Free Web Hosting by Netfirms
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms


Gov. 1 Link, Dr.. Caiazzo
Free Web Hosting by Netfirms
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

 

Free Web Hosting by Netfirms

 


.

 

 

.

 

 

Return to Main Page

Scroll down to view the entire syllabus, 
or use links to jump to a specific section.

Course Description 

Required Texts 

Course Assignments And Grading 

Internet Links For Political Science 

East Georgia College, Fall 2008
POLS 1101- American National Government

"Welcome Letter"
Course Syllabus and Guidelines

All Sections: 80103,80104,80105,80106

I. Instructor: Dr. Tom Caiazzo

II. Course Description: In this course, we will examine the history, institutions, processes, documents,
and players in the American political system. The course will be taught via many different class formats
including but not limited to: the Socratic method of instruction; textbook and reserved readings; group
activities; cyberspace and the virtual classroom; and, service learning.

III. Prerequisite: English 0097, 0098; Reading 0099. It is not recommended that you take this course
until you have exited these learning support classes.

  IV. Textbook:
Required: Understanding American Government - Revised 2nd Edition,
Horizon Publishing, 2005.


*I don't suggest you purchase this text or any book from an online service due to the
time it may take for you to receive it, the veracity of your order,
as well as the security of your private
financial information being given-out online*


 
 V. Course Objectives and Outcomes: You should exit this course with a basic familiarity and understanding
of the processes and institutions associated with the American political system.  The course is taught from a
theoretical and policy oriented perspective, meaning that you should be able to grasp and understand the
underpinnings of the American political process.  Particular emphasis is placed on the role of government as
both an arena and arbiter among various groups vying for power in an environment of scarce resources. 
In this environment, government assumes the role of decision-maker.  In a more practical sense, you should
come away with a basic understanding of how government impacts your daily life, through the formulation and implementation of public policy, and the study of how government decides who gets what.  The course poses
 several philosophical questions:

 

1) Do we really need government?

 

2) If we do need government, how much power should it exercise over the lives of individuals?

 

3) How should power be allocated among the various branches (executive, legislative and judicial) and levels (federal, state and local) of government?

 

4) Whose interests should be served first?  Those of the one, or the few and the many?

 

5) How does the development of technology affect the answers to the first four questions?

You are expected to integrate the required readings with class lectures. East Georgia College assesses student
 learning based upon the achievement of eleven general education outcome electives. A list of these outcomes is
available on the East Georgia College web page. Outcomes 1, 3, 6, and 9 are incorporated into the objectives
of this course. The appropriate learning outcome is indicated at the end of each objective.

 

A) Describe the historical background, process and results of the U.S. Constitutional convention and compare and contrast it with the Georgia state constitution (1, 9).

 

B) Identify the structure and processes of the three branches of the U.S. government and compare the U.S. system to other forms of government (1, 3, 4).

 

C) Describe the non-institutional aspects of the U.S. system of government: public opinion, media, voting and elections, political parties and interest groups (1,6,9).

 

D) Identify and describe major issues concerning civil liberties, civil rights and other public policy decisions on a local, national and global scale (1,3,6,9).

 

E) Identify and describe the major institutions of local government as well as the Georgia State government (1,9).

VI. Course Evaluation: In most semesters, you will formally evaluate the course and the instructor (me) near the end of the semester (not applicable for summer classes).


           
 VII. Exam and Grading Policy:

1. EXAMS: You will have three exams this semester, but you will be allowed to drop one test score
for Exam #1 or #2. In short, only two exams count, and you can’t drop the Final Exam
(#3). Exam material will come from class notes, readings, the U.S. Constitution, and the names of your elected officials. Exams may be subjective  and/or objective.  Each exam is worth
one hundred (100) points, or two-hundred in total. There are no make-ups.

