Fall 2021

University of Texas at El Paso

SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS (POLS 2310)

Course Number and Instructor Information-

Name of the instructor- Abha Singh Telephone # (915)-747-7981 E-Mail address - asingh@utep.edu Class website - Blackboard through MyUTEP portal (not to be used for e-mail communications with the

instructor) Twitter - @asingh387 Office Hours : Tues/Thurs- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time) Office location : Room #309, Benedict Hall

Course Description and Objectives-

Course Description: POLS 2310 provides a broad overview of the study politics, drawing from the four sub-fields in political science: comparative politics, American politics, international relations, and political theory. As a field, political science is incredibly interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on a number of disciplines to understand and analyze the distribution of power and authority across a diversity of political systems around the world. The field therefore encompasses a diverse array of topics, from competing forms of democracy, political ideology, domestic and interstate politics to the nature of economic development. In this course, we will explore the foundations of political science, paying particular attention to the structural and procedural elements of politics. Along the way, we’ll consider authoritarianism and democracy, unitary and federalism, presidential and parliamentary systems. We’ll also examine a number of contemporary issues, including political violence, competing economic systems, and the problem of declining voter turnout. By presenting a full range of domestic and international issues, this course takes us on a journey through the discipline as well as its subject matter. Enhancing what we know about politics and what we value should make us more effective in knowing how to behave politically - as voters, political activists, and political decision makers.

Course Objectives: As per University’s new initiative for student success, UTEP EDGE, the main objectives of this course are to equip you with critical thinking, social responsibility, leadership and global awareness. This course aims to offer you competitive advantage by preparing you for lifelong success. Therefore, upon satisfactory completion of the course, you should be able to:

Approach political questions with knowledge, insight, and sensitivity. Define key concepts in the study of political systems, including power, authority, legitimacy, state, and

nation. Compare and contrast the basic features of political systems from around the world.

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Fall 2021 Use the key theoretical tools and approaches in political science to analyze contemporary global

political developments. Think critically as you balance the academic approach to political science with the practical need to be

fluent in real world politics. Communicate your own political demands and supports in order to influence the policies made by

actors in the political system. Participate in political world as voters, political activists, and political decision makers.

Textbook and Study Materials-

Danziger, James N.; Lupo, Lindsey; Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Scienc e ; Thirteenth edition; Pearson Longman.

ISBN 10: 0135256712

ISBN 13: 978-0-13-521541-8 (9780135215418)

Recommended information sources- National newspapers (The New York Times, The Washington Post etc.), The El Paso Times, News magazines (Time, Newsweek etc.), National Public Radio (NPR), TV News channels and Local libraries.

Course Requirements /Grading System-

The course consists of four tests (including the non-comprehensive final exam) based on each section, carrying 40 points each, online quizzes and in-class participation through iClicker. The student will be evaluated on the basis of total point system with the breakdown as follows-

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Course Requirements Weight

Four tests including non-comprehensive final (15% each)

60%

Quizzes 20%

In-class participation through iClicker 20%

Total 100%

Fall 2021

The grade will be assigned based on the percentage accumulated during the course as follows-

Note: I will not change grades. If you are concerned about your grade, please contact me immediately by emailing me within the course. This is particularly important if your grade on the first exam is not what you expected. I will not change the grade, but I can give you feedback and suggestions on how to improve your performance in the class.

Testing Rules- It is important for you to take tests and quizzes on the scheduled days because tests/quizzes cannot be made-up EXCEPT due to emergencies such as hospitalization or accidents. Under those circumstances, the supporting documents or written evidence such as doctor’s notes, hospital records or police reports are required to take the missed tests/quizzes. If you do not appear in the tests/quizzes you will be given a “zero” for that test/quiz.

All tests and quizzes will be posted online as "take home" exams such that students will have a long duration of time to complete their exams, which should fit within their school and work schedules. Students will be permitted to have open notes and open boos during the exams. Please keep in mind that date/time of exams cannot be changed due to conflict in schedule for an individual student. If for any reason you anticipate a problem with the scheduled exams, please notify me ahead of time to address and resolve the matter.

