Intro to Civic Responsibility (IDS 125)
Spring 2013
Alauna Akins (Mrs. A)
462 Fell Hall
Phone: 438.7630
Email: Use ReggieNet
Office Hours: Use Appt Link
Skype/Google: asakins1
*GTA: Brian Sorenson (bcsoren) – 280 Fell Hall
This syllabus serves as a contact between us. You are responsible for
knowing and abiding by the information provided in this document.
By continuing in this course, you are agreeing to the terms outlined
in this syllabus. In order to signify that you have read and
understand the terms of this syllabus, you must complete and
submit this Syllabus Acknowledgement by the second week of class.
You will not receive any credit for submitted assignments until your
completed syllabus acknowledgement form is received. Although an
electronic version of this syllabus will always be available to you in
ReggieNet, it is to your advantage to print a copy.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
*Click a topic to advance to that specific section.*
COURSE OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 3
REQUIRED MATERIALS ......................................................................................................... 3
COURSE POLICIES ..................................................................................................................... 4
Attendance..................................................................................................................................... 4
Behavior ......................................................................................................................................... 4
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................ 5
Participation .................................................................................................................................. 5
E - Moments ................................................................................................................................. 5
New We Can Use ........................................................................................................................ 5
Messages for the Masses .......................................................................................................... 5
M.O.V.E.-ing Forward .............................................................................................................. 5
e-Portfolio Composition ........................................................................................................... 5
SPECIAL NOTATIONS .............................................................................................................. 6
Web Resources ............................................................................................................................ 6
Academic Dishonesty ................................................................................................................ 6
Special Accommodations ......................................................................................................... 6
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COURSE OVERVIEW
This gateway course introduces students to concepts about civic engagement and active
citizenship. Using a variety of methods, this course motivates students to develop constructive
citizenship attributes that contribute to an enlightened society and sustainable community.
The course is designed to enhance students’ basic knowledge, understanding, and skills in active
citizenship and civic responsibility through introductory concepts. Throughout this course, we
discuss the following six components of citizenship and civic responsibility:
Self
Public
Action
Community
& Culture
Citizenship &
Civic
Responsibility
Civic
Knowlegde
Civic Values
Civic Skills
Upon successful completion of IDS 125, students will be able to:

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Identify models and practices of civic engagement.
Differentiate between various components and conceptualizations of civic engagement.
Apply appropriate analytical tools to create opportunities for effective engagement.
Learn skills and abilities to enhance effective participation.
Demonstrate an informed awareness of effective participation as an individual in a
democratic society.
Demonstrate the ability to recognize moral and civic dimensions of an issue.
Develop a self-awareness regarding their level of participation and motivation and
transform that into appropriate action and behavior.
Understand their roles as active citizens in various local, national, and global
communities.
Integrate the applied theory of civic engagement to their major area of studies.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
A number of journal articles will be provided by the professor & assigned throughout the
semester. Below are some other materials you’ll need for this course:
 3x5 note cards
 *YouTube Account
 PC based or compatible software
 *WordPress Account
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COURSE POLICIES
This course has more liberties and freedom than a traditional classroom setting. However, it is
important to remember that courses designed as such require a higher level of responsibility on
the part of the student to be self-motivated and disciplined enough to complete all required tasks.
Your level of commitment to and preparation for our in-class sessions is critical to establishing
and maintaining a positive, collaborative learning environment throughout this semester; we will
share that responsibility equally.
Attendance
Attendance will be taken every class session. Absences and tardiness without reason are
inexcusable and will likely affect your grade. You are responsible for any content missed due to
any absences regardless of the reason. Participation points allotted during any unexcused absence
cannot be acquired in any other way.
Behavior
Tech Tools: Please ensure that your mobile devices are on silent/vibrate mode. Please refrain
from using your mobile devices in class unless otherwise prompted to. If there are excessive
interruptions from mobile devices, I will determine an appropriate penalty on a case by case
basis. Additionally, laptops/tablets can be used in class for note-taking purposes but you
must sit in the front rows of the class. There will also be in-class work sessions in which
laptops/tablets can be used if applicable to the activity/assignment.
Timeliness: I believe that tardiness in attending class and in the submission of assigned work is
a subtle sign of disrespect. Multiple instances of tardiness to class will adversely affect your
participation grade. Moreover, I expect your assignments to be submitted on the assigned due
date unless an extension is requested and granted. Although you must submit all required
assignments in order to pass this course, I will not assign a grade/credit to late work except
for instances of prior approved extensions.
Tact: This course allows for open discussion between students and the professor about
sensitive and/or controversial topics, which will require the professional courtesy of listening
to and respect for diverse opinions. Constructive opinions on controversial topics will be
welcomed; however, negative comments on personal opinions will not be tolerated. Any
disruptive behaviors will be handled at my discretion.
