Government of the United States Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-024 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

\ Farmer, Bresler, Friedrich, Karlesky, Stephenson and Turner.  American Government.Sixth Edition. Redding, CA, BVT Publishing, 2011.

Supplies

\ Paper, pens, #2 pencils and scantrons for tests.

Student Performance

\ After Studying the Material Presented in this Course of Study, the Student will be able to:

\ 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.
\ 2. Identify and explain the three branches of government in the U.S.
\ 3. Explain the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors.
\ 4. Identify and define the rights of U.S. citizens.
\ 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.
\ 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.
\ 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.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

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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

\ Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College polices and procedures, as well as the policies and procedures of the high they attend.

Grading Criteria

\ Course requirements/grading:

\ Exams. There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final exam on Tuesday, May 10, 10:30AM. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. Students are allowed to drop one exam other than the final, but may not drop the final exam. Each exam is worth 30% of the final grade for a total of 90%.

\ Las Vegas Option. On exam #3 only, if a student has achieved a minimum grade of 70 on each of the first two exams, he/she may attempt to answer all 50 of the questions on the third exam incorrectly. If a student is able to incorrectly answer all 50 questions on this exam, then a grade of 100% will be entered for this exam in the gradebook. All questions must be answered and no questions may have more than one answer. If a student is unfortunate enough to exercise this option and answer at least one question correctly, then the Las Vegas Option exam becomes the exam which the student is allowed to drop.

\ Makeup Exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor. If a student misses an exam, that exam automatically becomes the one that the student must drop. If the student misses a second exam, then the student must arrange with the instructor to take an essay makeup exam.

\ Synopsis of Grading
\ Total
\ Three Exam scores 100%
\ Total 100%

\ 90-100 = A

\ 80-89 = B

\ 70-79 = C

\ 60-69 = D

\ Below 60 = F

Attendance

\ Amarillo College Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

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Calendar

Additional Information

\ Academic dishonesty:

\ 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.