Although the dates for the tests have been tentatively scheduled (see Calendar); the dates could change due to some unforeseen circumstances. You will be informed of any changes through a notice provided either verbally or electronically. Please keep in mind that watching the PowerPoint slides and taking notes can be done on your own schedule, but you will be expected to complete the test and quiz for each unit on the scheduled dates- so be sure to set a pace that works for you. For most of the four units, I will only upload study materials per week, which should give you plenty of time to go through the slides, complete the quizzes, participate in the office hours (if needed) and seriously prepare for each of the monthly tests- but only if you stay on top of the material.

Scholastic Integrity - In all matters of intellectual pursuit, UTEP faculty and students must strive to achieve excellence based on the quality of work produced by the individual. In the classroom and in all other

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Percentage Letter Grade

90-100

80-89

70-79

60-69

59-Below

A

B

C

D

F

Fall 2021academic activities, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts. Proven violations of the detailed regulations, as available in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP), the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR), may result in sanctions ranging from disciplinary probation, to failing grade on the work in question, to a failing grade in the course, to suspension or dismissal, among others. Please refer to http://sa.utep.edu/OSCCR for further information.

Extra Credit - There is no extra credit. Please keep in mind that it is not fair to allow extra credit projects to improve low exam grades because opportunities for extra credit must be available to all students on an equal basis.

Free tutoring - I have teamed up with the Miner Learning Center to offer tutoring to my students who need additional help in improving their performance in this class. You are strongly encouraged to participate in this program offered by the university as part of the student success program. It is a free tutoring service based on the supplemental instruction model which provides structured review sessions led by one of the members of the Miner Learning Center Team. The initial evaluation of this program conducted by the university proves that the students who have participated in those sessions have done better than their peers in the same classes. Many students in my previous classes have successfully benefitted from this additional help. All tutoring will be done either face to face or online. The time and date of these sessions are regularly posted by the MLC tutor. For more information, please contact your tutor Ms. Melissa Ramirez at mramirez57@miners.utep.edu OR The Miner Learning Center Team, Phone: 915-747-6008, Email: mlctutor@utep.edu

Technology Requirements- Course content is partially delivered via the Internet through the Blackboard learning management system. Ensure your UTEP e-mail account is working and that you have access to the Web and a stable web browser. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are the best browsers for Blackboard; other browsers may cause complications. When having technical difficulties, update your browser, clear your cache, or try switching to another browser. You will need to have access to a computer/laptop, scanner, you will need to download or update the following software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, and Java. Check that your computer hardware and software are up-to-date and able to access all parts of the course.

If you do not have word-processing software, you can download Word and other Microsoft Office programs (including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more) for free via UTEP’s Microsoft Office Portal.

IMPORTANT: If you encounter technical difficulties beyond your scope of troubleshooting, please contact the UTEP Help Desk (747- HELP) as they are trained specifically in assisting with technological needs of students. Please do not contact me for this type of assistance. The Help Desk is much better equipped than I am to assist you!

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Fall 2021 Lockdown Browser Requirement - This course requires the students to take exams on Blackboard outside

of class for online tests and quizzes by using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor (RLBM) to ensure academic integrity. You must have a webcam on your computer (either built-in or plugged in) and download RLBM by following the instructions below. Alternatively, you can take the exams in the library

or another UTEP location that has computers with a webcam and RLBM. You will not be able to take the test/quiz through Firefox, Chrome or other standard web browsers. Therefore, it is recommended to download and install the app for "Lockdown Browser" before the test/quiz is scheduled. Please keep in mind that app downloaded through UTEP website is the only one which will work with your test/quiz. If you try to download the app through other sites, it will be unable to function for your test/quiz. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test/quiz requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the test/quiz to continue. LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test/quiz until all questions are completed and submitted.

Watch this video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser: https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml

Download and install Lockdown Browser - Open blackboard. On the left hand blue menu bar, choose "Tools". Choose Respondus Lockdown Browser. Install.

Please do not wait until the day of the test/quiz to install the app to make sure that the app works properly. If you have any technical difficulty, please call help desk at 747-HELP.

Once Installed-

Start LockDown Browser Log into Blackboard Learn Navigate to the test/quiz

Guidelines -

When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted. Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach. Before starting the exam, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient

time to complete it. You will be required to show your student ID to the webcam prior to the start of the test/quiz. Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted, such as other electronic devices. Remain at your computer for the duration of the exam. If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check"

and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam.

