Updated: 25 Jan, 06:45

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Administration

Enrollment and Prerequisites

Students must have previously taken SS202/SS252 and SS307/SS357, unless the instructor approves an exception.  Students pursuing the minor in terrorism studies have priority for enrollment.  Other students may enroll on a space-available basis, with priority to:

1. Students who have successfully completed SS474;

2. Cadets First Class;

3. Students who have completed or are enrolled in one or more of the following Department of Social Sciences courses related to national security policy: SS473 (American Foreign Policy), SS478 (Bradley Professor Seminar), SS480 (Public Policy-Making Process), or SS483 (National Security Seminar); and

4. Students who demonstrate how SS493 fits into an integrated program of study, particularly students who help broaden the academic diversity in the class.  I encourage students majoring in departments other than Social Sciences to take this course as a complement to the academic work for your major. 

Preparation and Participation

This course is organized as a seminar, which means that daily participation is essential to understanding the readings and developing your knowledge of homeland security policy.  A seminar requires involvement from all participants, and you are expected to attend class and speak regularly.  Careful reading will be necessary for informed participation.  If you keep up with the syllabus, then you will find this course both educational and enjoyable.

Writing

An important objective of this course is to develop your ability to write solid, coherent argumentative papers.  Quality of writing, including style and structure, will account for a substantial portion of your grade on written assignments.  I recommend the following:

1. After writing an outline or first draft, talk through your paper and argument with a peer.  This practice will help greatly clarify your thoughts, and substantially improve your writing.  You must cite your peer’s assistance in the acknowledgements section.

2. Ask a talented peer to proofread your final drafts.  You must cite their assistance in the acknowledgements section, and turn in any drafts that your peer marked-up when you turn in the assignment.

3. Seek additional instruction (AI), not later than three days prior to the due date.  

I strongly recommend that you invest $7.95 and purchase a copy of William Strunck, Jr. and E.B. White, The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition (Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2000).  It is an indispensable reference for writers of all skill levels.

Instructor Office Hours

I am available for AI in our classroom immediately after each SS464 class.  I also hold 1245-1340 free every day in order to be available for AI on a drop-in, first come/first served basis (though it's usually best to send me an email or give me a call in the morning, in case I've committed time to another student or have a mandatory event or appointment that I must attend).

Website                                                

SS464 is administered online.  The instructor frequently will post questions related to news or policy developments for classroom discussion.  Students must check the site prior to each lesson. 

Department of Social Sciences Grading Policy

Department of Social Sciences Late Assignment Policy

The Department of Social Sciences policy is to penalize late assignments ten percent (a full letter grade) per day.  I will grant extensions, in advance, only in exceptional circumstances.  Under no circumstances are computer problems an acceptable excuse for a late submission.  Cadets must complete all assignments to pass the course. 

Attendance

Attendance in class and guest lectures is a requirement.  If you must miss a class, notify the section marcher (not your instructor) prior to class and provide a reason for your absence.  Section marcher will report attendance at the start of each class. 

Participation in Trip Section

Participation in the trip section is required, unless the instructor approves otherwise 4 weeks prior to the trip (this is due to the coordination required for funding, hotel rooms, and trip events).   Please make appropriate arrangements at the beginning of the course to ensure your availability to participate.

Section Marcher Responsibilities

Prior to class, turn-on the overhead projector and computer.  Just prior to class start, report the reason for any planned absences or late arrivals.  Ensure students who are absent or late are informed about requirements or guidance discussed in class, and promptly receive any materials distributed in class. After class, ensure boards are erased, classroom is clean and orderly, and overhead projector is turned off.