Political Science 101 American Government
Summer Session: Final Grade:
Grading/Examinations:
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- 12 Chapter Quizzes (13 points each) 156 points
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- Nevada Exam 50 points
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- Critical Thinking Writing Assignment 100 points
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- Discussion Forum postings (two each week) 100 points
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406 Points Possible
Final Grade Scale (based on 10% scale):
THE COURSE GRADE IS BASED ON TOTAL POINTS EARNED (DO NOT RELY ON THE PERCENTAGES LISTED IN THE CANVAS GRADEBOOK – THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY ACCURATE)
366-406 = A
326-366= B
286-326 = C
246-286 = D
246/below = F
Professor Fred Lokken
Welcome Video - Please view...
WELCOME TO PSC 101
Introduction to American Government.
Please take a moment to explore the class AND to review the course syllabus. It is important that you are fully aware of all course requirements. LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING IS NOT CLEAR.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
1. the class week is structured on a Monday-Sunday schedule. The new Discussion will open each Monday morning at 12:01 a.m. and will close each Sunday evening at 11:59 p.m. There are a total of 5 discussion topics during the class. The discussion forum is the very soul of this course - it is the one place we "meet" as a class. You are expected to post at least twice a week (you can post more often of course - it is a discussion and the give and take can be wonderful but I can award no more than 20 points per week for participation in the discussion). I will grade each weekly discussion (up to 20 points) to the maximum of 100 points total for the course. This is a significant part of your overall grade, so you realize how important this is. The discussion is our best way to make sense of the material you will be covering - as a true application of political knowledge - based on very contemporary and sometimes controversial issues. Please be respectful and also please stay focused on each week's topic. YOU CANNOT MAKE UP MISSED WEEKS/POINTS IN THE DISCUSSION.
2. The chapter 12 quizzes will be found under the appropriate Modules tabs - they are all open now and will all remain open until 5:00 p.m. on the last day of class. The "deadline" for taking each quiz is by 11:00 p.m. each Sunday. BUT EACH QUIZ REMAINS OPEN - the syllabus represents a recommended pace and it is important that you not fall behind.
3. The Nevada Exam is also taken online - after you have reviewed the online content.
4. The dropbox for the writing assignment is located in its own module
5. Grades will accumulate during the term - this course is based on points, not percentages - the grade distribution is provided on the syllabus - ignore the % reporting in the Canvas gradebook as it can (and often is) inaccurate
6. I will normally check into class daily to respond to any questions you may have. In addition, you have my contact information. I will also be available evenings and weekends.
7. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. I want you to enjoy the class and look forward to our discussions!
CONSIDER DOWNLOADING THE CANVAS APP FOR YOUR PHONE OR TABLET. 24/7 ACCESS TO YOUR CLASS WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF YOUR MOBILE DEVICE. THE FREE APP IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR APP STORE - LOOK FOR Instructure (parent company of CANVAS).