Government of the United States Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

GOVT-2305-008 Government of the United States

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

The foundation, organization, growth and development of the national government and its problems.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ MCclenaghan, William C. Magruder's American Government. Prentice Hall: 2003.

Supplies

Scantrons- (50 Question)

Student Performance

\ Government 2305 will be an introductory college Government course. It is designed for students who want a rigorous but practical view of American government and politics. Students will be expected to research and analyze primary source documents and important examples of political thought as well as contemporary public policy issues

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1. \ Define and describe federalism and Intergovernmental Relations,the basis for federalism in the Constitution, and its changing character and development as well as explain other ways of organizing government.
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2. \ Identify and explain the three branches of government in the U.S.
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3. \ Explain the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors.
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4. \ Identify and define the rights of U.S. citizens.
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5. \ Explain the philosophical development-theoretical concepts of the state, government, limited government, democracy, and authoritarian government and demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each concept.
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6. \ Explain the historical development of Constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the U.S. Constitution and the political system that has developed under that Constitution.
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7. \ Explain the concepts of limited Government, protection of the individual through the limitation of government power, and explain how American government is limited through through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.
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\ 1. Define and describe federalism and other ways of organizing government and know the status of the American states within the federal system and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.
\ 2. List and describe three branches of government in Texas.
\ 3. Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.
\ 4. Identify and define the rights of Texas Citizens.
\ 5. Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.
\ 6. Explain the protection of the individual through the limitations on government power through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.
\ 7. Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest groups, and elections.
\ 8. Explain the historical development of constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the Texas Constitution and the Political system that has developed under that Constitution.
\ 9. Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ To the mature adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus. Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion. Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the institution. This is not junior high, elementary school, nor the Lad 'N' Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of them. In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are included as examples of behavior which may result in permanent expulsion from this class. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement. The instructor reserves the right to assign individual seating if necessary for order in the classroom.
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\ Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:
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\ 1.banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor 

\ 2. sleeping, head on desk

\ 3. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means 

\ 4. academic dishonesty in any form 

\ 5. disruptive talking/visiting between students

\ 6. throwing paper wads or any other objects

\ 7. passing notes

\ 8. disrespect for fellow students

\ 9. doing homework related to this class or any other.

\ 10. wearing headphones

\ 11. moving from desk to desk, walking around room.

\ 12. disrespectful comments

\ 13. eating

\ 14. knitting, needlepoint, or any other arts and crafts.

\ 15. any other behavior detri-mental to the class

\ 16. Cell Phones—No Text!
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\ Contrary to what you are probably now thinking, it is not my intention to design a class which is a prison camp for college students. I am in favor of having fun in class perhaps as much as anyone; however, it must not be at the expense of an environment conducive to learning.
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\ Academic dishonesty:
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\ Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment.
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Grading Criteria

\ Synopsis of Grading:
\ Major Test- 50%

\ Projects and Assignments- 25%

\ Final Comprehensive Exam -25%

\ Make up work must be done within 5 days following an absence.

Attendance

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\ Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Attendance counts heavily in determining the class participation grade as discussed below. Tardies count as one third of an absence and over 20 minutes tardy counts as an absence. Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy. Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence.
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Calendar

Additional Information

\ TBA

\ TBA

\ Mr. Frazer's Web Site:

\ http://teacherweb.com/TX/CaprockHigh/Frazer/