Overview 

This course consists of an English background of American institutions, colonial systems of government, the Constitution, and the evolution and adoption of government to the changing role of the United States as an industrialized member of the world of nations and the changing federal/state relations.

Requirements 

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course

Required Resources

You must purchase the following required textbook: We the People, 15th Essentials Edition.

• The required textbook for this course is a low-cost auto-access digital textbook.
• Your student financial account will be charged automatically on the first day of class.
• Access the textbook using the Course Materials link provided in the left course menu. 
• Students are required to use the digital textbook. There are graded online reading quizzes, videos, simulations, and a program called Inquizitive that all come with the book and are embedded into the course. 
• If you prefer a print version, you must purchase this in addition to the digital book, as there are assignments that cannot be completed without digital book access. 

Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to arrange to use a computer with internet access. It is also your responsibility to make sure you have the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software required to complete your assignments. In order to participate in online meetings with the instructor and your classmates, you are required to have a microphone for your computer and a set of earphones that will work with your computer. You will use the microphone and earphones to talk with others in a variety of learning activities in this course. Directions for setting up your microphone and earphones to work with the online meeting tool will be provided in a learning activity later on in the Course Introduction lesson.

The Proctorio quiz requires a functioning webcam and microphone connected to your device. Make sure to properly set these up before you begin your exam.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this Proctorio help guide article.

I-Learn Profile Setup

To help your instructor and peers recognize you, please add a picture of yourself to your I-Learn (Canvas) profile. To do this, complete the following steps:

1. Select Account in the upper left-hand corner in I-Learn.
2. Select Profile.
3. Select the blank profile picture.
4. Select choose a picture, then find an image of yourself you want and select Save.

Structure 

Course Outcomes (CO)

In this course, we will:

1. Describe key theoretical concepts in political science in essay format.
2. Identify the key elements of the U.S. Constitution, such as separation of powers, limited powers, checks and balances, representation, Federalism, etc.
3. Detail the roles, responsibilities, and powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of the U.S. government.
4. Explore the impact that money, interest groups, political parties, citizens, and the media have on the United States of America's system of governance.
5. Write papers and create other types of documents that show an understanding of the process of clear transitions, concise syntax, precise word choice, and proper notation.
6. Students will explore selected historical events in American history.
7. Detail how constitutional amendments are proposed and ratified.
8. Define and understand the unitary, confederal, and federalist systems.
9. Develop critical thinking skills and communication skills to organize learned material.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO).

Major Assignment	Description	CO#
W10 Paper: Media & Politics	Research and write a three-page report on one of the five current media challenges faced by the United States as it relates to politics.	1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9
W04 Exam	Exam on chapters 1-5	1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9
W09 Exam	Exam on chapters 6-10	1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9
W14 Exam	Exam on chapters 11-15	1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date*	Learning Model	Activity Title	Description
Midweek	Prepare	Study Materials	Study materials of the week.
Midweek	Ponder/ Prove	Quiz	Quiz on the readings of the week
Midweek	Prove	Current Event Commentaries	Find an article related to this week’s chapter reading and write a commentary.
Midweek and End of Week	Teach one another	Discussions (across various forums)	Many assignments will require you to view work from classmates and comment during the week and at the end of the week.
End of Week	Ponder and Prove	Multiple Weekly Assignments	Weekly assignments where you complete activities related to the content in the chapters of the book assigned that week.

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

*If you are not in the Mountain Time Zone, these due dates will be adjusted to your time zone if you have updated your I-Learn Profile and set your time zone. Once this is done, you may use the Calendar and your To-Do list to see the exact due dates and times for your location.

Course Policies 

Using AI

You are welcome—and encouraged—to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to assist your learning in this course. AI can be a valuable support for organizing ideas, locating information, clarifying confusing topics, or brainstorming approaches to your work.

However, AI should not complete any assignment for you. Your final submissions must reflect your own analysis, voice, and understanding. Using AI to generate entire responses, copy answers directly, or bypass the learning process is not acceptable.

If you use AI at any point in completing any assignment, please include a transcript or screenshot of your AI interaction with your submission. This allows me to see how you’re using AI as a thinking partner—not as a shortcut.

Late Work

• In this class, each student has three late passes. That means you can turn in up to three assignments late without a penalty.
• When you want to use a late pass, turn in the assignment like you normally would and include a note in the assignment comments stating that you would like to use a late pass. Canvas will automatically mark it late until the instructor adjusts the grade. 
• The last day to turn in assignments is the Saturday before the last day of the semester. 
• Late passes cannot be used for discussions, reading quizzes, quizzes, Inquizitive, exams, or the paper due in Week 10.
• You get to decide when to use your passes. Try to save them for when it matters and use them wisely.
• Here are some examples of how you might use them:

Student A: I spaced the assignment. Can I turn it in late?

