Political Science 150 - American Government and Politics - Razmig Shirinian
| Course: | American Government and Politics |
|---|---|
| Professor: | Razmig Shirinian |
| Email: | razmig.shirinian@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
|
| Course Length: |
|
Introduction
Welcome to Political Science 150. There will be no on ground meetings in this class. All lectures, notes, discussions, class work, and exams will be online. That means, students in this class are required to show strong interest in learning and enjoy reading and writing as much as they enjoy listening and talking. So, you need a reliable computer, a word processing program, and an internet connection. Before you access this class you might want to complete an online tutorial and get acquainted with Canvas. Get this tutorial at: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/online/index.php
After completing this tutorial log on to the Canvas class website and ensure your enrollment. You will be able to access the website of this class on Canvas on the first day of the semester, or a day earlier. Students who add this class after it has been activated should expect to be entered into the system in about a day or two.
In order to access Canvas you must have a username and a password. Your User Name is your student ID number and your password is ‘students.’ You can access our course directly at http://canvas.canyons.edu. Please log on to the course on the first day of the class to get started. Also, update your email so that I can contact you.
Course Description
In this class we will examine the structure and the functions of American government. The course is designed around weekly readings and analyzing what you have read by answering questions and submitting them on the Discussion Board. During the session you will be answering discussion questions on selected chapters and you will get ideas from one another. You will have to engage yourself in an active learning by raising questions and answering others in order to expand your understanding of the subject matter. Read the posts on the Discussion Board carefully and respond to them with your thoughts and opinion. Be courteous and respectful in your conversation with your classmates.
What to Expect in this Course
The course requires you to write two short essays (about 1000-1200 words each) on selected topics listed in the syllabus. The essays must be an analysis of the subject you choose with a clear format explained in the syllabus. Also, take two short and timed quizzes, and a final test. The due dates are mentioned in the syllabus. Throughout the course, as mentioned above, we will have discussions on topics that I will post on “Discussion Board.” Please respond to each discussion question before the deadline and post two replies to your classmates.
Types of Assessments
In this course we will have: two quizzes (25 points each), two essays (100 points), four or five discussion topics (25 points each), and a final exam (50 points).
Textbook Information
- Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, W.W. Norton and Company (Twelfth edition, or any edition is acceptable).
The textbook (the new edition) is available for purchase in the College bookstore. I might also post some interesting articles as our discussions move on.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 06/11/2021 Sub#: 262