 

       2. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION JOURNAL. You will be asked to keep a typed journal of current
events as it pertains to your 2008 Presidential candidate. I will assign candidates to you no
later than the second
 week of class. Please see the following link as it pertains to the structure and requirements:
Journal Information
   I will also discuss this information more thoroughly in class. There will be five journal
checks throughout the semester up to the election, but only four will count - you will be
allowed to drop one check.
Each check is worth  twenty-five (25) points, or one-hundred (100) in total. There are no make-ups.

3. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DEBATE: In groups, you will be asked to debate to the class why
your candidate from the research above should become the next President of the United States.
It will involve writing, speaking, research, and technology, Please see the following link for a
handout that outlines all the requirements:
Presidential Election Debate Handout
The debates will be conduced before the November election. This debate
 is worth fifty (50) points.

     4. ELECTED OFFICIALS TASK: You will be asked to turn-in an elected official’s
packet prior to the first exam. Please click here for the handout that outlines and the
information and requirements:
Elected Officials Task Handout
. The Task is worth twenty-five (25) points.

  5. ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: Since this course requires your engagement and scholarship, your
attendance and participation is implied and worth twenty-five (25) points.
    
COMPUTATION OF COURSE GRADE: Your grades will be computed in the following manner:
Exams: (2 @ 100 points each)…………………………………………..…= 200 points
         Presidential Election Journal: (4 checks @ 25 pts each) = 100 points
Presidential Election Debate: (50 pts) =  50 points
Elected Officials Task: (25 pts) = 25 points
Attendance and Participation = 25 points
     
 Total =400 points

             
GRADING SCALE: The grading scale for all assignments in the course and for computing the final grade  is based on the college's grading schedule. With respect to the point system,
the grading scale is as follows: 
           400 – 360 (90-100%) = A 
           359 – 320 (80-89%)  = B 
           319 - 280 (70-79%)  = C
           279 – 240 (60-69%) =  D
            239 -   0   (0-59%)    = F

GRADE POLICY: The grade you receive is based on your performance without regard to
how others score in the class. In other words, grades in this course are not based on a curve,
 and whatever the total number of points you earn, then this is the grade you will receive. You will
 be treated equally and fairly and there will be no capricious grading on my behalf. Under no
circumstances are grades changed, except in cases of an error in computation.

VIII. Absence and Tardy Policy: Per college policy, I will take attendance. As such: 
          1. You should make a conscious effort to attend all scheduled class meetings. Class periods
 will be devoted to lectures and discussion. It is in your best interest to regularly attend class. 
For the Maymester, semesteryou can't miss any classes!! I will ask you to withdraw for excessive absences.
         a) I also understand that maybe once or twice this semester you just "won’t feel well." This has
a lot to do with the climate as well as other private matters. Please be responsible enough, if
possible, and let me know via phone or e-mail that you won’t be attending class that day.
         b) I may also miss a few class sessions for professional development this semester. I will advise
 in class of any such changes. This is another reason for regular classroom attendance.
c) You should check your college e-mail account daily. The same for Georgia Vista View (Web CT).
         d) Likewise, there are absolutely no make-ups allowed or partial credit points given for any assignment,
journal, task, project, and/or test missed.

   2. You must complete all assigned reading material prior to class. You MUST purchase the current edition of
 the required textbook – lecture and test material will come from this specific book. If you are experiencing
 any difficulties, please see me immediately. Do not wait until the day before or after an exam, or at the end
 of the semester. I am here for you, but I can't do the readings for you. If you happen to miss any class,
               it is your responsibility to attain the missed material and any relevant handouts from another member
of the class. Also, for each class session you will need to bring your textbook, notebook, paper, and pen.

3. You will need access to a typewriter/computer/word-processor, because all out-of-class
assignments and projects must be typed. The campus computer laboratory provides open lab
hours when you can use the equipment. Please do not wait for the last minute to complete your
 projects. Diskettes/CDs can have errors, printers can break down, computers may malfunction,
 beetles may eat your assignment, etc., so please plan ahead. I will not accept any late papers,
 so be smart and be academically responsible.
With respect to writing, here are my basic Writing Expectations: In this class, you are expected
 to write at the college level. Written work must meet the following requirements:
-
Double spaced (No double spaces between paragraphs)
-1 inch margins all the way around (top, bottom, left & right)
-
12 point font (Arial or Times New Roman only)
-
Proper documentation of any sources that you cite. Please use parenthetical notation
 within the text and a reference page at the end of the paper (APA/MLA style).

