POLS 3387 revised for covid updated 8-18-20 PDF

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The syllabus list the requirements and certain due dates for the course...

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POLS 3387-01: Latin American Politics Credit Hours 3 Department of Political Science Sam Houston State University Fall 2020 17 August – 4 December 2020 Hybrid/blended class that can be taken fully online Instructor: Prof. Crystal Whetstone Email: [email protected] You will hear back within at least 24 hours of sending an email. (See Electronic Communications Policy) Phone: Office hours: T/Th 11AM-12PM; 3:30PM-5PM Office location: 385 CHSS (and on Zoom) Course time and location: T/Th 2PM-3:15PM in 306 Smith Hutson Building

Covid-19 and our class We’re living in the midst of a global pandemic. It is due to a coronavirus known as Sars-Cov-2, which causes the illness Covid-19. It is highly contagious and for this reason, large gatherings of people in indoor spaces are ideal for transmission of the virus. I do not expect anyone to put themselves (and/or their families) at risk to complete this course. If you feel safer avoiding our physical classroom, you can successfully complete this class entirely online. In fact, I recommend this route as the safest course of action! So long as the University remains open, you will have the option of coming to our physical classroom. HOWEVER, only half the class can be present at each meeting. If your last name falls between A-L, you will attend on Tuesdays. If your last name falls between M-Z, you will attend on Thursdays. In order to

ensure that Sam Houston meets its updated guidelines, you may only attend class on the day that you’re scheduled. If you decide to join the face to face sessions, these will be conducted flipped classroom style, meaning you will work on assignments in class and view lectures and do readings outside of class. To attend class in person, you will need to wear a mask as per University requirements. Please do not attend if you feel unwell. Attendance is not being taken for points, so you aren’t going to miss any points for not attending! If you attend an in-person meeting without wearing a mask, I’ll be forced to cancel the entire meeting for everyone. If you test positive for Covid-19, you are required to report this to Sam Houston State University. Visit their Confirmed Cases page to report. Please note as well that since we are living in a pandemic, we must be prepared to go remote at any moment. I hope that this doesn’t happen, but given the public health dangers, we should be ready for anything!

Course Overview This course serves as an overview of Latin American politics, with a focus on Spanish and Portuguesemajority-speaking countries. We will not explore French-speaking Latin America. Latin America is a diverse and complex region composed of four sub-regions: parts of North America, including Mexico; Central America, including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama; parts of the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico; and finally, most of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. Despite its diversity, there are regional themes beyond the widespread use of Spanish and Portuguese, including: identity fusion as well as shared histories, development patterns and political challenges, most notably with democratization and quality of democracy. Key challenges have included caudillismo, the role of the military and clientelism. However, Latin America’s strong civic engagement has proved a critical force for democratization. Prerequisites: 6 Hours of Political Science - Course or Test: Political Science 1000 to 4999. May not be taken concurrently. The format for this class includes completing readings, lectures, videos (occasionally podcasts). Students will complete a midterm, a creative project, a policy recommendation PowerPoint and essay as major activities. See note at start “Covid-19 and our class” and “Format for the class” for specifics! Student Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. describe major themes in Latin American politics; 2. understand in-depth one Latin American country; 3. engage in public speaking;

4. craft a policy recommendation; 5. analyze the politics of the everyday.

Transferable skills and professionalization This course is designed to encourage students’ professionalization and to develop transferable skills such as:  analytical skills,  critical thinking,  effective verbal and written communication,  research,  information and technological literacy,  public speaking,  organizational skills. These skills will be useful in other courses and contexts, including your future career. Students will practice skills to become autonomous, self-directed learners. This will benefit your progress in this course as well as your college and future careers and assist you in becoming lifelong learners.

Required Course Materials Politics of Latin America: The Power Game, 6th Edition. Authors: Harry E. Vanden; Gary Prevost. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780190647407. Available at the SHSU Official Bookstore or a digital version can be rented/purchased from RedShelf. Abbreviated in the syllabus as PLA. The Parrot's Perch: A Memoir. Author: Karen Kelit. Berkeley, CA : She Writes Press. ISBN: 978-1-63152571-1. YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK VIA KAREN KELIT HERSELF! Our deepest thanks to Ms. Kelit for her generosity!!

Course Policies The following course policies will help to create a functional learning environment for us over Fall 2020. Our classroom (which exists both physically and online) is an inclusive space. There is an expectation (and requirement) that you are respectful of, and courteous to, all persons, whether your peers or your instructor, regardless of their nationality, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, trans/cis status, gender, ability, military status, etc. Throughout this course, we will discuss ideologically charged issues and there will inevitably be disagreements. Such conflicts are a part of human life and should not be avoided. We grow when we are challenged, so appreciate the differences you encounter and be open to considering new evidence and new perspectives. Part of professional development is learning to understand other’ points of view and to behave respectfully towards all, even with those whom you disagree with, or even dislike. This is part of emotional intelligence, and research has shown that emotional intelligence defines our success in life. Learning to work well with others will help you in your career.

