Syllabus

POSC 100 – American Government (Spring 2026)

Instructor: Dr. Angela Borozna
Class Type: In-person
When: Mon/Wed, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Where: Humanities 123
First Class: Jan 21, 2026
Last Class: May 6, 2026


What This Class Is About

  • How American government works

  • Constitution, federalism, rights & liberties

  • Congress, President, Courts, elections

  • California government

  • Current political issues


Required Materials

  • We the People, Essentials (15th ed.)

  • Governing California (10th ed.)

  • E-book bundle from W.W. Norton or physical books

  • Lecture slides/videos posted weekly on Canvas


How Your Grade Is Calculated

  • InQuizitive homework: 35%

  • 5 Quizzes: 25%

  • Midterm + Final Exam: 30%

  • Discussion Boards (2): 10%

  • Extra Credit: Up to +5% (class participation)

Grade Scale:
A = 90–100 | B = 80–89 | C = 70–79 | D = 60–69 | F < 60


Major Assignments (Quick)

  • InQuizitive: After each chapter (due Sundays)

  • Quizzes: 10 questions each (Lockdown Browser)

  • Exams: 50 questions

  • Discussion Boards:

    • 150–200 word main post

    • 2 replies (50–75 words each)


IMPORTANT DATES (SAVE THESE 📅)

Quizzes

  • Feb 9 – Quiz 1 (Ch. 1–3)

  • Feb 23 – Quiz 2 (Ch. 4–5)

  • Mar 9 – Quiz 3 (Ch. 6–8)

  • Mar 23 – Quiz 4 (Ch. 9–10, online)

  • Apr 20 – Quiz 5 (Ch. 11–12)

Exams

  • Mar 25Midterm Exam (online)

  • May 13Final Exam (in-person)

Discussion Boards

  • Mar 29 – Discussion 1

  • Apr 19 – Discussion 2

No Class

  • Spring Break: March 30 – April 5


Attendance & Participation

  • Attendance not graded, but you’re responsible for missed material

  • Lowest quiz score is dropped

  • Extra credit for meaningful participation (tell professor after class)


Very Important Rules 🚨

  • NO AI (ChatGPT, Grammarly AI, etc.) on quizzes or exams

  • No collaboration during quizzes/exams (even Discord)

  • Missing quizzes/exams = 0 unless documented emergency

  • Be respectful in class discussions


Communication

  • Check CSUF email + Canvas regularly

  • Instructor replies within 24 hours

  • Office hours: Wed 10:00–11:00 AM