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Fall 2021To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims. Your face should be completely visible during the exams. Blocking the camera will disable the test/quiz.

Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) is likely to move.

If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete. Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window).

Students are encouraged to take exams on a UTEP computer with a wired connection and RLBM (as in the library). If you elect to take an exam on your own device, you are responsible for Internet service or any technical problems that might arise. Problems with your computers or with internet service are not excuses for not taking or completing the exams. The most common problem is weak Wi-Fi signals that throw students out of the exam. If this happens, you should immediately log back into the exam. If the problem persists, you should immediately contact the Helpdesk. If you are granted another attempt (proof required), the score will be based on all questions answered from both attempts.

Getting Help-

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with RLBM:

The Windows and Mac versions of RLBM have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area.

Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product.

If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.

You can also call HELP DESK (747-HELP) as mentioned above under the technology requirements.

Course Communications - There are a number of ways we can keep the communication channels open: Office Hours : I will have office hours for your questions and comments about the course. My office hours

will be held in my office in Benedict hall the following times:Tuesdays/Thursdays: 6-7 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Email : UTEP e-mail is the best way to contact me. I will make every attempt to respond to your e-mail within 24-48 hours of receipt. When e-mailing me, be sure to email from your UTEP student account and please put the course number in the subject line. In the body of your e-mail, clearly state your question by using professional language. The e-mails should contain your name, ID, class and should refrain from questions regarding information already found in the syllabus/calendar. The instructor will not be obligated to respond to the e-mails which do not meet above criteria.

Announcements : Check the Blackboard announcements frequently for any updates, reminders, deadlines, or other important messages.

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Fall 2021While it is fine to come to the office hours with questions or unclear understanding of the topics/concepts, DO NOT try to attend the office hours WITHOUT having watched the lecture recordings and reading your textbook. If you have already done so and still have questions, you are welcome to contact me, but you are responsible for at least attempting to learn from the lectures and textbook and then use these additional communication channels as a way to enhance or solidify your understanding.

Grade records - All grades are posted on the blackboard to help you keep track of your progress. You are expected to review your grades regularly. It not only keeps you knowledgeable about your progress in the class but at the same time avoids any false expectations you may have about your performance in the future (I thought...I was making an “A”... how I ended up with a “D”??). It is also recommended to know your academic situation prior to the withdrawal from class deadline. You will not get a “W” grade after the withdrawal deadline. If you have a question about how are you doing in the class, take your concerns as an opportunity to contact the instructor and discuss your situation. If there is a question or dispute about a specific grade that you received, the matter should be brought to the attention of the instructor immediately so that the matter could be resolved in the timely manner. To wait until after mid-terms or waiting until the last week to “see how things are going” will lead to playing academic catch-up, a no-win situation. Keep yourself informed!

Study requirements - A calendar regarding reading assignments and upcoming tests is attached with this document. The instructor will give students oral/e-mail notice of any changes in the calendar in advance. The instructor’s lecture may not be limited to the topics stated on the calendar; you are encouraged to gather information in addition to textbook and the reading materials provided by the instructor for the better learning and understanding of the subject.

Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS)- The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and auxiliary services to students, staff, faculty, job applicants, applicants for admissions, and other beneficiaries of University programs, services and activities with documented disabilities in order to provide them with equal opportunities to participate in programs, services, and activities in compliance with sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. Reasonable accommodations will be made unless it is determined that doing so would cause undue hardship on the University. Students requesting an accommodation based on a disability must register with the UTEP Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS). Contact the Center for Accommodations and Support Services at 915-747-5148, or email them at cass@utep.edu, or apply for accommodations online via the CASS portal.

In-class participation through classroom polling – The class will be using cloud-based student response software by iClicker this semester. iClicker Cloud is an application for the interaction between students and the instructor. You will be able to submit answers to in-class questions using your smartphones, tablets and laptops. This will help me understand what you know, allow me to verify your comprehension of course materials at any time during a class or lecture and give everyone a chance to participate in class. In-class participation will account for 20% of your final grade.

