have to wait. TASCLinks to an external site. (the Tutoring and Academic Skills Center) allows for limited, free printing. You may opt to read part of the chapter online and print what TASC allows you to when on campus. Visit the TASC webpage Links to an external site.for phone number to use for inquiries and hours of operation.

If Choosing to Print: As you can see by the "Course Reading Schedule" at the end of the Syllabus, we are not using Chapter 14 of American Government. Further, Chapter 15 is generally not used. My recommendation is not to print these chapters, so you don't waste money. I would also avoid printing anything but Chapters 1-13, 16 and 17 (meaning, there is no need to print the supplemental material, text information/preface, which takes up the first few pages). You should consider the type of printer you have and whether or not it is cost/time effective for you to use a printer. Also, you might consider third-party printing services (see below).

Purchasing Online: When going to the American Government Links to an external site.book online, Open Stax links directly this Amazon page.Links to an external site. However, the free online version has been updated with a few additions and corrections. 

If you purchase from a third-party on Amazon or any other site, you run the risk of quality issues, like missing pages. Many third-party sellers are likely selling a copy they printed themselves. Therefore, if you need a printed copy of the book, it is best to price out your options, use the campus resources, or purchase from Open Stax on Amazon. If you obtain any other way, you assume responsibility for quality issues. You are responsible for any and all costs incurred should you choose/need to obtain a printed copy.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the principles, organization and politics of the national government of the United States, including the study of state and local government. In considering government at the state level, specific emphasis is given to the government of the State of California. Throughout the course, current issues in American and state politics are stressed.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Define the concepts of federalism; demonstrate an understanding of the essential differences between the State and Federal governments
2. Identify and explain the effectiveness of checks and balances in the federal government.
3. Identify and explain the ideological differences that separate the two major American parties.
4. Collect and analyze data in order to develop a thesis that addresses a key political science puzzle.

Grade Breakdown (1,000 total points)

• Introduce Yourself to the Class: 10 points (1% of final grade)
• Politics in the News: 10 points per week, 15 weeks (150 points-15% of final grade). 
• Quizzes: (255 points-25.5% of final grade)
• Research, Writing Assignment - 3-parts - 50, 35, 150 points (235 points-23.5% of final grade)
• Student Learning Outcome (25 points) 2.5% of final grade)
• Self Assessments (25 points) 2.5% of final grade
• Final Exam: (300 points-30% of final grade) Must be taken at the assigned time.
• TOTAL 100% =  1000 points (plus any optional extra credit)
• Final Grade: A=90% or higher; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F=59% or less

What to Expect from Professor Fuchs

Professor Fuchs' Office Hours/Availability:

I am available online during the days/hours listed at the top of the syllabus. Please use ConferZoom to book online conferences.

Professor Fuchs' Role in The Course:

As the instructor, it is my job to moderate different points of view and allow all voices to be heard, so long as everyone is respectful. I encourage students to mindfully discuss their opinions on controversial issues. I will also bring up controversial positions so students are aware of the conflict inherent in politics. It is not my job to change your views; it is my job to expose you to new ideas, even if you find them offensive.  I am here to help with understanding the course material and assignments.

I cannot provide Canvas help. If you are having trouble navigating Canvas or login issues, you can contact me first to let me know. I can try to help but will likely direct you to Canvas Guides or the 24/7 Canvas Help line: 877-930-1129.

Expectations Regarding Correspondence

Communication Policy: Students should message me via the CANVAS INBOX or "myCOD.us" email. The reason for this is that other services (GMAIL, Hotmail, etc.) are not as secure and thus are not an ideal method of official communication.

Check the Canvas Inbox/Email Daily:  Not checking email and Canvas announcements and messages does not absolve you from any responsibility. It is highly advised that you check Canvas at least once a day to see if there are any reminders or emergency notices. You can receive notifications so that you receive email messages when new announcements are made by going to this pageLinks to an external site. in Canvas Student Guides. You may also want/need to forward your school emailsLinks to an external site. to your personal account so you do not miss any Canvas notifications and/or institutional emails that are critical to your success.