-
All papers should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner; please no folders or
report covers.

- Please use APA/MLA style of documentation and citation. You can find reference books to
 guide you in using MLA/APA style in the library or online. Incorrect citation WILL
result in “points off” of your grade.

4. Tardiness Policy: 
           a) If you happen to be tardy due to an emergency, please enter the room quietly and do
not disrupt the class. "Emergency" means a traffic accident or illness, not over-sleeping or
over-socializing in the student union. Continual tardiness will not be tolerated and it is
 also very discourteous. You will be asked to withdraw for being excessively tardy.

            b) If you are late for an emergency reason (see below), please don't cross in front of me or other
 students. Take the nearest seat to the door. 

            c) Never enter late on any scheduled exam day. Rather, see me during my office hours
and/or e-mail me immediately after the exam session is over for direction and options, if any.

            d) I also want you to be accountable and responsible with your pursuit of a higher education.
 Do not enroll for this or any course if you have to be at work ten minutes after the class session
is over or if "your ride can't get you to class" until one minute before class. Too many things can
 happen and I don’t want you leaving early or coming in late. Prepare your class schedule accordingly
 and be proud and serious about your decision to attend college.

           e) You will never be automatically dropped or withdrawn from this class for non-attendance.
It is your responsibility, not my duty, to ensure that the proper forms are completed. If you do
decide to withdraw or I have asked you to withdraw for excessive absences, continual
tardiness, and/or academic reasons, please complete all the paperwork and follow the proper procedures
to protect the integrity of your academic record.  

           f) This policy is not designed to badger or offend you, but rather to advance individual self-respect
and respect for the discipline, procedures, institution, professor, and fellow students.
 

IX.   Office Hours & Contact Information
:               
        Office: East Georgia College - Statesboro Center
         Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 10:30am;
online via e-mail; and, any other time by appointment
              Office Phone: 912-486-7072       
     E-mail: tcaiazzo@ega.edu

          I  highly recommend that you visit with me in my office to discuss any and all concerns
you have regarding your academic progress and/or status in this course. You can also always contact
 me by e-mail and/or telephone.

          For additional information about this course, see my web page link on the East Georgia College
web page. Go to www.ega.edu, then find the faculty directory and click on the link under
 my (Dr. Caiazzo) name. I will also keep all this information and other relevant political materials
on my personal web page at:  www.tomcaiazzo.com. Click on the appropriate class section link.

X.    Make-Up Work Policy: You are required to be present and on time for all of the
mentioned above assignments and Exams. If you fail to
 be present you will receive zero (0) points. If your explanation meets the rare criteria below,
please wait until the class is over to schedule a make-up. As for the make-up, you will need to
 provide appropriate documentation. Likewise, there
 are no early examinations. The make-up policy for this course is given only under the 
following conditions:

A. You are ill and present an official letter from a physician stating specifically that
you were physically unable to be present for class. In addition, if possible, you must contact
me before missing the exams, labs, Tasks, projects, and other assignments. Regardless, the physician’s
 letter (with a clear address, name, and phone contact) must be submitted the first day you return.
In case your other professors need this document as well, be sure to make copies.

B. You are scheduled to participate in some college-sponsored activity (an athletic event,
theatre presentation, music audition, etc (not a cruise trip, friend’s wedding, cousin’s baptism,
 etc) which conflicts with the exam, project, Task, assignment, and/or lab schedule. In this case,
you should check the class schedule (calendar) and let me know of the activity in writing by the second week
of class. This is your responsibility and not that of your athletic coach and/or extra-curricular instructor.
Do not have them send me a schedule and/or e-mail regarding the activity/event.
You must personally type me a memo stating the aforementioned and applicable dates. If the
 activity is not currently scheduled, you will not be excused.

