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POLISC 150 - Introduction to American Government and Politics - Dr. M. MOSLEH

Course:Introduction to American Government and Politics
Professor:Dr. M. MOSLEH
Email:majid.mosleh@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 5 Week

Introduction

Dear Students,

Thank you very much for your interest in my class. My name is Majid Mosleh, your instructor. I would like to welcome you to Political Science 150: Introduction to American Government and Politics. I graduated from University of Southern California  (USC) with a doctoral degree in Political Science, specializing in international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. I joined College of the Canyons in 2000 as a full-time faculty. I truly enjoy teaching politics and working with students. Political Science is one of the oldest academic discipline and it is intellectually fascinating and intriguing. I am sure you agree with me that political and governmental actions affect everyone in society. I hope you enjoy your time in my class over the course of the academic term. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Course Description

This section of POLISC 150 will be delivered entirely online  (asynchronous). There are no class meetings. Political Science 150 is an introductory course that seeks to establish a foundation and basis of understanding of American government. This course introduces major concepts, processes, institutions, and issues in the American and California political systems. Initially, the course will consider the debate over political values. We will look at the struggle over the U.S. Constitution and the major political ideologies that have evolved in the last two hundred years. Next, we will consider the role public opinion, the media, political parties, and interest groups play in the political process and the ways in which they influence the branches of government. We will study the dominant institutions – the Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary and their interactions. Throughout, we will try to identify the underlying value choices at stake by looking at important policy questions.

What to Expect in this Course

Students are expected to spend an average of five hours a week to complete the required readings in the main text including the PowerPoint lectures and participate in the Discussion Forum.

1. This is a one hundred percent online course, and there are no face-to-face class meetings. Your work for this class will be completed using Canvas, a Learning Management System (LMS).
2. To participate in this class, you must have access to a computer and have a valid C.O.C. e-mail address. Please visit the following link to create your C.O.C. CanyonsID: https://www.canyons.edu/canyonsid
3. Take the Canvas tutorial: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/online/index.php
4. Participate in online discussions by posting your comments and analysis.
5. Study the required chapters in the main text and the PowerPoint lectures.
6. Take all exams as scheduled. Your tests are timed and must be completed in one sitting. You will have 60 minutes to complete each test.
7. Complete a five-page analytical paper by the deadline. Please upload your file onto Canvas.

Types of Assessments

The assessment methods include three tests, a five-page analytical paper and participation in the discussion forum. Examinations will cover lectures and reading assignments in the main text including the lecture material.

Textbook Information

Textbook Title: We the People: An Introduction to American Politics by B. Ginsberg, Norton and Company, 13th edition, 2021, ISBN: 978-1-324-022-435.
 


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: 02/22/2023 Sub#: 941