ISLS 3291-301- Spring 2015

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Undergraduate Course, 3.0 Credit Hours

University of Virginia

 

Issues in Public Policy

 

Instructor Name and UVa Email Contact Information:

Dr. John Mirabella

JM5BK@Virginia.edu

 

Class Description:

This course will explore current issues involving public policy at the Federal, state, and local levels.   Following a preliminary discussion of an issue, the class will identify information needed for a deeper discussion, assign responsibilities for acquiring the needed information by the next class period, disseminate the new information, and discuss the issue and sub-issues.

 

Learning Outcomes:

The course will focus on five learning outcomes:

1.     Understand the complexities of public policy issues facing Federal, state, and local governments.

2.     Gain an appreciation for the reasons for opposing views.

3.     Use critical thinking methods to address complex issues.

4.     Gain experience writing well organized short essays.

5.     Research a subject area using available sources.

Assessment Components:

Students will be expected to:

1.     Identify sources of information needed for discussion and disseminate the information to the class.

2.     Participate in class discussions.

3.     Prepare two essays on topics related to the class discussions.

Required Text:

In lieu of a text, the course will rely on material made available by the professor.   In many cases, reading assignments will be will available on the Internet.    Some of the information needed to support discussions will identified by students in the course of completing assignments and will be disseminated to the class.

 

Required Additional Resources and Technical Components:

Handouts and documents from available sources, e.g., internet.

 

Other Class Expectations:

Students will be expected to work in small groups to identify sources of information needed for class discussion.

 

Evaluation Standards:

30% - first essay

30%  - second essay

25% - level and quality of material identified and presented for class discussion

15% - level and quality of class participation

 

To receive a grade of ”C” or better in an LS 3000 course, students must show a proficiency in writing and critical thinking.  LS 3000 instructors are instructed not to award a grade of “C” or higher in the course even if straight averaging of grades result in a grade of “C” or better.  A student who passes with a grade of “C minus” or lower, can use the course as an elective but not as fulfillment of the initial 4 term requirements for the BIS program.”

 

Class Schedule:

Monday    January 26  7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    January 27  7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday    February 2      7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    February 3      7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday                February 16    7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    February 17    7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday    March 2          7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    March 3          7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday    March 16        7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    March 17        7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday    March 30        7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    March  31       7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

Monday    April 13          7:00pm - 9:45pm

Tuesday    April 14          7:00pm - 9:45pm

 

 

Communications/Assignments:

Assignments and other information will be provided by email or will be posted in the "Resources" section of the course collab site.

 

Resources:

Necessary resources will either be provided in class, provided on collab, available through the internet. 

 

Grades:

Grades and feedback on assignments will be provided by email.

 

Technical Support Contacts:

• Login/Password: scpshelpdesk@virginia.edu
• UVaCollab: collab-support@virginia.edu
• BbCollaborate (Elluminate) Support: scpshelpdesk@virginia.edu

or http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com

 

University Email Policies:

Students are expected to check their official U.Va. email addresses on a frequent and consistent basis to remain informed of University communications, as certain communications may be time sensitive.

 

Students who fail to check their email on a regular basis are responsible for any resulting consequences.

 

University of Virginia Honor System: 

All work should be pledged in the spirit of the Honor System at the University of Virginia. 

 

The instructor will indicate which assignments and activities are to be done individually and which permit collaboration.  The following pledge should be written out at the end of all quizzes, examinations, individual assignments and papers:  “I pledge that I have neither given nor received help a on this examination (quiz, assignment, etc.)”. 

 

The pledge must be signed by the student. For more information please visit Honor System

 

Special Needs:

It is the policy of the University of Virginia to accommodate students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state laws. Any SCPS student with a disability who needs accommodation (e.g., in arrangements for seating, extended time for examinations, or note-taking, etc.), should contact the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) and provide them with appropriate medical or psychological documentation of his/her condition.

 

Once accommodations are approved, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the instructor about logistics and implementation of accommodations. Accommodations for test taking should be arranged at least 14 business days in advance of the date of the test(s) Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the LNEC:434-243-5180/Voice,

434-465-6579/Video Phone, 434-243-5188/Fax

  

For more information visit U.Va. Special Needs Website

 

For further policies and statements about student rights and responsibilities, please see U.Va  Website (http://www.scps.virginia.edu/audience/students)