C. In accordance with the Georgia Education Code I will allow you, because you were absent
from class for the observance of a religious holiday, to take an exam or complete an
assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time. You are required to file a written
request with me within the first fifteen (15) days of the semester to qualify for an excused
absence. A copy of the state rules and procedures regarding holy days and the form for
notification of absence from class should be available from the Admissions and
Records Office.

D. If you are involved in some "emergency" situation, I will determine whether the situation
warrants having missed the exam, project, Task, journal, assignment, and/or lab without notice.
These situations are also subject to written verification. Proper
 documentation should be immediately provided upon returning to class.

 E. Absolutely no other exceptions will be made and please do not try to haggle, or negotiate
 with me regarding this academic policy. Individual accountability, responsibility, decency,
 and respect are implied.

If approved, the make-up policy is as follows: 
   Task and Debate: If for some extreme reason something evolves that may hinder you to do a Task or
participating in the debate, you will be asked to write at least a ten (10) page book critique on the
following political science text: Politics of Hope.
 Again, this is subject to written documentation and verification and it can only be completed one-time.
Since you are allowed to drop one, there are no
make-ups for your Journal. or Exams

XI. Policy Regarding Taping of Class: You are allowed to record the lectures on audiotape as a study aid and
they should be used for your own personal use.

XII. Plagiarism: Besides the college’s policy on cheating and plagiarism, my academic honesty policy goes further: 

  1) The use or transfer of another student’s quizzes and/or examinations for so-called
 studying or reviewing purposes are viewed as academic dishonesty. So, do not give any student
your tests, quizzes, etc. This is your private personal property, and no one should be allowed
to view it. Also, simply, in order to avoid the charge that work contains plagiarized materials the following rules
must be adhered to strictly: 
a. A direct quotation (whether a single word or a phrase, sentence, paragraph, or series of paragraphs) must
 always be identified by quotation marks, or by indenting and single spacing, and a footnote/end note/parenthetical reference
must be used to state the exact source. 
b. A paraphrase of the work of another must be acknowledged as such by a note stating the source. 
     c. Indebtedness to the specific ideas of others, the summarizing of several pages, even though expressed in different
 words, must be acknowledged by a note stating the source. 
   d. Every instance of the use of another student’s laboratory reports, computer programs,
 or a note must acknowledge other material. 
   e. Even the use of your own previous work must be acknowledged; you must obtain the prior permission of all
professors concerned before submitting substantially the same paper in more than one course.
     2) Collusion is intentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act of scholastic
 dishonesty, including but not limited to providing a paper or project to another student, providing
an inappropriate level of assistance; communicating answers to a classmate during an examination;
removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a classmate to copy answers.

 XIII: ADA Regulations: If you have special needs because of a learning disability or
 physical disability, you should discuss this problem with me immediately. I will make every
 reasonable effort to accommodate you. Learning disabled students must be officially tested
 and diagnosed as such by East Georgia College Counseling Services and bring the paperwork
 to me before accommodations can be made.

  XIV: Extra Credit Options: For extra credit, you will be allowed to complete the
Civic Options below. You may do only TWO (2) of the four (4) extra credit options. Each Option has a
different set of rules and procedures. All requirements will be discussed in class
(see calendar below), but it would behoove you to visit with me personally if interested.
All extra credit is due the last day of scheduled class (except the Field Trip) – not the final exam day.
Each Extra Credit Option has their own point total and
  they are as follows:

   a. Government Symposium: To view our government in action, you are asked to attend any local government
meeting such as the: Statesboro (or another city) City Council, Bulloch County
 (or another county) Commissioner's meeting, or Bulloch County School Board (or another
school board) Meeting, etc. You must physically attend the meeting. Once you arrive
at the meeting, secure an agenda sheet that shows the date of the meeting and items
that will be discussed – you must attain this sheet. You must then STAY for the ENTIRE
 meeting. Take notes, and even contribute if you desire. Once the meeting is over, you MUST
have one of the ELECTED officials sign the agenda sheet verifying attendance. Be cordial
 and nice, and even introduce yourself; they will be glad you attended. I then want you to type
at least a two-three paragraph descriptive essay about the process, procedures, elected
 officials, agenda issues, and your experience and opinion of the meeting. Turn your paper in,
 attached to your agenda sheet, with a cover page stating your name and class section by the
 due date; which is clearly stated in your class calendar. This extra credit assignment is worth five (5) points.


