Syllabus for PSC 103

Introduction to Civics and Government

I-Course Description
Introduction to Civics and Government is a course that examines the role citizens play in the
political, governmental and economic system in the United States. Students will examine the
constitution, will identify the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens, and will describe the
structure and operation of government at the state and federal levels.

This course also emphasizes the skills necessary to be a responsible citizen. The appropriate use
of technology is an integral part of this course.

The goals of this course are:

To demonstrate an understanding of social and political structures in the United States.

To analyze opinions from a variety of sources regarding social and political issues.
To explain the value of citizenship, social justice, personal responsibility, and civic
responsibility.
To articulate a personal sense of purpose in local civic affairs.
To define and demonstrate interpersonal competence in conflict resolution.
To understand the individual and collective rights and responsibilities of every citizen.

II- Resource Requirements

This class will utilize various online resources. However, many online articles, websites,
and other materials will be required to download. You need to have Adobe Acrobat
installed on your computer in order to view many of these articles. Please ensure that your
computer is set up with this prior to beginning the class.

III- Textbook
None.

Optional Book:
Holt Civics in Practice, Priniciples of Government and Economics (2009)

ISBN-13: 978-0030995095
http://www.amazon.com/Civics-Practice-Principles-GovernmentEconomics/dp/0030995094

IV-Student Learner Responsibilities

Students are required to keep up with the pace of this online class. It can be tricky keeping
up with the pace of an online course. Therefore, students must remain self-motivated and
self-disciplined about completing assignments in a timely fashion. Students will be
required to professionally communicate with others within the class along with the
professor. Students must check their email daily. This will be the main means of
communication through the course.

V-Instructor Information
The professor has requirements to follow as well. She will check her email, phone, and
skype daily for communications. She will respond within 24 hours to any method of
communication. She is open and willing to assist students with any questions or concerns
they may have. She is here to facilitate learning and achievement.

VI- Online Office Hours

Office hours will be held via appointment online. Students may contact the professor in the
following methods:
Phone: (702) 799-7790
Email: sypul1am@cmich.edu
Skype: asypula89
Email is the preferred method of communication.

VII- Grading Policy and Scale

Grades will be based off of the following scale:
94% or above A
77% - 79%
C+
90% - 93%
A74% - 76%
C
87% - 89 %
B+
70% - 73%
C84% - 86 %
B
69% or below E
80% - 83%
B-

VIII-Number of Lessons
There will be one lesson for each of the 16 weeks of the class. Students will be required to
follow the weekly online lesson, write a blog/journal post about new information, and
complete the given assignment and quiz. The sixteenth week of class will be focused on
review and the final exam.

IX- Course Outline

Week

Focus

One

We the People

Two

Foundations of Government

Three

The U.S. Constitution

Four

Rights and Responsibilities

Five

The Legislative Branch

Six

The Executive Branch

Seven

The Judicial Branch

Eight

State Level Government

Nine

Local Government

Ten

Electing Leaders

Eleven

The Political System

Twelve

Paying for Government

Thirteen

Citizenship and the Law

Fourteen

Citizenship and Family/Self

Fifteen

Citizenship and the Community

Sixteen

Final Thoughts

X-Attendance Requirements

Students are required to follow the pace of the class. There is no meeting time of the class
but students are required to check their emails and the learning site daily.