Course Syllabus and Guidelines
Student Checklist:
- Attend Orientation (see below).
- Have MS WORD
- Understand how to send MS WORD attachments
- Received via e-mail and read the course "Welcome
Letter."
- Signed and return to me the Course Syllabus
"Acknowledgement Form"
- If you do not already have an account on VISTA, go
to East Georgia College
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).
Orientation: A
mandatory Orientation is scheduled for this course.
During this time, I will go over the course
syllabus, give a brief computer tutorial, get to
know each other, and assign you a department
mandated exploratory pre-test.
The Orientation is scheduled for: date is
forthcoming
I. Instructor:
Dr. Tom Caiazzo
II. Prerequisite:
Students must complete POLS 1101 (American Government)
III.
Textbook:
Annual
Editions: Global Issues 08/09; Edition 24 ©
2009; Authors: Jackson, Robert; ISBN: 9780073397634
IV. Course Objectives and Outcomes:
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.
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)
V. 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).
VI. Exam and Grading Policy:
1. EXAMINATIONS: There will be two (2) exams
composing of subjective and/or objective questions from
your text, political leaders, world maps, "international
hodge-podge," and
lecture-notes. They
may also combine Internet assignments as well as outside
readings from various periodicals. The final exam (Exam
#2) is comprehensive.
These Exams may be administered on-line and/or on
campus. Therefore, you should be prepared to come to
campus to take both Exams. I will give you plenty of
advanced notice so that you can make arrangements.
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 DISCUSSION JOURNAL:
Via Georgia VISTA VIEW (Web CT), you will be required to
engage in bi-weekly international current event
discussions. 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 one-hundred (100) points.
3.
RESEARCH PAPER - Two Nations: An Examination and
Profile: You will be required to do a descriptive
research paper comparing and contrasting two nations.
The two nations will be selected in a random
manner by me, and then allocated to you no later than
the fourth week of class. No person may do the
same nation twice. The paper should have a clear thesis
statement and at least 5-7 pages typed in a college
manner. This assignment is
worth (one-hundred) 100 points.
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……...........................................……….………...........................................
= 100 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.
VII. Method of Instruction:
Please keep in mind that even though this is a distance
learning course, in no way will this course and the
political science discipline be sacrificed.
Academic rigor will not be neglected. I have taught
distance learning political science courses for more
than eight (8) years, and have found that students are
challenged by this format. They also like the unorthodox
approaches and techniques that are presented. The one
point,
however, that often needs clarification, is that for
some reason, students initially think that a Web-based
course is just about "surfing the net" or "talking in
chat rooms." This is not categorically and unequivocally
not true!
I can guarantee that you will be accomplishing the same
educational objectives as those who enroll in a
traditional academic setting. Normative and empirical
techniques, as well as the reading of the classics will
be incorporated into the cyberspace technology. You will
be writing essays and writing a lot. If you have
concerns about your writing, I suggest that you use the
College's writing resources for guidance. This
combination will give you the student a thorough and
complete introductory political science education.
You are also asked to still follow the rules and
procedures of this course, which includes academic
honesty as well as respecting due dates, complete the
readings, and always being prepared. Though we will meet
only a few times this semester, I believe your web-based
experience will seem "just like we are in the
classroom." I will combine your material with various
discussion questions on Web CT, e-mail you with
questions and comments, and offer a vast array of
challenging educational opportunities.
Lastly since all educational activity will be via
VISTA/e-mail and the web, please keep in mind that this
technology may experience some shortcomings. Meaning,
the darn system might crash. E-mails may get lost. Power
may go out, goats may eat your assignments, etc. Thus be
sure to make copies of all your assignments and as
stated earlier, "cc" all assignments/exams to a
secondary e-mail and keep a written log of all your
e-mails.
**If an emergency develops and your e-mail/the
system/VISTA is down and/or inaccessible, please send
the completed assignment to me VIA FAX. Please title
your fax with your name and applicable sectional
assignment # - i.e. "Dr. Caiazzo, Sectional Assignment
#_." My
fax # is: 912-486-7058. Likewise, you should title all
e-mail assignments to me in the same manner and address
me as either "Dr" or "Professor" Caiazzo. I also receive
many, many e-mails, so please respect this request. The
e-mail address is once again: tcaiazzo@ega.edu.
My personal e-mail is: tomcaiazzo@yahoo.com. I suggest
you use this e-mail to send assignments only if
something are wrong with the college server. You also
need to call me if you plan on submitting material to
this e-mail (I don't check it that often). Once again,
my
phone number is: 912-486-7072. I also recommend that you
have two e-mail accounts (yahoo and/or hotmail).