• Activate your Canvas notifications, so you are emailed or texted whenever I comment on a submission---go to "Account" and "Notifications" 

What Can’t Be Communicated Via Canvas or Email

Since it is against federal law (FERPA) to disclose and discuss student progress via digital communications, I will not respond to grade inquiries. You will not receive a response if you send messages that ask questions like, “Will I pass this class?” or “What do I need to score on the last paper to get a ‘B’ in this course?” First, such messages could be in violation of FERPA since they relate to confidential student records and progress. Second, I cannot predict how you will perform on future assignments. Come see me or call me during office hours for such concerns.

Turnaround Time

I will respond to other, non-grade-related messages, but I encourage you to set an online or phone appointment with me for help on assignments, understanding content, etc. If you do send a Canvas message or email, I will respond to messages during office hours, but weekend responses may be delayed.

Internet: Per the COD CatalogLinks to an external site., online classes require access to a working computer and stable Internet. This means that you are expected to have reliable Internet so that you don't run into issues submitting work on time. If you live in a remote area with spotty Internet, are relying on 3G/4G, don't have Internet at home, etc., it is your responsibility to figure out what to do to ensure that all Canvas assignments are submitted on time. Late work receives a "0." If your Internet slows down or something personal or technological gets in the way of an on-time submission, that is on you. Canvas will slow down during peak times. Many instructors assign 11:59pm deadlines, so expect that your work will be considered late if you press "Submit" close to 11:59pm and, because of this slow-down, your work is flagged as coming in late. My recommendation for all students, even those who have never had an Internet/technology issue, is to submit early so that if something happens, you have plenty of time to go to a friend or relative's house, drive to a public library, and so on to ensure that your work is on time and that you don't lose points for a late submission.

Use an Actual Computer to Submit Assignments on Canvas: You will have the fewest problems if you rely on a desktop or laptop computer. Students who use their phones or tablets to submit work tend to have issues 1) uploading and attaching files, and 2) viewing all aspects of the course in the order in which the pages are intended to be viewed, etc. If you do not have easy access to a laptop or desktop, I recommend visiting the school or a nearby public library to use the computers or going to a friend or relative's house when it comes time to submit your work. 

Warning about the Canvas App:

This course was designed to be viewed on a web browser, not in the Canvas app. Students have habitually reported problems using the Canvas app. Among the top problems reported to me by students: failure to receive messages in a timely manner, notifications not working, problems viewing rubrics, problems uploading assignments, etc. While you may want to use the Canvas app for ease, I've found it causes more problems than it solves - thus any issues you have with the Canvas app are in your responsibility and you will have to face any and all consequences that result from relying on the app. 

Browsers and Required Components:

Canvas supports most browsers. I recommend downloading another browser if you don't have more than one on your computer. If you have an issue loading Canvas or an external link, it can usually be resolved by switching to another browser. Flash is required for viewing videos so be sure that your browser(s) support Flash. Here is a link that provides an overview of the versions of the browsers that are supported by Canvas. Here are direct links to a couple of common (free) browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox. 

Online Participation

This is not a correspondence course! You are expected to fully participate in online discussions and other activities, if any. 

Groups in Canvas: Depending on class size, you may be divided up into small groups (generally 7 to 10 students) for Politics in the News/weekly discussions. It’s a good way to establish rapport with your classmates and improve your learning experience.

Student Conduct

I expect everyone to act respectfully. If you are here, I assume you want to be here to learn. Comments that personally attack or threaten other students, or are discriminatory, or meant to insult others, will be dealt with immediately as per COD’s policy and procedures. Habitually disrespectful students will be dropped! 

Students should engage expecting to hear different viewpoints on controversial topics like abortion, the death penalty, political ideologies, religion, etc. If a student or the instructor raises ideas contrary to your beliefs, take it as an opportunity to learn, not as a personal attack on you or your beliefs. If your views are unpopular, I strongly encourage you to speak up in this safe environment. 

Electronic Devices: [Doesn’t Apply to online]

Drops/Adds

Faculty Drops: According to the COD Catalog, faculty may drop students who do not participate. It is at the instructor’s discretion to drop a student for non-participation any time during the allowed drop/withdrawal period for the course. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer participating. Furthermore, students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the published withdrawal deadline, as stated on the course website’s academic calendar, must receive an evaluative letter grade in the class. (A ‘W’ grade cannot be assigned during final grading for students still appearing on the roster). "FW's" and "I's" are assigned at the instructor's discretion. See the COD CatalogLinks to an external site.. 