b. Civic Engagement Field Trip: In conjunction with the college's Continuing Education Department,
Sociology Professor Bruce and I have organized a Field Trip to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (U.S.
National Park Service). We may also go to the Andersonville National Historic Site. The fee for each student
 should be roughly $50 per person and include roundtrip bus service from the EGC Statesboro Center
and any admission/entry fees. Meals are not included. It will be a first-come, first serve basis, and I will pass
 out the appropriate forms to be completed accordingly. By participating in this very beneficial field trip, you
 will receive ten (10) extra credit points.

c. Community Volunteerism: As part of my commitment to service learning, I am asking you to
be an engaged scholar in your community. You will have to serve fifteen (15) hours of civic engagement/volunteerism,
at an organization pre-approved by the both of us; such as a local
 political campaign, social organization, or other non-profit associations that provides for
 the community. You MUST visit with me to get approval PRIOR to doing this task, and you may NOT use
the same work for your Service Learning courser.. You must
then keep a log sheet of the days/hours worked. I then want you to type at least a two-three paragraph
 descriptive essay about your experience and opinion. Turn your paper
 in, attached to your log sheet, with a cover page stating your name and class section by the due
 date we agree upon. This extra credit assignment is worth five (5) points.

d. Book Discussion: In an effort to better understand political campaigns, I want you to purchase and read
the following book: Politics of Hope. Once you complete the book, please visit with me during my office hours
and/or by appointment to discuss your findings and orally answer some questions. It should take no more than
 thirty minutes. Since this extra credit is slightly more involved (which is equally rigorous), it is worth
 ten (10) extra-credit points.


XV. Campus Emergencies 
In the event the fire alarm is sounded, everyone must evacuate the building at once and in a calm
and orderly fashion - DO NOT RUN - using the nearest exit. In the event of a severe
 weather warning, which will be delivered verbally, everyone must proceed immediately to
the nearest designated shelter area which are marked by a small tornado symbol. All severe
 weather shelter locations are posted on the EGC website. Each student should, on the first
 day of class, determine the location of the nearest exit and the nearest designated
shelter area for each of his or her classrooms. If you have difficulty locating either
ask you instructor to assist you.

Appendix A
ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. The posting of your grades are prohibited by the: 
a) Buckley Amendment and the Families in Education Right to Privacy Act. FERPA (1974) is
 a federal law that grants students the right to inspect, to obtain copies, to challenge, and to
a degree control the release of information contained in his or her education records.
In general, no personally identifiable information from a student’s education record will
be disclosed to a third party without consent from the student. Several exceptions may
be made; therefore students are urged to acquaint themselves with the guidelines. 
The act and regulations are lengthy, and for that reason the college
 has issued guidelines that are available from the Registrar’s Office. Also, the
Privacy Act of 1974 states that agencies may not make their files on an individual
 available to other agencies without that individual's consent (exempted are
   law enforcement agencies, the CIA, and the secret service, and certain filed pertaining
to federal employment – you should also be familiar with the PATRIOT Act).

2. Since this course encourages and is designed for your involvement, you should participate
 without rancor, inappropriate behavior, or harassment of any type. Rancor is defined as: deep
hatred, intense ill will, antagonism, animosity, antipathy, enmity, and hostility. So please no
 rancor. This expression will not be permitted, and if violated, you will be asked to
leave the class/room. I do support your freedom of speech and crave your opinions and
comments in class but when it is rancorous, we must have respect for the law. However, and 
I want you to be clear about this fact, the discipline of political 
science deals with controversial and opposing viewpoints which are healthy to analytical
classroom discussions. If you are easily offended by this constitutionally protected speech,
it is highly recommended that you reconsider taking this course. Controversial ideas,
which are framed in an academic and appropriate manner, are coveted and needed to
promote thought and stimulate dialogue. It is imperative that you are both tolerant
 and understanding of opposing viewpoints. This policy is not intended to hinder academic
thought, but rather to respect the civil liberties and rights of all students and the instructor.