Paperless Policy This class will be conducted entirely paperless in the sense of using physical paper. All assignments will be uploaded through our course in Blackboard. Normally there are two great reasons to avoid paper. First, it saves money. Second, it is more sustainable for the environment. Personally, I also like the lack of paper clutter! But during a pandemic, by submitting everything digitally, we’ll cut down on another avenue of germ spreading. All around, it’s a win!

Technology Policy This course necessarily requires that you have regular and frequent access to a working computer with Internet access (Wifi). General as well as course-specific technical skills learners must have to succeed in the course are specified. You will need to be comfortable:  Using Blackboard, SHSU’s learning management system  Using SHSU email with attachments  Creating and submitting Word files  Downloading and installing software  Using Powerpoint See Resources for technology resources.

Electronic Communication Policy You are expected to check your email and our Blackboard course site regularly. Course Announcements will also be sent out via email. When you send me an email, you will receive a response within at least 24 hours. Attendance Policy As in all university courses, attendance and participation are important measures of student success. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, your attendance will be measured by your participation in the course via the completion of activities as per the course schedule. Attendance will not be taken for points as your personal health and safety is far more important! I’m required to take your attendance through September 12th. If you attend in person, this will be recorded on paper. If you choose to complete this class remotely, this official attendance will be noted by you logging into our Blackboard class. You’ll need to do that anyway to complete the assignments! Classroom Rules of Conduct Sam Houston State University is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus recognized globally for embracing diversity and inclusion in innumerable forms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origins, religious commitments, age, disability status, military status, and political perspective. For more information, visit SHSU’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. This class is committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom and human dignity. Diversity in all forms is welcomed, fostered and prized. Honest attempts to understand the perspectives of others

facilitates learning. In this class, you are expected to strive to achieve this goal at all times. This class strongly disavows discrimination -- including harassment -- on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex or gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Let each of us hold one another accountable for maintaining these ideals. (Adapted from UC LEAF, Aug 2017). Academic Dishonesty Policy All students are expected to engage in all academic pursuits in a manner that is above reproach. Students are expected to maintain honesty and integrity in the academic experiences both in and out of the classroom. Any student found guilty of dishonesty in any phase of academic work will be subject to disciplinary action. The University and its official representatives may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of any form of academic dishonesty including but not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work which is to be submitted, plagiarism, collusion and the abuse of resource materials. For a complete listing of the university policy, see: Dean of Student's Office Please be aware of deliberate versus accidental plagiarism. Deliberate plagiarism is when you knowingly use another person's work without acknowledgement. Accidental plagiarism is generally the result of poor note taking or paraphrasing without properly citing your references. All plagiarism, both deliberate and accidental, is viewed seriously by the University and can incur penalties. Practicing academic honesty will help you in the learning process as properly citing references and giving credit is part of professionalism. Deliberate plagiarism occurs if you: hand in an assignment written by someone else copy part of another student's paper or use the ideas of that student and pass it off as your own pay someone to write your paper hand in downloaded texts, or copy and paste directly from the Internet deliberately use another writer's ideas, creations, images etc. without identifying where they came from. Accidental plagiarism occurs if you:     

forget to identify where you found the information do not pay attention to where your material(s) came from when paraphrasing (put other writers' ideas into your own words)  use the exact words of another person without quotation marks even though you've said where the information came from  don't record where the information came from when you take notes (This section adapted from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s Study & Learning Center)  

Religious holy days and visitor policies There are specific policies regarding holy days and visitors in the classroom. Section 51.911(b) of the Texas Education Code requires that an institution of higher education excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, United States

Tax Code. A student whose absence is excused under this subsection may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time. In the event an unannounced visitor attends a class, the instructor should request identification in the form of a current and official Sam Houston State University Bearkat OneCard identification card. If the visitor is not a registered Sam Houston State University student, the faculty member should act at their own discretion or refer the visitor to the department chair. This policy is not intended to discourage the occasional visiting of classes by responsible persons. Obviously, however, the visiting of a particular class should be occasional and not regular, and it should in no way constitute interference with registered members of the class or the instruction thereof. Special Needs and Accommodations Policy for Students with Disabilities If you have any special needs related to your participation in this course, including identified visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, communication disorder, and/or specific learning disability that may influence your performance, you should communicate with me about arranging any necessary alternatives for you to meet the requirements of this course. Some accommodations may require prior approval by Services for Students with Disabilities. I will do my best to accommodate you and to work with you to find viable solutions. Please see also SHSU’s full policy on disabilities. Academic Success Center for learning support The Academic Success Center is there to assist and empower students to succeed academically, persist through graduation, prepare for graduate and professional endeavors, and develop an appreciation for lifelong learning. 

