Course Syllabus
Please use the links below to jump to different sections on the same page.
Course Description and Prerequisites | Course Objectives | Course Requisite Technical Skills | Time Expectation | Textbooks and Materials | Course Grading | Course Policies | Student Rights & Responsibilities | Overview of Assignments | Taking Proctored Assessments | Your Email Account | Student Resources | Technical Support | Accommodation Policy and Statements | NOVA Online Policies and Procedures | Course Summary (Assignment Schedule and Critical Dates)
Course Title: PLS 140 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)
Faculty:
Contact Information:
Semester:
Print Syllabus: You may use the Print feature of your browser to print out the syllabus or save it as a PDF document.
Course Prerequisites and Description
Course Objectives
Time Expectation
Course Requisite Technical Skills
In order to succeed in this online course, you must be comfortable working with technology. At a minimum, you must possess the following technical skills:
- Ability to use the Internet in an effective and efficient manner, including installation and management of browser plug-ins and add-ons
- Basic knowledge about the operation of a computer, file management, and software installation
- Working knowledge of the Canvas learning management system
- Capable of using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Proficient searching the web for information
- Able to download and print information from websites
- Able to download, view, and/or print PDF files
Textbooks and Materials
Acquiring Textbooks and Course Materials
Course Grading
Course Policies
Attendance Policy
Each student is expected to be active in the course each week. You are required to log into the course site at least three times a week.
Communication Policy
EVERYONE needs to treat everyone else in this class with respect. We all have different opinions on issues that spark a lot of emotion, like abortion, the death penalty, gun control, and particular politicians. Whatever your opinions are, you are welcome to participate in this class and in the many discussions we will have. But you MUST respect each others' opinions and treat each other professionally and politely here, and in all of our discussions. Also, I realize that many people have strong opinions about President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, among others. I don't want anyone to change their opinions on these people, but I expect that you will discuss them with respectful terms in this course. I HIGHLY recommend that when mentioning them for the first time, you refer to them as "President Trump," and "President Obama," or "former President Obama," and then in future references to them within a post, you can use just last names. I think this is a useful way to consider my point: how would you prefer to have your political heroes discussed? Talk in a similar vein regarding those you are opposed to. Again, that doesn't mean that you have to like them. You can still critique them and their leadership qualities and decisions, but you can do so without being disagreeable. If you're really interested in engaging in typing grudge-match, friend up on Facebook and go at it. But here, we do things the nice way.
Plagiarism Policy
Late Work Policy
Assignment Submission
Grading Turnaround Time
All completed assignments will be graded no later than seven days after the due date, and sooner when possible.
Incomplete Policy
Withdraw from the Course
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Overview of Assignments
Taking Proctored Assessments
Your Email Account
Student Resources
Technical Support
For technical assistance, please visit the NOVA Online IT Support website for contact information and support resources.
Accommodation Policy and Statements
External Tools Used in the Course
The link below is set up to open in a new tab or in a new window.
YouTube
Accessibility statement is not available on YouTube's website. Here is the link to the instructions on how to use YouTube with a screen reader.
You can find the transcript of a YouTube video by clicking More and then select Transcript.
NOVA Online Policies and Procedures
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|