Gov 1 Link, Dr. Caiazzo

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East Georgia College
A unit of the University System of Georgia
131 College Circle
Swainsboro, Georgia 30401-2699
912-486-7072

SUMMER 2011

POLS 2401- Global Issues

Sections: #50067& #50164; on-line web-based

*MANDATORY ON-LINE ORIENTATION*
There will be a mandatory on-line Orientation. No exceptions! I will post on VISTA all the online Orientation as it pertains to the Orientation in the “Announcements” area. You must respond by 10:00pm, June 7th, 2011 (which is the last day of schedule adjustment), or you will be asked to withdraw from the course to protect the integrity of your academic records. There are no exceptions!!

I. Instructor: Dr. Tom Caiazzo. Associate Professor of Political Science

II. Office Information: East Georgia College - Statesboro Center
Office Hours: online via e-mail; and, any other time by appointment
Office Phone: 912-486-7072 E-mail: tcaiazzo@ega.edu

III. Course Description:

1. This course is designed to acquaint the student with institutions and issues surrounding the international political system including but not limited to diverse topics such as theories of war, industrial development, international political economy, trade, national security, terrorism, and international law. Students should exit the course with a basic understanding
of the international political system and the role played by the United States within the system. Current Global Issues will also be explored. Students will learn to think both descriptively and normatively. Likewise, all students will be afforded a cursory introduction to the discipline and approaches of political science.

IV. Prerequisite: Students must satisfactorily complete POLS 1101 (American Government)

V. Textbook: Robert Jackson, Annual Editions: Global Issues, 11/12,
ISBN-0078050847, Mc-Graw Hill Publishers.
-And-
- A World Map: (you can get one anywhere and/or download one from the Internet)

VI. Course Learning Outcomes with linkages to General Education Student Learning Outcomes:
The course is dynamic meaning that it is event driven as well as topic driven. Students should stay abreast of world affairs
and be prepared to discuss current events. Students are expected to integrate the required readings with class lectures and discussions, Internet assignments, current events, and other presentations and tasks. The research paper is designed to foster
pathways of critical thinking by enhancing writing skills.

The college assesses student learning based upon the achievement of eleven general education outcomes electives. A list of
the outcomes is attached to the syllabus and linked through the consideration of the following philosophical questions:

1. Should U.S. foreign policy be geared toward a Realist or Idealist view of International Relations? (1,3,5,10)

2. What are U.S. obligations toward the world in the Unipolar world? (1,2,3,6,9,10)

3. What are the biggest challenges and dangers facing the United States over the course of the next fifty years? (1,3,6,9,10)

4. When is the use of military power an appropriate policy in a dynamic world of global interdependence and constant change? (1,3,6,9,10)

5. How do the structures of the new world order threaten traditional structures in the study of
International Relations I such as sovereignty of the nation state? (1,3,6,8,9,10)

6. How have the events of 9/11/2001 changed the answers to the first five questions? (1,2,3,5,6,8,9,10)

VII. 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).

VIII. Exam and Grading Policy:

1. EXAMINATIONS: There will be two (2) exams this semester as it pertains to the readings and other international global
issues. ONLY the FINAL EXAM (Exam #2) will be taken ON CAMPUS in Statesboro (at either GSU or the EGC Statesboro
Center) unless stated otherwise. Exam #1 will be completed online. (*It should be noted that I will ONLY need to see you on
campus ONE TIME this summer semester: 1) Final Exam/Research Paper* (July 19^th or July 20^th). The room locations and times
are forthcoming but you MUST be available to come to the EGC Statesboro Center or GSU campus and take the Exam. I am ONLY asking for you to be on campus once, so this is more than reasonable. NO exceptions so plan your schedule accordingly and
keep open both July 19th and 20^th.) Unless an emergency situation (see below), there are ABSOLUTELY no make-ups. Each exam
is worth a total of one hundred (100) points, for a total of two hundred (200) points.

2. INTERNATIONAL CURRENT EVENTS & READINGS DISCUSSION JOURNAL: Via Georgia VISTA VIEW (Web CT), you
will be required to engage in bi-weekly international current event discussions and readings from your textbook. I will post in GA VISTA View the discussions, which will be accompanied by web links and your Text. You will read the web links/Text and post a two paragraph synopsis - one paragraph summarizing the article and one paragraph stating your opinion. You will also read your classmates' input and challenge
them accordingly. The weekly discussion board questions will combine to equal (100) points.