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Fall 2021You will need to create an iClicker (formerly known as iClicker Reef) Student account to participate in class using your laptop, smart phone, or tablet connected to the university’s Wi-Fi (UTEPSecure) or to your mobile data plan. To create your iClicker student account, please sign in to Blackboard and click on my course (Fall 2021-Introduction to Politics, CRN #.....). Please follow the sign-up instructions on the Home Page. You are required to get iClickers Cloud ready on your devices within the first week of class. Students without iClickers Cloud by the end of second week of class may be dropped from the class because they cannot have sufficient participation which counts as “lack of effort”. You are responsible for technology problems on your devices, unless every student in the class experiences the same problem. No credit could be issued to you due to your malfunctioning device . If your iClicker points are not synced in and therefore are not visible on the blackboard before final exam, they would not be included in the final grade and you will not be able to receive credit for them. If you have technology problems, you should seek solution immediately via following sources.

For technical assistance, please contact- Technology Support Help Desk, Phone: 915.747.4357 (HELP), Email: helpdesk@utep.edu, Website: helpdesk.utep.eduFor online support, please try - https://macmillan.force.com/iclicker/s/iclicker-reef-students

Note: You will not need to purchase a subscription to use iClicker this semester because it is provided to you for free. Students setting up their iClicker accounts for the 1st time will see a message about a “14 day free trial”. As long as you have selected UTEP as your institution, you will not have to renew your subscription after the 14 day trial is over.

Document deadline - No notes, records, corrections or documents either for the attendance, iClickers or for the tests will be accepted after the final exam.

Electronic Equipment - Electronic devices are allowed only for class purposes. The devices are to be used exclusively for note taking and polling in the class. Surfing Facebook, chatting, e-mailing, internet browsing, texting or any activity not related to official class activity is strictly prohibited. If you are found using your smartphones, tablets or laptops for activities unrelated to the class work, you will be counted as “ABSENT” for that class session. Your cell-phone ringer should be turned off during the class to avoid distraction. If your cell phone rings in the classroom, the first time you will get a warning and then onwards you will be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class and will be counted absent for that class session.

No audio or video recording is allowed in the classroom without the permission of the instructor. If you are found recording without the permission of the instructor, you may face disciplinary actions.

Visitors - No children are allowed in the classroom. Guests are welcome but please discuss it with the instructor beforehand.

ZERO tolerance for Unprofessional conduct/Disruptive behavior - Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in the class. The instructor welcomes the inquiry and questions regarding the issues and topics being discussed. Critical thinking on your part gives you the ability to understand and analyze the current events relevant to the subject and help you apply the knowledge gained throughout the semester to the outside world. Active class participation and constant interaction is vital to the success in this course. Since this is a political science course, it is inevitable that we will be discussing sensitive and

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Fall 2021controversial topics at times. For that reason, it is requested that every comment, debate and discussion must be based on mutual respect among the participants. Everyone must be willing to listen and tolerate opposing points of views and ideas despite their disagreements. Please avoid any unnecessary arguments with other class members, such as political or ideological arguments (e.g., negative partisan talking points targeting those of opposing ideological perspectives or particular political figures) or, even worse, personal attacks on others for having different views. It is essential that the utmost respect for individual differences and professionalism must be maintained in all exchanges among class members. Please keep in mind that This is a college-level course; therefore, all communication should reflect polite consideration of

other’s ideas. Respect and courtesy must be provided to classmates and to the instructor/Teaching Assistants at all

times. No inappropriate language, behavior, or attitude will be tolerated including other behaviors described at the university website as unacceptable or disruptive.

When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person.

If the instructor finds your conduct unprofessional, inappropriate or disruptive, the matter could also be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) for possible disciplinary actions. Please refer to http://sa.utep.edu/OSCCR for further information.

