Calumet College of St. Joseph

 

SYLLABUS FOR CONSTITUION

 

Term:  Fall, 2001-2002 (011) (Sept. 4 – Dec. 15)                                                     

Course Number: CRJ 496k

Instructor:   Dr. Allen Brown

Office:  507

Office Phone: 219-473-4267

E-mail:  abrown@ccsj.edu

Home Phone: 219-937-4561

Office Hours:  Posted

 

Instructor Background:  Practicing attorney;  former:  business owner and social worker.

 

Course Time: ARRANGED

 

Course Description:  A general overview of the Constitution and it's basic principles is presented through text materials, case studies, and video seminars..

 

Cross-listed: PAR 496Y, May substitute for PLS 220

 

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies:

Students in this course will:

 

·         Understand the basic general principles of American government.

·         Be able to read and understand leading cases on the Constitution.

·         Understand presidential powers generally, and war powers specifically.

·         Understand campaign financing and the election process.

·         Understand national security and freedom of the press.

·         Understand and be able to argue "Right to Live, right to die" issues.

·         Understand general issues about "Immigration", aliens, and constitutional rights.

·         Understand "Affirmative Action" and "Reverse Discrimination".

 

 

 

 

Textbooks:  "The Constitution-Delicate Balance", Friendly & Elliott, McGraw-Hill, 1984; and,

                     "A Guide To The Constitution", McKenna, McGraw-Hill, 1984.

 

Learning Strategies:

 

Assessment:

 

Exams (Midterm, Final, Quizzes)                                                               90   % of grade

Class participation/collaboration/attendance/assignments                 10   % of grade

Class presentation and assessment instruments                                           % of grade

 

Grading Scale:

 

A: 94-100   %        A-: 90-93   %        B+:  87-89  %     B: 84-86  %     B-:  80-83  %    C+: 77-79  %

C: 74-76     %        C-: 70-73   %       D+:  67-69   %    D: 64-66  %     D-:  60-63  %    F:  59 %  &  below

 

Student Responsibilities:

                1. Submit all homework when due.

                2. Read all assigned materials PRIOR to test dates.

                3. Watch recommended films.

                4. Take each test on one of the assigned test dates; generally, no make-ups.

 

Class Policy for Assignments:  All assignments are to be submitted when due; late work will

                          be downgraded; after one week late work will not be accepted.

 

 

 

Class Policy on Attendance:  Each student must meet with instructor during first two weeks of school for orientation.

 

Class Policy on Electronic Devices: (Cell phones, Beeper, Pagers…etc.) Shut them off.

 

 

 

Class Dates:                                                                                                       Topics/Assignments:

 

Sept   5, 7, 10, OR  11                                                   Orientation & Overview; Syllabus, Homework

 

 

Test 1          Covers:     Films 1-2-3 ;  McKenna  Chapters 1-2-3

 

Test 2          Covers:     Films 4-5-6 ; McKenna Chs. 4-5-6;  Friendly Chs. 2-8-9-10-11

 

Test 3          Covers:     Films 7-8-9-10;  McKenna  Chs. 7-8-9-10;  Friendly Chs. 3 & 5

 

Test 4          Covers;      Films 11-12-13; McKenna Chs. 11-13; Friendly Chs. 13 & 15

 

 

Test Dates: 

 

Test 1:    October   1  or  2     Room  507    6: 00  pm.

 

Test 2:    October  22  or  23    Room 507    6:00 pm.

 

Test 3:    November  12  or  13   Room 507   6:00 pm.

 

Test 4:    December  3  or  4    Room 507    6:00  pm.

 

Other dates and times by appointment.

 

HINTS  and  SUGGESTIONS:

 

1. Read the Study Guide; focus on "Points to Remember", the Glossary, main ideas and concepts, definitions, and the issues.

 

2. Actually read the cases assigned  (there will be questions on the test).

 

3. If you use the tapes--watch them LAST; they will help, but are not required.

 

4. Try to understand the Constitution as it applies to the assigned cases and the 13 tapes; see how it is a vehicle for studying today's controversies and problems.

 

5. THINK !  THINK  !!   and  THINK  !!!………please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center for Academic Excellence:

Tutoring assistance is free to all students of Calumet College of St. Joseph. Call the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), to make an appointment at 473-4287. The Center has experienced and well-trained tutors in most subject areas to help students who are struggling in a course or who are doing well and would like to do better. Regular weekly tutoring sessions are likely to improve your grade.

 

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances. (Academic Planner 2001/2002 p.27)

 

Citation Guidelines:

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as prescribed by the particular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian.).  All of these guidelines are available in the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore.  These texts outline how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

 

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

 

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).