3. If you need a progress report or personal sheet signed by me regarding your progress (for athletics,
 employment, etc, purposes), please visit with me during my office hours.
Due to time restraints and other academic matters before/after class, I will be glad to
 accommodate you during my office hours.

4. Per policy, all academic and professional e-mail correspondence must go to my college
 e-mail address. The "yahoo" e-mail address located on the main page of my website is
only for informal inquiry.

 5. As a college student, you are expected to behave in a courteous and mature manner.
Sleeping in class, leaving class early, horseplay, eating, drinking, beepers, tobacco products,
licensed/authorized and/or unauthorized firearms/weapons, cellular phones (please put them on “low”
vibrate if you are expecting an infrequent phone call or you have a child at home and/or in school),
pagers/beepers, I-Pods, MP-3, Blue-Tooth, Blackberry phones, Sidekicks, walk-mans, etc., and other improper classroom equipment/wireless technology is unacceptable. Again, if you expect an infrequent
"emergency" phone call during class, again, please put your
 phone on “low” vibrate and sit near the door in case you have to leave early. It would b best to
 leave your electronic equipment "off" during class. If it disrupts my
lecture and/or the class, you will be asked to leave the room and not allowed to return until
 this nuisance is rectified.

 6) Please do not smart off to me or another member of class, nor talk while I am talking or
while another student is talking.  Ever! If you cannot agree to these fundamental rules and all
other course policies, it would behoove you to immediately withdraw from the course.

7. About a week before the official drop date, if you think your performance may be inadequate,
feel free to schedule a meeting with me during my office hours.

 8. This course is also committed to civic engagement, and there will be some assignments and
lectures (or even extra-credit) via the virtual classroom. The enriching experience will focus
on various political science field studies through service learning. You should always check
your e-mail and keep up with any course updates via VISTA. When applicable, this meaningful
 academic opportunity will be thoroughly discussed in class. I will also be there to guide
 you throughout the entire task.

9. Consultation: You are encouraged to discuss with me any academic concerns you have regarding the course.
Please visit with me during my office hours and/or make an appointment to see me.
 My phone number and college e-mail address is located above. If you have an inquiry that
requires some time, please do not approach me before and/or after class. I   
   don't want us to be rushed and I want to make sure that I thoroughly answer all your
questions – please see above for my office location and hours. Once you arrive, I will log you
 in for records and address all your academic concerns. I am always here for you and want you
to visit with me – so never feel hesitant to ask me questions and/or make an appointment to
 see me. Per my ethics and professionalism policy, only academic (no personal)
inquires can be addressed.

 10. If you do not pick up your corrected papers on the day I return them to the class, it
is your responsibility to come by my office to retrieve them in a timely manner. I also reserve
the right to throw them away (shred for privacy concerns – FERPA), and give you a zero for each one
.


************************************************************************

Course Calendar
Appendix B
Course Calendar – Fall 2008
(Subject to changes) 

    Course Calendar
           
                 Revised - MWF Calendar - Final Revision


                                 Revised - T/R Calendar - Final Version
                                


   

****************************************************************************************


Disclaimer: Course syllabus is subject to change. Students will be advised of any such changes in advance,
when possible.

*********************************************************************************

Appendix C

POWER POINTS
You need to have the Microsoft-PowerPoint
software to view these power points.  