Add Policy: It is at the instructor’s discretion whether to issue add codes. Waitlisted students will receive add codes based on their place on the Waitlist. Students who are, and who are not, on the Waitlist be notified if/when add codes become available. Add codes are assigned to a specific student. Misuse of add codes can result in disciplinary action. If students do not enroll within 24 hours of receiving the add code, the instructor reserves the right to assign that code to another student and will not reissue another add code for the student who failed to register in a timely manner. 

Doing Well in The Course 

Structure of The Course: Readings are detailed below in the "Course Reading Schedule." Make sure to read chapters, before attempting the related quiz. You will rely heavily on Canvas in this class, and thus need a reliable Internet connection. If you do not have reliable Internet at home, there are plenty of Internet-ready computers at the tutoring center (TASC) and the Library for you to complete and upload your assignments. 

Guidelines for Quizzes and Exams:  All quizzes and the Final Exam are open book.

Guidelines for Research Project:

The Topic Selection is found under "Assignments." Regarding the intro paragraph and final paper, it is advised that you read the prompts and rubrics well in advance of the due date, so you have time to seek appropriate support, if necessary. All written assignments must be submitted via Canvas. Do not wait until the last minute/day the assignment is due to upload your assignment, just in case you run into technical difficulties. Be sure to double-check to see that your file was correctly uploaded and that you can see your document and that it is readable. To see how to do this, go to the following Canvas Help page: How do I upload a file as an assignment submission (go down to "View Submission.").Links to an external site.

What to do if you don't have Microsoft Word: Only PDFs or Word Documents are guaranteed to receive a TurnitinLinks to an external site. score, which is needed to receive a grade. If you do not have access to Word on your personal computer, sign into MyCOD and to access Microsoft Office 365. Even if you don't have Microsoft Office, you can still access and create Word Documents using Office 365 for free. If you have trouble with Office 365, plan ahead and use a computer at the Library or Tutoring center (TASCLinks to an external site.) on campus. Your papers must be uploaded as a Word or PDF document. 

If you are using Google Docs, read "How to Save Google Docs as a PDFLinks to an external site.." If you are using Pages, read "How to Save Documents Created in Pages as a PDF.Links to an external site."

If you choose not to upload a correct file type, you can copy and paste your work into the text entry box (NOT the "comments" box). If you copy and paste into the text entry box, you will receive a TurnitinLinks to an external site. score. If you copy and paste into the comments box, you will not and thus receive a '0.' However, keep in mind that since your final paper needs to be formatted in APALinks to an external site., you will lose points on this assignment since the formatting will be off if you copy and paste into the text box.

Late Work/Extra Credit

What Can Be Made Up? NOTHING! Quizzes, the final exam, research topic selection, introductory paragraph, and final paper CANNOT be made up, nor will extra time be granted for these deliverables. You will receive a '0' for all missed or late work. 

No 2nd Chances/0s for Plagiarism: For all graded work, once you submit your work, you cannot rewrite and resubmit an assignment. Make sure what you submit is of the highest quality since you only have one chance to receive full credit on your work. If you receive a ‘0’ or low score on your assignments because you copied another student’s work and/or your paper is deemed a ‘copy and paste’/mosaic job with a high TurnitinLinks to an external site. score (see Academic Dishonesty subheading), you will not be able to submit your work again. It is an academic offense and you cannot redo such work. Your instructor reports all suspected cheating to COD's administration for possible disciplinary action.

Late Is Late Despite the Reason: Email submissions of any assignment will not be accepted. If you run into technical difficulties and cannot submit your work on time because you waited until the day an assignment is due, your work will be considered late. It is your responsibility to seek alternative ways to submit your work on time (like going to campus, a public library, a friend’s house, etc. to use a reliable computer with reliable Internet access). Any work submitted after the deadline is considered late, regardless of the reason. Thus, it is highly advised you do your work early so that if your power goes out, your Internet stops working, you have an individual issue with Canvas, your computer crashes, life gets in the way, etc., you can find a way to get your work in by the deadlines. 