Excused absences and/or course drop policy- According to UTEP Curriculum and Classroom Policies, “When, in the judgment of the instructor, a student has been absent to such a degree as to impair his or her status relative to credit for the course, the instructor may drop the student from the class with a grade of “W” before the course drop deadline and with a grade of “F” after the course drop deadline.” See academic regulations in the UTEP Undergraduate Catalog for a list of excuse absences. At the discretion of the instructor, a student can be dropped from a course because of excessive absences or lack of effort. Therefore, if I find that, due to non-performance in the course, you are at risk of failing, I will drop you from the course. I will provide 24 hours advance notice via email.ORI will not drop you from the course. However, if you feel that you are unable to complete the course successfully, please let me know and then contact the Registrar’s Office to initiate the drop process before the drop deadline. If you do not, you are at risk of receiving an “F” for the course. Please note that a grade of “F” received due to disciplinary action imposed by the University overrides a grade of “W” received through a student-initiated or faculty drop. Students will be notified of their drop through their UTEP e-mail account. Students may also be administratively withdrawn from a course during the semester for other reasons, with the concurrence of the instructor and department chair, or dean. Approved requests will be forwarded to the Registration and Records Office for processing. Students are responsible for checking their class schedules in Goldmine and for checking their official UTEP preferred e-mail accounts to determine if they have been dropped from a class.

Covid-19 precautions - Please stay home if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you are feeling unwell, please let me know as soon as possible, so that we can work on appropriate accommodations. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you are encouraged to report your results to covidaction@utep.edu, so that the Dean of Students Office can provide you with

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Fall 2021support and help with communication with your professors. The Student Health Center is equipped to provide COVID 19 testing.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people in areas of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission wear face masks when indoors in groups of people. The best way that Miners can take care of Miners is to get the vaccine. If you still need the vaccine, it is widely available in the El Paso area, and will be available at no charge on campus during the first week of classes. For more information about the current rates, testing, and vaccinations, please visit ep strong.org

Copyright statement for course materials - All materials used in this course is protected by copyright law. Any distribution or duplication of Power Points slides, lectures, handouts or reading materials is strictly prohibited as they are provided only for the use of students currently enrolled in this course and only for the purpose of this course. They may not be further disseminated.

Disclaimer - This is a provisional syllabus. The instructor reserves the right to change any or this entire document during the semester as the need arises. Thus, the syllabus and the calendar may change at the instructor's discretion. Students are advised to visit university website for any other college policies and procedures.

Course Resources where you can go for assistance - UTEP provides a variety of student services /support:

Help Desk: Students experiencing technological challenges (email, Blackboard, software, etc.) can submit a ticket to the UTEP Helpdesk for assistance. Contact the Helpdesk via phone, email, chat, website, or in person if on campus.

UTEP Library: Access a wide range of resources including online, full-text access to thousands of journals and eBooks plus reference service and librarian assistance for enrolled students.

Military Student Success Center: Assists personnel in any branch of service to reach their educational goals.

Counseling and Psychological Services: Provides a variety of counseling services including individual, couples, and group sessions as well as career and disability assessments.

CALENDAR-

R eading Assignment for Introduction to Politics (POLS 2310)

Schedule Topics covered Reading List

Political Behavior -

8/24 Discussion of syllabus and course requirements

8/24-8/26 Politics and Knowledge Chapter 1

8/26-8/31 Political Theory and Political Beliefs Chapter 2

8/31-9/7 Political Actions Chapter 3

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Fall 20219/7-9/14 Influences on Beliefs and Actions Chapter 4

Test 1: Tuesday, September 21st- Thursday, September 23rd (Tentative)

Political Systems -

9/16-9/21 States and Nations Chapter 5

9/21-9/28 Political Institutions I: Structures Chapter 6

9/28-10/5 Political Institutions II: Institutional Arrangements Chapter 7

10/5-10/12 Political Economy Chapter 8

Test 2: Tuesday, October 19th– Thursday, October 21st (Tentative)

Political Processes -

10/14-10/19 Public Policy, Power, and Decision Chapter 9

10/19- 10/26 Change and Political Development Chapter 10

10/26-11/2 Politics across Borders Chapter 11

11/2-11/9 Political Violence Chapter 12

Test 3: Tuesday, November 16th – Thursday, November 18th (Tentative)

Political World-

11/11-11/16 The More Developed Countries of the Global North Chapter 13

11/16-11/23** The Less Developed Countries of the Global South Chapter 14

11/23- 12/2 The Partly Developed Countries Chapter 15

Test 4 (Final): Tuesday, December 7th__ Thursday, December 9th (online)

Please check Quiz calendar on the homepage on the class website for information on quizzes.

**Dates to remember-

Fall Drop/Withdrawal deadline October 29

Thanksgiving Holiday November 25-26

Fall – Last day of classes December 2

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