POL-101-N3 American Government

Spring 2013

Dear POL 101-N3 Student:

Welcome to the American Government Online Course (Political Science 101-N3). My name is Gabriel Harper and I will be your instructor. My e-mail is gharper@stchas.edu. If you have any bureaucratic questions (such as meeting times), please go to the college's distance learning website (http://www.stchas.edu/academics/online_distance_learning) or call Gwen Bell at 636-922-8470.

The workload and material for which you are responsible will be essentially the same as that in my on-campus American Government sections. You can find the complete schedule for the semester on my syllabus, which is on the course website.

Midterm:

4 p.m. Tuesday March 19th in SSB 2407

Final:

4 p.m. Tuesday May 14 in SSB 2404

The “first day” of class is Tuesday, January 22.  On that day, the class will open up for your access.  You should download and read the syllabus within two days of class starting (by January 24).     

Course Syllabus

Be sure to download the syllabus online the day of the orientation to ensure that you have the final version of it.  You should always pay attention to my posts in Moodle, since the syllabus may change. Keep the syllabus handy for your own reference during the semester. It will spell out when assignments are due, although some dates are subject to change. If you have any questions about the syllabus, be sure to let me know.

Textbook

Get the textbook “American Democracy Now” by Harrison & Harris (2^nd edition). This book can be purchased from the bookstore on campus. It is essential for successful completion of this course. The textbook website has helpful information and links. Students may call the Bookstore at 636-922-8448 to place their order or order online at http://bookstore.stchas.edu.

Moodle

You will take a series of open-note and open-book quizzes on Moodle. They are short, but there will be about 15 quizzes (generally 10-15 points each) throughout the semester. You will also have the option to answer bonus questions throughout the semester. You may not collaborate with other students on the quizzes, but I encourage you to get together in study groups before the quizzes and exams. All class notes and announcements will be posted on Moodle. I will have all notes and announcements up on Monday morning for that week. It is therefore essential that you check Moodle page at least once a week.

Exams

The midterm and final exams will be given at the times listed above, but rooms are subject to change (please arrive a few minutes early in case that happens). You must attend the exams on one (1) of the dates listed.

Please click on the link below and take the quiz to learn how well you are suited for online education:

http://stchas.smartermeasure.com

Thank you for enrolling with SCC. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Gabriel Harper