This course is designed to give students an introduction to American political institutions, actors, and processes but will examine American Government in relation to other political and economic systems in countries around the world. The student will not only be expected to understand these topics but also be able to critically evaluate them.
• Understand the background and historical context that shapes the American political system.
• Gain a broad understanding of the institutions, actors, participants, and processes of politics and government in America.
• Understand how government, politics, and policy impact your daily life.
• Understand the basic structure and operations of GA state government
• Understand how the American governmental system is similar to and different from other structures around the world.
There is no required textbook for this course. However, there are mandatory readings that are posted to Canvas or will be handed out in class. All readings are subject to change, but students will be notified in advance. Unless otherwise noted, all readings, audio files, or videos are mandatory. In addition, if you feel you would like or need a textbook, one can be recommended to you as well the corresponding pages to what we will be covering.
Exams (E1-25%, E2-25%, E3-25%) - The exams will test your knowledge of the material covered in lecture, the text, as well as any supplemental readings. The test itself will be made up of term identification, multiple choice, short answer and True/False. As we get closer to the first exam I will give greater details on format and best practices, however, each exam covers only a designated section of the course. Thus, the final exam is not cumulative. As such, it will be the same format as the other exams including the length of time you have to take the exam (75 minutes unless there are accommodations). In addition, if an exam is schedule to be taken on Canvas, it will utilize institute approved anti-cheating/plagiarism/anti-AI technology. I will address this as we move closer to the exam dates should we do an of the exams online.
Written Assignments/quizzes (10% total) - Short out-of-class writing assignments or quizzes on readings and discussion questions. They will be submitted through Canvas and Turnitin software is active. Generally there are between 6-8 written assignments a semester but this number can vary. I will be dropping your lowest homework score.
Short Paper Topic (10% total)- This will be a short paper due later in the semester. In part it will be based on lecture material and in part based on a posted reading. Further details will come as we get closer to the assignment including a grading rubric for the assignment.
Participation (5%) - In class participation measurements. You can have two missed classes before it will impact your grade and generally there are 7-10 in class participation measurements in a semester.
A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = 59 and below. Mid-term grades or progress reports will be listed as S = Satisfactory, meaning 70 and above, or U = Unsatisfactory, indicating a grade below 70. If you are taking the class Pass/Fail, then the same mid-term grade standard will also be applied for a final grade of “S” = Satisfactory as well. Thus, a 70 is required for passing.
All assignments submitted through Canvas will use Turnitin software for AI/Plagiarism detection. The use of AI in this class is not acceptable for any assignment and will be penalized if detected up to receiving a zero and submission to OSI for further consideration if it so warrants.
Attendance and Participation: First and foremost, you cannot participate if you are not in class. Thus, attendance is expected and if you miss a class you are responsible for getting the material from another student. Please before you leave class on the first day find a “note taking buddy” so that if either of you miss you are covered. Lecture slides will not be available online. It should be noted that the slides are primarily outlines and only represent a portion of the material. Thus, there is value to being in class.
*Excused Absence policy – This course will follow the University’s policy for excused absences. Absences for medical or personal emergencies will be excused upon verification by the Office of Student Life. You can find an outline of the policy here http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/policies/student-absence-regulations/ This would apply to illness as well as personal emergencies. Please review this page if you are not familiar with it. In addition, all institute approved absences will honored, which would include university sanctioned function, athletics, etc. when accompanied by the appropriate documentation. Absences resulting from oversleeping, alarms not going off, computer crashes, drink or food specials, lost wallets, lost purses, or dogs eating papers, books, flash drives, etc. will not be considered approved absences. This policy only applies to exams and will not apply to reading/homework assignments unless you have a prolonged absence or condition.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
All assignments submitted through Canvas will use Turnitin software for AI/Plagiarism detection. The use of AI in this class is not acceptable for any assignment and will be penalized if detected up to receiving a zero and submission to OSI for further consideration if it so warrants.
INTA 1200 American Government in the Comparative Perspective
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Citizenship area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
· How do I prepare for my responsibilities as an engaged citizen?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
· Students will demonstrate knowledge of the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
· Critical Thinking
· Intercultural Competence
· Persuasion