POSC210 Williams Fall2008

POSC 210: Introduction to Comparative Politics

Fall 2008

Instructor:	Jonathan (Jon) Williams
Email/Phone:	williamsj@kellogg.edu or posc_210@hotmail.com 269-965-3931, x2229
Office Hours: Online:	Arranged. Office location - A bldg. 139F. It is best to contact me via email. I will respond to student email within two working days.
Course Prerequisites:	None
Textbook	Required: Magstadt, Nations and Governments - comparative politics in regional perspective most recent edition ISBN #0-534-63123-1
Online Course Features and Requirements	Number of tests: 8 of which 1 (Final exam) must be proctored (taken at any collaborative campus testing center). Required on campus sessions: 0 Special labs or practicum: 0 Number of assignments: 15 "Web Exercises" (1 per chapter & a "Getting to Know You" exercise - online); 1 Paper (a compilation of Web Exercises into a final paper) Estimated time per week: Varies per student (Course is self-paced with two deadlines noted in General Criteria). Group interaction required: None "Required" but strongly encouraged. Scheduled activities or self paced: Self paced (with four deadlines noted in announcements and instructions). Requirements: Students must have access to the following: Equipment: You will need a computer that is able to access and interact with the Web. For best results, a Pentium or PowerMac with a 56 Kbps or faster modem and 256 MB or more of RAM should be considered the minimal system. Software: You will need one of the following Internet browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher; Firefox; Mac users may use Safari or Firefox. Internet connection: Home users need Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers a reliable connection to the Internet. Other requirements: I strongly encourage that you understand how to attach documents to email and save documents in various formats.
Course Site:	http://bb.kellogg.edu
Curriculum Statement:	This course will introduce you to the "structure and struggle" of various countries throughout the world via their political structure. It will enlighten you to the blessings (and shortcomings) of your American system of government as compared to the systems of other countries.
Description	This course is a comparative study of the political systems, ideologies, and institutions of selected European, Latin American, Asian, and African states. In this course we will give special attention to the dynamics of political change (including contemporary "transition to democracy") and their relationship to economic and social development.
Objectives	Upon completion the student will be able to comprehend, discuss and relate: 1. The rationale behind "government." 2. Globalization 3. Regional influences upon government structure 4. World geography and natural resources 5. Global economic disparities In addition, upon completion of POSC 210, students shall be able to comprehend and discuss the following three "ComPoli" questions: 1. How do unique factors such as environment, culture, and history influence politics in different countries and regions? 2. How and why do political institutions vary from one region of the world to another? And, what forces drive change? 3. How effectively do the political systems that we shall examine actually perform the functions of governance?
Grading	7 "SECTION TESTS" - 35% of Course Grade 15 "WEB EXERCISES" - 15% of Course Grade COMPILATION PAPER - 10% of Course Grade FINAL - 40% of Course Grade
Grading Scale	100% - 94 A 93 - 88 A- 87 - 84 B+ 83 - 80 B 79 - 76 B- 75 - 73 C+ 72 - 70 C 69 - 67 C- 66 - 64 D+ 63 - 62 D 61 - 60 D- Below 60 - E

Academic Policies Dropping: The Administrative Withdrawal process shall be initiated for those students who fail to complete the first assignment by the posted deadline. It is of particular importance that students receiving Financial Aid complete the first assignment as noted.

"I" Grades: Incomplete ("I") is only given for the most extenuating circumstances. All "I" grades should be completed by the end of the semester following the semester for which the "I" was given.

Attendance Attendance is not required.

Cheating Cheating is NOT permitted. Any students caught cheating will receive NO points for the exam or quiz in which the cheating occurred, and/or will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of Kellogg Community College (at the discretion of the instructor).

Disclaimer
Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between any student and the instructor. The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg Community College, to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.

Make-up Policy POSC 210 is self-paced, however there are specific deadlines posted within the course. Assignments not completed by the posted deadlines shall not be accepted.

Computer Access at KCC It is assumed that students enrolled in this course have at their disposal appropriate equipment and software to complete the course work and communicate with other students. If there are problems with your equipment and/or software, it is possible to come the KCC's Campus and use the open computer lab in the Learning Resource Center. See KCC's web site for campus maps and lab times.

Online Interactive Media Though there are online interactive media components to the course - successful completion is not predicted upon these components.

Online Submitting Materials Students will be expected to use e-mail attachments and the blackboard site for this class to submit materials.

ADA Statement Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability. KCC is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Academic Policies	Dropping: The Administrative Withdrawal process shall be initiated for those students who fail to complete the first assignment by the posted deadline. It is of particular importance that students receiving Financial Aid complete the first assignment as noted.
"I" Grades:	Incomplete ("I") is only given for the most extenuating circumstances. All "I" grades should be completed by the end of the semester following the semester for which the "I" was given.
Attendance	Attendance is not required.
Cheating	Cheating is NOT permitted. Any students caught cheating will receive NO points for the exam or quiz in which the cheating occurred, and/or will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of Kellogg Community College (at the discretion of the instructor).
Disclaimer	Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between any student and the instructor. The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg Community College, to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.
Make-up Policy	POSC 210 is self-paced, however there are specific deadlines posted within the course. Assignments not completed by the posted deadlines shall not be accepted.
Computer Access at KCC	It is assumed that students enrolled in this course have at their disposal appropriate equipment and software to complete the course work and communicate with other students. If there are problems with your equipment and/or software, it is possible to come the KCC's Campus and use the open computer lab in the Learning Resource Center. See KCC's web site for campus maps and lab times.
Online Interactive Media	Though there are online interactive media components to the course - successful completion is not predicted upon these components.
Online Submitting Materials	Students will be expected to use e-mail attachments and the blackboard site for this class to submit materials.
ADA Statement	Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability. KCC is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.