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

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-005 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 AMERICA’S  NEW DEMOCRACY, 2011 Ed., 2nd Custom Ed. for Amarillo College  by Fiorina, Peterson, Johnson,  Mayer.

Supplies

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

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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

COURSE  ETHICS:  At Amarillo College, there are serious academic penalties for any unethical conduct on the part of any student.  The policy and penalty for such conduct is provided in the general Catalog.  Any student violation of the code of ethics may be reason for the  Instructor  to have your name removed from the class list.

Grading Criteria

HOMEWORK: There will be three (3) assignments.  The total homework grade will constitute 20% of your total semester grade.

CHAPTER TESTS:  There will be FOUR (4) CHAPTER TESTS each covering approximately 4 chapters.  The average of your 3 highest Chapter Tests will constitute 60% of your semester grade. If you are exempted from taking the Final exam, the average of your 3 highest chapter tests will count 80% of your semester grade.  Dates of Testing may vary slightly from the syllabus depending on the rate that we cover the material. You will get two days prior notice of any change in a testing date.

Tests are scheduled as we complete each set of  3 - 5 chapters.    Current events from various media sources will be discussed at the opening of most  classes for first 5-10 minutes.  There will be questions on the tests over DISCUSSION material.

MAKE-UP TEST POLICY:  If you miss a chapter test, this will be your one test grade that will be dropped  in calculating your chapter test average, unless proof of an emergency is presented to the Instructor, in which case you will be given a different form of that test.

FINAL EXAM:  The final exam is Comprehensive (over whole textbook) and MANDATORY for all non-exempted students. It counts as 20% of your semester grade.  This Final Exam grade is NOT a test grade you can drop.    NOTE: In order to take the final exam at other than the pre-scheduled time, permission must be obtained from the department chair, not this instructor.

You may have an EXEMPTION from taking Final Exam if you meet ALL the following requirements:

 1.Missed only 3 or less class days.

2. The average of your 3 highest chapter tests is at least a 90, and you actually took all 4 Chapter Tests

3. Have turned in all Homework Assignments on time and made at least a B on each of them.

If you choose to take the Final when you are exempt, the Final Exam grade cannot be dropped even if it lowers your semester grade.

 GRADING POLICY:  If your raw score on any test, exam, homework or final grade calculation contains a decimal amount, it will be rounded off to the nearest whole number.  Refer to the student handbook for the corresponding letter/numerical grading scale used at Amarillo College for this department.  A minimum semester grade of 60 (D) is required to pass this course.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Regular attendance is required for satisfactory achievement in this class.  Attendance shall be taken at each class meeting.  There will NOT be Review or Study Sheets for the tests, therefore, it is important that you get good class notes.    Also, this instructor retains the right to add up to a maximum of 2 bonus points to the semester grade of students with excellent attendance. 

WARNING: Students WILL NOT have access to the instructors lecture notes for days of class missed, so make a friend in class to get class notes from when you have to miss class.

Calendar

Additional Information

TAPING:   Lectures may be tape recorded by any student whether they have a disability or not. This is to assist the student in taking good class notes.

DAILY COURSE WORK:  We will be covering approximately one or more chapters per week in the text.  The student is responsible for reading all the material in the assigned text and reading any class handouts. It is important for success in this class that the student take notes on class lectures and on current events class discussions.  Study guides and review sheets for course  tests are normally NOT prepared for this class.  Students will NOT have access to the instructor's lecture notes for days of class missed.  Therefore, good class attendance is crucial to success in this class.

DROPPING THIS CLASS: YOU MUST SEE THE REGISTRAR AND FILL OUT THE PROPER FORMS IN ORDER TO DROP THIS CLASS.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER DROP PROCEDURES WILL RESULT IN YOUR RECEIVING A GRADE OF “F” AS YOUR SEMESTER GRADE IN THIS CLASS.