The notion of tact also extends to:
 Your emails to me, which should follow proper formatting (a greeting, full sentences
with proper grammar & punctuation, and a closing) or else they will be disregarded.
Furthermore, in order to receive a timely response, you should email me exclusively
through ReggieNet, as noted on the cover page of this syllabus.
 Your assignment submissions, which should be of good quality in appearance and
content. All assignments are expected to be typed (black ink), double spaced
(unless otherwise told), using 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font (size 12), &
paper clipped/stapled (unless submitted electronically)! Any submission not
aligned with those guidelines could be rejected or penalized at my discretion.
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COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Participation
This class is about engagement and therefore is highly interactive. Most class sessions will
contain opportunities to obtain participation points through reading responses, pop quizzes,
group activities, listening to keynote speakers, etc. Some out of class activities as well as peer
evaluations/reviews could be included for participation points also. (*200 pts)
E - Moments
Students write three individual short essays or journal entries connecting their experiences to
course content. In these 1-2 page submissions, students should tell a captivating story of
personal reflection/transformation of how they were enlightened, empowered, and/or engaged.
(45 pts: paper submissions for blog entries)
New We Can Use
Students work in teams to creatively produce a mock news session to discuss current issues
from actual news events, shows or articles. Each news segment can be pre-recorded or
performed live in class! (50 pts: 10 min presentation, + 25 pts Peer Evals)
Messages for the Masses
Students work in teams to discuss/dissect a local, national, or global social or political issue
addressed in the form of mass media.
Part 1: Teams should select a movie to watch and analyze how the issue is portrayed.
Teams should prepare a typed analysis of the movie (3 – 5 pages) & be prepared
for an informal presentation to the class. (50 pts, +25 pts Peer Evals)
Part 2: Each student should select a song, image/graphic, comic strip, commercial,
campaign ad, or public service announcement that is attempting to bring
awareness to an issue. Create a blog post about this issue including your
assessment of the effectiveness of the message/medium you chose. (25 pts)
M.O.V.E.-ing Forward
Students work in groups to choose a local, national, or global issue. Research and discuss the
issue in order to create a visual representation of its current status and a futuristic depiction of
what you hope for. Be creative in your delivery. Tell an enlightening, empowering, engaging
story of change! The final product can be pre-recorded or performed live in class! (100 pts)
e-Portfolio Composition
An e-portfolio is a compilation of students’ work throughout the course of this semester in the
form of a blog site. Students work on this throughout the semester for submission at the end of
the semester. Be creative! Make it your own! (100 pts)
Note: Detailed instructions, grading rubrics, and/or due dates for the aforementioned
assignments will be discussed in class and posted in ReggieNet throughout the semester.
100 – 90% = ‘A’
89 – 80% = ‘B’
Student shows exceptional work, completes all assignments
above expectations and is an assertive learner.
Student does work that is above average but not quite above
expectations.
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79 – 70% = ‘C’
69 – 60% = ‘D’
Below 60% = ‘F’
Student does average work and turns in assignments that meet the
very basic requirements.
Student has failed to meet many the requirements of coursework
and has shown minimal effort.
Student has failed meet most or all of the requirements for the
course.
SPECIAL NOTATIONS
Web Resources
ReggieNet: I will use this new online learning management system extensively to communicate
with you outside of class by posting announcements, course materials, answering your
questions using the discussions forum, and requiring you to submit most assignments
electronically. You are responsible for checking the system on a regular basis for information
and updates. Please view this as an asset to our learning process this semester.
WordPress: This is a FREE online blog hosting site you can use to post some of your written
assignments as blog posts. The purpose of this is to incorporate graphics and videos to further
enhance your written submissions. You can choose whatever privacy options you are
comfortable with.
Google Drive: This is a FREE online service you can use to collaborate on projects. We will
use this service when working in teams/groups. Our workspace will be private, not accessible
to the general public.
YouTube: This is a FREE online service you can use to search for already existing videos or
create new videos. Any videos created for this course will be private, not accessible to the
general public.
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, consistent with the academic integrity
policy as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. All work is to be appropriately cited when it
is borrowed, directly or indirectly, from another source. Unauthorized and unacknowledged
collaboration on speech topics and/or the presentation of someone else’s work warrants
plagiarism. Students found to inadvertently commit acts of dishonesty will receive appropriate
penalties specific to the assignment in question. Students found to commit intentional acts of
dishonesty could receive a failing grade in the course and will be referred for appropriate
disciplinary action through Community Rights and Responsibilities.
Special Accommodations
Student Counseling Services (SCS) helps students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors.
Student Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists and
counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. These services are FREE and
completely confidential.
Disability Concerns helps student who need to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a
documented disability. You can call 438-5853(voice), 438-8620 (TDD). You must also inform
me of your disability in order to receive special consideration.
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