Course Description

Hello and welcome to the class.

My name is Dr. Howard and I'll be your instructor this semester.  Just a little about me, I've been teaching Political Science at Los Angeles Southwest College since 2008.  I earned my BA from Long Beach State and my M.A. and Ph.D. from UCLA. UCLA Logo My research interests are Race and Ethnicity in Politics and Education Policy.  Native-born Los Angelino and obsessed with Hello Kitty. small picture of hello kitty I enjoy teaching Political Science because there's always something new and exciting happening!

 Classroom with red chairs pushed up to wood tables

Welcome to the Class!!  Please take a seat!

This course is an introductory course designed to give you an overview of the American government, its' institutions, processes, and core principles.  You're not expected to have any prior knowledge of politics, we'll take it one step at a time and learn together.  Since this class is an introductory course, not all students come into it with the same level of knowledge; however, any student that attends class regularly, completes the assignments in a timely manner and makes an effort to engage the material will be successful in this course.  We will evaluate popular conceptions/misconceptions about the government and make clear those aspects that are not well known or understood.   We will look at the future of the American government and the challenges and issues it will face.  The intent of the course is to enhance our understanding and illuminate important features of the United States political system. 

How to Get in Touch with me?

 

I do not have set office hour days and times in this class, instead, you are able to contact me whenever it's most convenient for you. Contact me using the Pronto icon to the left Screen Shot 2020-06-04 at 6.16.01 PM or you can download the app, messages come to my cell phone.  Within the Pronto app you can contact me within the class group or directly.

Screen Shot 2020-06-04 at 6.23.37 PMThe app is available on APPLE Links to an external site. or Google Links to an external site. app stores

Click the link below for more information about Pronto.

https://support.pronto.io/en/articles/2775444-how-to-access-pronto-within-canvas Links to an external site.

 


Buildings on the campus of LA Southwest

However, if you do not have access to the app and have a general question that you need to be answered, you can also post a question in the General Questions Forum. Questions about grades or private matters contact me via the "Inbox" button Picture of the inbox icon to the far left if using the website or by clicking the three horizontal bars at the top of the screen if using the app (expect a reply within 48 hours).