Extra Credit: Extra credit is a way to help students who are on the cusp on the next letter grade - it is not meant for students who hope to use it to salvage their final grade and/or make up for missed or inadequate work. Thus, any inquiries regarding EXTRA credit will not receive a response. 

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating/Plagiarism: Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times. If found to be in violation of the Student Conduct Standards and Procedures, you will receive a grade of zero on the assignment and may be referred for disciplinary action in accordance with Student Disciplinary Procedures in the COD Catalog. 

The instructor can use his professional experience/judgment to assess if a student’s work is not original, based on your in-class performance and previous submissions. Directions for assignments may request the student take certain measures to ensure academic integrity. 

Copy and Paste Jobs/Mosaic Plagiarism: Work that shows you can copy blocks of text and attach a parenthetical citation or footnote will receive a low score, if not a '0,' since this work is not your own. While you are giving credit to someone else, there is no original thought in a paper that has an inordinate number of direct quotes. The idea behind academic writing is that your work is original. While you can and will use others’ work as sources of evidence (and will provide proper references), you need to demonstrate that you understand their ideas. Thus, you must use your own words in your writing. Rubrics may indicate an ideal TurnitinLinks to an external site. score and penalties for scores that are higher than the ideal. 

Copying Another Student’s Work (Or Your Own Work): With regard to copying another student’s writing assignments, all students whose work is in question will receive a ‘0,’ despite whether or not permission was given. All students involved will also be reported to the Office of Student Services for possible disciplinary action. Therefore, if you want to ensure you and your grades are not compromised, protect your intellectual property. If you submit work from earlier in the semester or from another class and try to pass it off as unique to this course, you will receive a ‘0.’ 

Non-English Sources: Since you are learning material in English and since English is my primary language and the point of providing sources is to allow your instructor to verify your information, any sources not in English (like a non-English website--even if there is a “Translate” button) is unacceptable. Using such sources will result in a paper that is considered plagiarized. Look for credible sources in English. 

Turnitin Links to an external site.Scores/File Types: When uploading assignments to Canvas, you must receive a score. You are guaranteed to receive one if your file name includes “.doc,” “.docx,” or “.pdf” at the TurnitinLinks to an external site. end. If you submit a Word or PDF document but delete the extension, you will not receive a TurnitinLinks to an external site.  score and therefore you will receive a ‘0.’ Remember, only PDF or Word files are accepted—other file types cannot be opened and therefore cannot be graded, which will result in a ‘0,’ with no chance to resubmit for full credit. 

Note that papers that receive high TurnitinLinks to an external site. scores will receive lower grades, if not a ‘0.’ EVEN IF YOU PROVIDE PROPER CITATIONS, you should not be using others’ words verbatim (see “Copy and Paste/Mosaic Plagiarism” section, above). 

Finally, DO NOT copy and paste your assignments into the "comments" box of the upload page. You will not receive a TurnitinLinks to an external site. score and thus will get a '0' with no chance to resubmit for full credit. 

Accommodations and Progress Sheets

DSPS If you have a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, or learning disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, I urge you to contact the staff in the Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) at 760-773-2534. DSPS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. Please notify me, if you are having problems getting the assistance you need. You must be registered with the DSPS office to receive any accommodations and you must provide the appropriate paperwork at the beginning of the semester (scan and email via the COD server to assure confidentiality). 

Progress Sheets: Please give me a 2-day notice for progress sheets. 

Final Disclaimer: If you stay in this class, it means that you accept and understand that you must abide by the rules of this Syllabus and the COD Catalog. I also reserve the right to make any changes to the Syllabus. Changes will be made clear via an addendum posted to Announcements. 

Course Reading Schedule 

All “Chapters” refer to the required textbook, Introduction to Government, unless otherwise stated. 

Your weekly “Politics in the News” article (not listed below) is due every week. See “Assignments” for EXTRA CREDIT opportunities and deadlines. 

We are having technical difficulties with the calendar, below. Please ignore it, until you hear otherwise.