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The Academic Success Center for Reading and Writing serves the students, staff, and faculty of SHSU. They’re there to help people become better writers and so develop more confidence in their writing abilities. If you need help with any writing, just stop on by! The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program works to improve student retention and academic achievement by organizing dynamic and interactive peer-facilitated study sessions paired with traditionally difficult courses.

SHSU Counseling Center If you are having any difficulties with depression, suicidal thoughts or other issues (including sexual assault), do not hesitate to reach out to the SHSU Counseling Center. The Counseling Center provides individual, couples, and group therapy to students who are currently enrolled. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7. Just call or text 1-800-273-8255.

Instructor Evaluations Students will have the opportunity to complete a course/instructor evaluation toward the end of the semester. I appreciate your feedback!

Course assessments and grading policy 

Module Db post and responses (2%) o

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Reflective Journals 2pt/each @9 total (18%) o

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You will become well versed in one Latin American country outlined in PLA and give a short oral presentation on FlipGrid of no more than 5 minutes on your country. Specific guidelines will be released closer to the due date, Sunday 8 November at 11:59PM.

Policy recommendation PPT 20pt (20%) o

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To demonstrate your understandings of materials in Unit II, which covers Modules 6-10, you will create one of three options: a short essay of 600 words (about 3 paragraphs), an oral presentation (of about 7-10 minutes) or a mindmap poster (may be digital or paper poster) that synthesizes Unit II materials. Specific guidelines will be released closer to the due date, Sunday 1 November at 11:59PM.

Country presentation 15pt (15%) o

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The mid-term covers Unit 1, the foundations of Latin American politics, which includes materials in Modules 1-4. The exam will be multiple choice and short answer essay. Your test is due by Sunday 20 September at 11:59PM.

Creative project: Essay, oral presentation or mind-map poster 15pt (15%) o

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For Modules 1-4 and 6-10, (a total of 9 weeks), you will write weekly reflective journal responses to the Module readings, lectures and other offerings (typically videos). These are short, one-paragraph responses (about 200 words) and will be written using standard academic spelling and grammar.

Mid-term 15pt (15%) o

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To get to know one another, in the first week, you will introduce yourself in an initial Db post (1 pt) and respond to TWO classmates (worth .5 each).

You will identify a contemporary policy issue in Latin America and outline policy recommendations to address it in a short Powerpoint (PPT) presentation due by Sunday 29 November at 11:59PM.

Essay on The Parrot’s Perch 15pts (15%) o

In lieu of a final, you’ll submit a short essay on Karen Kelit’s The Parrot Perch in which you respond to specific prompts, which will be released closer to the due date, Friday 4 December at 11:59PM.

Grading policy: 100-90 80-89 70-79 60-69 0-59

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A B C D F

LATE GRADES: Any materials that are not turned in when they are due (both the day & time) will be considered late. The minimum late penalty is 10%, increasing to 15% after more than 1 day late. For each week that an assignment is turned in late there will be an additional 15% penalty, with a late penalty cap of 60%. Therefore, it is best for you to turn in any late assignments, no matter how late it is. However, I will not accept any assignments after the final day of the semester according to the academic calendar (this

comes before the final exam). Any assignments not completed by this date will receive a ZERO. 

GRADING TURN AROUND: Typically, I’ll return your work within one week of the submission deadline. There will be exceptions, such as when I’m attending professional conferences. I will tell you in advance of these situations.

Due Dates Most assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59PM Central Standard Time Zone EXCEPT for: 

initial discussion board post in Module 1

This will need to be posted no later than Thursday 11:59PM of Week 1 (August 20th). This is to ensure that you have adequate time to respond to two discussion board posts. The two response are due on Sunday of Week 1 (August 23rd). The remainder of your deadlines will generally be Sundays at 11:59PM! I encourage you to input due dates into a calendar and/or use phone apps to set reminders for yourself. Some suggestions: a paper calendar, Google Calendar, Google Keep, Microsoft To Do, the latter three of which are free apps you can use on a cell phone.

Format for the class Given that we are holding classes at a large University during a global health crisis of a highly contagious and serious virus (Covid-19) that appears to result in long-term ill effects for some people who come down with it, we may need to shift remotely at some point in the semester if there is an outbreak. This class is designed to be ready for such an instance! Our scheduled in-person meetings will operate like “flipped classrooms.” I recommend you come to class having done the readings, lectures and any additional videos. This way you can ask questions of me (the instructor) as well as your classmates and work on the assignments! I encourage you to work in groups (properly social distanced of course!) to learn from one another and to work through the complicated issues of political science. You also have the option of bringing a laptop and headphones and your textbook to our in-person meetings and doing the lectures, videos and ...