POLS 1101 - Jack Waskey

Contact Information

Andrew J. Waskey
Dalton State College
650 College Drive
Dalton , GA 30720
Phone Number: (706) 272-2691
Fax Number: (706) 272-2698
E-mail Address: jwaskey@daltonstate.edu

Office hours:
Office hours are posted inside the course. During office hours you can find me in the course Chat room "General Chat for POLS 1101." You can also reach me during office hours at the above phone number.

NOTICE: Please use the internal Vista course e-mail for general correspondence. I provide my external e-mail address for emergencies only. I cannot answer questions, accept assignments, or discuss grades via external e-mail so please use it for emergencies only.

Course Description

Description:
A study of government and politics, including the philosophical and constitutional foundations, governing institutions, political behavior and major public policy issues. This course satisfies the State legislative requirement concerning the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution.

Course Objectives:
After completing this course you'll be able to:
•  Demonstrate knowledge of the historical background, foundations, origins, content, and application of the U. S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
•  Demonstrate knowledge of the Georgia Constitution.
•  Identify the Institutions and processes of the three branches of government.
•  Develop an awareness of current political issues and the policy making process, both domestic and global.
•  Analyze the nature of Democratic politics in terms of political behavior (e.g. ideology, public opinion) and linking institutions (e.g. parties, interest groups, media).
•  Demonstrate an understanding of the cause and effect relationships in society.
•  Recognize differing perspectives and points of view.
•  Construct and analyze arguments.

Course Textbooks
and Resources

Textbook Information:

eCore Course Textbook Listing
eCore MBS Direct Online Bookstore

Planet eCore Blog (Social Media Hub):
Visit the Planet eCore Blog to network with other students, trade books and materials. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Grading Policy

Overview of Grades:
30% - Participation
15% - Essay
10% - Projects
15% - Lesson Quizzes
15% - Mid-term
15% - Final

Grading Standard:
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
D 60% - 69%
F 0% - 59%

Disabilities Act

If you are a student whom is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and requires assistance or support services, please notify your instructor.

Also, students with disabilities or who require special testing accommodations should contact the Testing Coordinator before scheduling an exam appointment. In order to receive special accommodations, students must provide documentation from the disabilities center at their affiliate institution or from the Regents Center for Learning Disorders.

Testing Coordinator: etesting@westga.edu / 678-839-5300

Proctored Exam

Proctored exams are online exams taken at approved testing centers. Students enrolled in eCore courses take at least one proctored examination per course.
Log into the course to see whether the Midterm Exam, Final Exam or Both will be proctored. You are responsible for scheduling and completing your exam(s) by the deadlines.  Deadlines are provided on the eCore Calendar at http://ecore.usg.edu/courses/calendar.php.

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES

1. Schedule an exam time and date with the approved test site of your choice (http://ecore.usg.edu/exams/sites.php) before the deadline.
1. Take note of:
1. Name of Testing Site where you will take the exam
2. Testing Site contact person
3. Phone and email address of Testing Site contact person
2. Be advised and aware of the services that the center provides. Not all testing centers are equipped to proctor online/computer-based tests.
2. Fill out and submit the eCore Exam Request form (http://ecore.usg.edu/exams/schedule_exam.php) before the deadline in order for the eCore Testing Coordinator to send information about your exam to your actual Testing Site. YOU MUST SCHEDULE YOUR EXAM WITH THE TESTING SITE PRIOR TO FILLING OUT THE EXAM REQUEST FORM for eCore. A late fee of $15 will be charged if you fill out the request form after the deadline.
3. Print the confirmation of your request form and take it with you to the Testing Site along with your photo ID (Driver’s License or School ID) and testing/proctor fee as indicated by the Testing Site. A staff member at the Testing Site, also known as a Proctor, will check your identification and administer the exam according to the directions provided by your instructor.

Failure to take a proctored examination will result in failure of the course, regardless of the average of other grades.

Technical Requirements

Having a correctly configured computer will help ensure your success in eCore. Check the information at http://ecore.usg.edu/prospective/techreqs.php to be sure that your computer meets all the necessary technical requirements for hardware and software. Links to the plug-ins (special free software) that you will need are provided.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance contact the 24 hour helpline at http://help8.view.usg.edu (click on the Request Support tab for the toll free # and live chat support).

In addition please contact your home institution eCore advisor or the University of West Georgia helpdesk at 678-839-5300.