*Updated, Fall 2008

Politics and Democracy
Constitutional History
The Preamble
The 7 Articles
The Bill of Rights
Amendments 11-27
Georgia
Bill Becomes a Law-US
Voting
U.S. Federalism
Public  Opinion
Electoral College
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
American Foreign Policy
Mass Media
Political Parties
U.S. Legislature
U.S. Executive
U.S. Supreme Court & Court System
U.S. Bureaucracy


 

******************************************************************************
 Appendix D

Political Science Links

*Updated Fall 2008

**Funny 2008 Campaign Videos**
The Incredible McCain Girl
The Obama Girl
Obama Girl vs. McCain Mama
McCain Girls
Hillary Man
Baracky: The Movie
McCain and the WWE
The Empire Strikes Barack
Mike Gravel Obama Girl Spoof
Hillary Cliinton Soprano's Spoof
Funny Republican Spoofs
Jib Jab Originals

**************************************************************
The U.S. Constitution 
Check out our most precious document at the national constitution center
The U.S. Constitution - It is Worth Posting Twice
Here is another link from the American Bar Association
The White House
Check out the executive branch
Individual Rights in Higher Education
Do you know your fundamental rights on campus?
Georgia's 13th U.S. Congressional Districts - Color Map
A Color  PDF File of Georgia's 13 Districts
The U.S.House of Representatives
See what is going on in the House
Congressman John Barrow
Get to know who represents you in the 12th Congressional district
Who are my Elected Officials?
Do you know your elected officials?
Georgia Legislature Online
See what is happening in the Assembly under the gold dome
The U.S. Senate
See what is going on in the Senate  
Senator Johnny Isakson
See what Senator Isakson is up to
Senator Saxby Chambliss
See what Senator Chambliss is up to
U.S. Supreme Court
Find out what is happening in the judicial branch
Central Intelligence Agency
Check out info on other nations
Inside Politics
Up to the minute news information
Project Vote Smart 
Track the performance, campaign financing, issue positions et. all. of your elected officials
A great site for becoming a "rational voter" (in my opinion, the best political resource on the web). 
USA Today 
Keep up with the daily news  
Statesboro Herald
Keep up with the local news in Statesboro (GA) and surrounding areas
Savannah Morning News
See what is going on in the scenic and historic city of Savannah and the region
Political Government - Ingram Library 
Links to the  political parties, Federal Election Commission, 
Gallup polls, Congress, media sites, and PACs. 
The Center for Democracy and Technology 
This is a non-profit public interest organization providing information on civil liberties 
(free speech, privacy, etc.) and other democratic values in relation to new communications
technologies. 
Amnesty International
Protecting Human Rights Throughout the World
Democracy Project 
This is a great site for dissecting the "media campaign." The PBS homepage link to society
and politics has several excellent articles and links as well. 
Open Secrets 
Best on the web for information about money and politics. 
Thomas 
This is a great place for links as well as being the official homepage of the U.S. Congress. 
American Civil Liberties Union
Visit the website of America's guardian of our precious freedoms.
Citizens Against Government Waste
You will be embarrassed and this is why we MUST hold our elected officials accountable!
U.S. News and World Report
Read the best weekly news magazine going today
U.S. Government's Office
Anything and everything you need to know about government
East Georgia College
Bar-none, the premier two-year institution in the USA!
Georgia Southern University
How 'bout those Eagles!
 
For the Fun of It (Keeping it all in "proper perspective") 
Play a Fun Game
Play "Flag Tag" and test your knowledge of flags
Pure Politics
Have some fun!
Dumb Laws
All it takes is a simple majority to pass a law; you won’t believe the things here! 
The Daily Show
(Comedy Central) Great site for satire on all things political (articles, multimedia, etc.). 
Funny Political Ads
(All in humor and fun)
World Wrestling Federation
Sports entertainment at its finest

 

 

Disclaimer: Course syllabus is subject to change. Students will be advised of any such changes in advance, when possible.

 

 

 

*************************************************************************************************
Please cut and return to me the information below. on the first day of class.

 

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE COURSE SYLLABUS AND AGREE
TO ABIDE BY ITS PROVISIONS.





 

 

 

_____________________________    _______________________________     ____________________

                   Signature                                                        Clearly Print Name                         Date

 

 




Go Back To Top Of Page




 

.