Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | POS-1010-VO01 - Introduction to Political Science

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Gina Ottoboni
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Gilberto Diaz Santos

General Education Requirements

Social Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

A survey and analysis of political phenomena in both theoretical and functional aspects. Focus will be on developing a critical understanding of concepts, institutions, values, and processes of government and politics.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe methods used to study government and the political process.
2. Describe the various political belief systems in relation to their cultural and historical origins.
3. Explain the structures and methods that political systems use to create, delegate, share, or restrict the use of power and how those methods impact efficiency and outcome.
4. Identify and analyze the interrelationships between competing political powers including legislative, executive, judicial, and military structures in government.
5. Name and describe the factors and entities that contribute to the functioning and legitimacy of political systems.
6. Compare and contrast political institutions and processes in a variety of national settings.
7. Explain how political systems have historically created, maintained, or dismantled social inequalities.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Fall 2025 textbook/book details will be available on 2025-05-19. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

POS-1010-VO01 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

This course is designed to introduce you to the study of politics and to build important academic and life skills, including research, reading, and writing skills. Each week I will provide and introduction to the week's topic/s. You will proceed through the week's materials (readings, presentations, videos, etc.), while also participating in the discussion forums. You will also complete an assignment every other week--usually a short essay of approximately 300 words, which you will post and share with the class. The course will also include an online, open-book final exam.

Evaluation Criteria

You will be evaluated on the basis of:

• Participation in forums (quality and quantity) (40%)
• Essays (40%)
• Open book, final exam (20%)

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Please plan to complete your work on time. This is an online course, not a work-at-your-own-pace course. Discussion forums cannot be made up once missed. If you have extenuating circumstances (serious illness or death in the family, for example) and feel your circumstances warrant an extension on a graded assignment, you should always contact me directly. I do have a heart and do not expect you to work from a hospital bed, but I do expect you to commit to this course if you take it, and plan accordingly. Leeway is granted on a case-by-case basis. Vacation and travel are not extenuating circumstances.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.