Instructor: Yes, with a late pass.

Student B: My dog died. Can I have an extension on my assignment?

Instructor: Yes, with a late pass.

Student C: I am getting married, and I don't think I will have time to complete all of my assignments. What should I do?

Instructor: Complete as much as you can ahead of time and use your late passes for what you don't get to.

Student D: I have been sick and missed several assignments.

Instructor: I hope you are feeling better. You can use your late passes to turn in your missing work.

Student E: I worked really hard on my assignment and tried to turn it in on I-Learn right at the deadline, but my internet quit working, or Canvas locked me out. Can I turn in the assignment now?

Instructor: Yes, with a late pass. The deadlines in this class are exact, and assignments are marked late automatically one second past the deadline. One second past the deadline is still late. In the future, please turn in your work earlier in case you have problems submitting your work. Some assignments can take several minutes to upload, so give yourself some time. 

Student "F": I will be traveling and won't have good internet access. Can I turn my assignments in late? 

Instructor: Complete as much as you can ahead of time and use your late passes for what you don't get to when you get back. 

Student "G": I missed the exam. Can I use a late pass?

Instructor: No. If you have a problem with an exam before the exam closes, call me immediately. Do not email or wait till the exam closes.

Student "H": I missed turning in the Week 10 Paper because I had so many assignments due this week and had to work extra shifts at my job. Can I use a late pass?

Instructor: No. You were informed about this bigger assignment several weeks before the due date. It is your responsibility to manage your time for assignments that can be completed over multiple weeks. 

If you have a major extenuating event such as a death in your immediate family, a hospitalization, a long military deployment, or a natural disaster in your area, please reach out to your instructor immediately. Your instructor will ask you to use your late passes first and then work out an individualized plan with you based on your specific situation. Don't wait, reach out immediately. 

Grading Scale

How the Outcomes Will Be Assessed

While you may not be tested on everything you learn in this course, the instructor will be assessing your mastery of all of these learning outcomes. The general types of assessments used to measure these outcomes may include selected response tests, such as multiple-choice, true-false, matching, and fill-in-the-blank questions. You may also be asked to complete essays or other writing assignments. At times, the instructor may assess your performance of a skill, or they may assess products you create using particular skills. In addition, the instructor may engage in personal communication with you to determine how well you understand the course content.

This course has been designed to ensure that the assessment methods used are appropriate ways to measure the learning outcomes. You won’t be taught one thing and then tested on something else. Also, every effort has been made to use fair criteria in grading and administering the assessments. If you ever think an assessment will not or has not given you a fair chance to show your mastery of the course outcomes, talk with your instructor. He or she will be happy to talk with you and negotiate an alternative assessment that is fair to you, as well as to all the other members of the class.

Grades will be based on a percentage of the total number of points students may earn from major exams, assignments, quizzes, and completion of any other learning activities assigned by the instructor. You may check your progress in the course at any time by accessing the Grades page.

In assigning final grades for this course, the instructor will use the BYU-Idaho Standard Grade Definition criteria listed below.

A: The grade of "A" represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.

B: The grade of "B" presents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material, which would prepare a student to be successful in next-level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.

C: The grade of "C" represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates marginally in the Learning Model.

D: The grade of "D" represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.

F: The grade of "F" represents failure in the course.

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	100%–93%
A-	92%–90%
B+	89%–87%
B	86%–83%
B-	82%–80%
C+	79%–77%
C	76%–73%
C-	72%–70%
D+	69%–67%
D	66%–63%
D-	62%–60%
F	59%–00%

University Policies 

Students with Disabilities

BYU-Pathway Worldwide is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified students with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact Accessibility. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by Student Wellness.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered for accommodations and need a transcription for these meetings, please contact Accessibility Services.

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please click on the links below to learn more about the following policies and resources:

• Academic Success and Tutoring Department
• GenAI Academic Integrity Policy
• Compliance and Complaints
• Academic Honesty
• Copyright Infringement
• Accessibility Services
• Student Life Policies and Guidelines
• Honor Code
• Nondiscrimination
• Other University Policies - Policy Library

Go to the Student Resources module for further resources and information.

Conclusion 

As with all the classes you take at BYU-Idaho, in the end, it is up to you to decide what you want to get out of this class. If you choose to approach the things you study in class with an open mind, if you prepare diligently and work hard to complete all the learning activities, and if you humbly seek the Lord’s help to understand the intellectual and spiritual truths discussed in this course, you will have an outstanding educational experience that will be a blessing to you throughout your life in many ways.