Please keep the following policies in mind:
1) No late assignment/papers will be accepted
(regardless of the reason), so please organize your
time. Each assignment has a specific due date (this is
not a self-paced class). Any assignment may
be turned in early, but not late. If an emergency
situation develops (see make-up policy below), I will
allow you to complete a 10-12 page research paper on an
International Relations topic of my choosing to make up
for any exam. As for Web Discussions, there are no
make-ups. All is subject to written verification and
documentation.
2) You will do your own work. When you use information
from outside sources (like the internet), make sure that
you cite them (see http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/ -
for information on how to cite sources and what
constitutes plagiarism). If you do not, it is
plagiarism. Do not “cut and paste” information taken
from the web. Please see the college's policy on
plagiarism/cheating.
3) 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.
4) Please refer to your Student Handbook regarding all
other academic policies.
XIII. Dr. Caiazzo’s Office
Hours and Contact Information:
Office: East Georgia College -
Statesboro Center, 1709 Chandler Road
Office Hours: Monday
- Thursday,
8:00am – 10:30am;
Friday, by
appointment only; and, any other time by appointment
Office
Phone: 912-486-7072 E-mail:
tcaiazzo@ega.edu
Course Web site:
http://www.tomcaiazzo.com/gov2.html
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:
http://www.tomcaiazzo.com/gov2.html
IX. Make-Up Work Policy:
You are required to take both exams when scheduled,
participate in online discussions, and complete a major
research paper.. If you fail to complete the exam as
scheduled, you will receive zero (0) points. If your
explanation meets the rare criteria below, please e-mail
me immediately or visit with me during my office hours
to schedule a make-up (I will determine the scope of the
make-up). As for the make-up, you will need to provide
appropriate documentation/paperwork. Likewise, there are
no early examinations given and 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 do online academic work. In addition, if
possible, you must contact me before missing the exams,
labs, projects, and other assignments. Regardless, the
physician’s letter (with a clear address and phone
contact) must be submitted the first day you can contact
me online. 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, assignment, and/or lab schedule.
In this case, you should check course schedule 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 or research paper without notice.
"Emergency" means a major computer virus or illness.
These situations are also subject to written
verification. Proper documentation should be immediately
provided upon returning to class online.
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:
1. Exam: As stated above, I will determine the makeup.
2. Research Paper: You will write a 15-20 page
descriptive paper on a four nations of my choosing.
3. International Web Discussion: None allowed.
X. Policy Regarding Taping of Class:
Though this doesn't apply to a web based course, you are
allowed to download all my notes and use them as a study
aid.
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XI.
Plagiarism: Besides
the college’s policy on cheating
and plagiarism, my academic
honesty policy goes further:
A)
The use or transfer of another
student’s examinations for
so-called studying or
reviewing purposes is viewed as
academic dishonesty. So, do not
give any student your tests or
sectional assignments. 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.
B. Though this is a web based
course, you can't simply "cut
and paste" material taken from
the Internet. Please cite
accordingly.
C) You are to do your OWN work.
XII.
ADA Accommodations:
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.
XIII. Extra Credit Options:
For
extra credit, you will be
allowed to complete the one of
the two civic engagement task
below All requirements are
stated below but will be
discussed and outlined in detail
at the Orientation. They are due
at the time/date that you take
your final exam. The task is
worth 5 (five) total points
1. Community Volunteerism:
As part of my commitment to
service learning, you will ask
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
provide for the community. You
MUST visit with me to get
approval PRIOR to doing this
task. 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 of the
experience. Turn your paper in,
attached to your log sheet, with
a cover page stating your name
and class section by the due
date; which is clearly stated in
your class calendar.
2. Letter to the Editor of a
Newspaper/Elected Official:
You are required to write a
professional letter to either a
local/regional newspaper or
government official. The scope
of your letter should come from
your research and findings
throughout the semester. No
personal attacks, just focus on
the issue. If writing a
newspaper, be sure to check with
them for their requirements.
Type your letter and place it in
a professional self-addressed,
stamped envelope. Please don't
seal it, I will read it and then
mail it out accordingly. Please
view a text and/or visit with me
if you need guidance writing a
letter. |
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XIV. 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
online participation, 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 course. I do support your freedom of speech and
crave your opinions and comments in class but when it is
rancorous, we must respect for the law. However, and I
want you to be clear about this fact, the discipline of
international relations/studies 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 respect the civil liberties
and rights of all students and the instructor.
You should also familiarize themselves with the litany
of magazines and journals which present a host of
intellectual, opinion, and policy positions. Such
journals can be found in the Zach Henderson Library as
well as in the Center for International Studies Reading
Room located in the Forest Drive Classroom Building,
Room #1317.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.. |