3. UNITED NATIONS RESEARCH PAPER: You will be required to write major descriptive paper on an organization within the United Nations. This paper will be discussed at Orientation and it will be due when you take the Final Exam. Please clock here for more information and a Handout to print: United Nations Research Project Handout
This assignment is worth (one-hundred) 100 points in total.

COMPUTATION OF COURSE GRADE: Your grades will be computed in the following manner:
EXAMINATIONS: (2 exams at 100 points each)…………………...............................= 200 points
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT EVENTS JOURNAL............................................= 100 points
RESEARCH PAPER ………………………………………………………………………………………………...= 100points
Total =400 points

*It should be noted that I will ONLY need to see you on campus ONE TIME this summer semester: 1) Final Exam/Research Paper* (July 19^th or July 20^th). The room locations and times are forthcoming but you MUST be available to come to the EGC Statesboro Center or GSU campus and take the Exam. I am ONLY asking for you to be on campus once, so this is more than reasonable. NO exceptions so plan your schedule accordingly and keep open July 19^th and 20^th.

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.

IX. Attendance Policy: Per college policy, I will take on-line attendance. As such:
1. You should make a conscious effort to attend all scheduled on-line class meetings. Online meetings will be devoted to lectures and discussion. 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 on-line that day.

b) I may also miss a few class on-line sessions for professional development this semester. I will advise via e-mail of any such changes. This is another reason for regular on-line 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.

X. Make-Up 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. There are no makeup’s whatsoever. Likewise, there are no early examinations given and please do not try to haggle, or negotiate with me regarding this academic policy. Individual accountability, responsibility, decency, and respect are implied.

XI. Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty: please see EGC Student Handbook
http://www.ega.edu/counseling-center/handbook2008.pdf
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XII. ADA Statement: can be found at
http://www.ega.edu/counseling-center/disabilityaccomodations.htm

XIII. Course Withdrawal Policy Statement:
Students are responsible for their own academic progress. Decisions regarding withdrawal from courses should only be made after consultation with an academic advisor. Before withdrawing from a course, students should meet with a Financial Aid representative to discuss their personal financial aid situation. More information regarding withdrawal from
courses can be found in the EGC catalog at
http://www.ega.edu/registrar/catalog/Catalog0809.pdf

XIV. Campus Emergency Policy:
a. In the event the fire alarm is sounded, everyone must evacuate the building at once and in a calm
and orderly fashion, 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.

b. The Connect-ED system is a communication service that enables East Georgia College administrators and security personnel to quickly contact all East Georgia College students, faculty and staff with personalized voice and text messages that
contain emergency-related campus information (e.g., campus closing, campus threat, health scare, etc.). With Connect-ED, East Georgia College students can be reached and provided with vital instructions anywhere, anytime, through their cell phones, home phones, e-mail, TTY/TDD receiving
devices, or other text-receiving devices
http://www.ega.educonnected.pdf

c. EGCS students should make themselves familiar with Georgia Southern University’s Emergency
Response Plan, http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/ess.Emergency%20Response%20Plan.pdf.
In the event of an emergency, EGCS students should follow the instructions of EGCS faculty
and staff members and GSU campus officials.

XV. Additional Course Requirements:
1. Please do not begin this course until you have Participated in the Mandatory Online Orientation meeting. See above.

2. Have MS WORD and understand how to open, receive, and send MS WORD attachments.

3. If you do not already have an account on VISTA, go to www.ega.edu and establish an account.
One account serves all classes. (NOTE: Please contact me once you have an account. You will not be able to view the course site until classes begin).

4. Understand that you will ONLY need to be on campus ONE TIME this summer semester: 1) Final Exam/Research Paper* (July 19^th or July 20^th). The room locations and times are forthcoming but you MUST be available to come to the EGC Statesboro Center or GSU campus and take the Exam. I am ONLY asking for you to be on campus once, so this is more than reasonable. NO exceptions so plan your schedule accordingly and keep open either July 19^th or 20^th.

XVI. Daily Course Schedule:
Will be issued online once the course begins

XVII. Optional Policies:
1. 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, BP corporate elites may eat your assignment after dousing it with oil, etc., so please plan ahead. I will not accept any late papers, so be smart and be academically responsible.

2. 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 other 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).

3. 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 online discussion and chats. 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.

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. Likewise, per policy, as a student I can’t add you as a friend to my FACEBOOK. We can do this after the semester is over.

5. 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.