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

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

GOVT-2305-002 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED BOOKS:
Title:  Understanding American Government, 7th Ed.
Author:  Stephenson, Bresler, Farmer, et al.
ISBN:  9781602299139

Title: Readings in American Government
Author: Dr. Brian Farmer
ISBN: 9781111464783

OPTIONAL STUDY GUIDE:
Students are encouraged to purchase this but the book is NOT required.
Title:  Study Guide to Understanding American Government, 6th Ed.
ISBN:  1596024801

NOTE:  All of these books above are printed and packaged specifically for AC students and can only be purchased from the AC Bookstore. 

Supplies

Students must have access to a computer and the Internet for logging into the associated course webpage for reading list, additional assignments and taking the exams through AC Online.  Students will be taking the exams via the

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

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

DISABILITY STATEMENT:   Any student, who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (SSC 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.
 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student.  The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.  

NOTE:  If a student misses class, it is the student’s responsibility to get class notes from another student.  DO NOT ASK THE PROFESSOR FOR THE NOTES.

STUDY GROUPS:  Student-led study groups are encouraged.  The professor will provide, if requested, a secure-web forum for each individual study group.

CELL PHONES:  Cell phone, pagers or any electronic device that might disturb the classroom must be turned off during the class period or it will be confiscated.

CHEATING:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat on one of the examinations.  Students caught looking at another student’s test or using materials other than those allowed will have their examinations confiscated and, at minimum, receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student’s record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).  The instructor will be monitoring the examinations through Angel.

BEHAVIOR POLICY:  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 adults with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the College. This is not junior high, elementary school, nor Lad ‘N’ Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of the aforementioned.  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.

 Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. sleeping, head on desk
2. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means
3. banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor
4. passing notes
5. disrespect for fellow students
6. wearing headphones
7. disrespectful comments
8. eating
9. cheating in any form
10. disruptive talking/visiting between students
11. any other disruptive behavior
12. doing homework related to this class or any other
13. moving from desk to desk, walking around room
14. throwing paper wads or any other objects
15. knitting, needlepoint, other arts and crafts

The instructor reserves the right to assign seating if necessary to preserve order.  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.

Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.

Grading Criteria

Required Exams:  4 (3 hourly exams plus a final).  Students may drop one of the first 3 hourly exams, BUT everyone must take the last exam and the score from Exam #4 counts!

Quiz Schedule:

Sept. 23 - 25 -- Quiz #1* (See “Exam Instructions” below)                                                                    
           Opens at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Friday 9/23;  Closes at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday, 9/25

Oct. 14 - 16 -- Quiz #2
           Opens at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Friday 10/14;  Closes at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday, 10/16

Nov. 11 - 13 -- Quiz #3
           Opens at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Friday 11/11;  Closes at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday, 11/13

Nov. 16 -- LAST DAY TO DROP

Dec. 2-4 -- Quiz #4  (Last Quiz cannot be dropped)
           Opens at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Friday 12/2;  Closes at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday, 12/4
           Everyone must take the last quiz (#4), and it counts!
           The last quiz cannot be dropped.

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE:  All exams are worth 33.3% of your course grade.  There are 4 exams (3 hourly exams plus a final).  Students may drop one of the first 3 hourly exams, BUT everyone must take the final exam, and the final counts!   There is NO extra credit offered.  

GRADE SCALE:
A          90 and above
B          80-89
C         70-79
D         60-69
F          Failing (below 60)

MAKE-UP POLICY:  There are no make-up exams or assignments under any circumstances.  A missed test will simply become a dropped score -- no exceptions.  There is NO extra credit offered.  Remember, everyone must drop one of the first three exams but ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE LAST EXAM (Exam #4) and the score will count.

**IMPORTANT EXAM AND LOG-IN INSTRUCTIONS

• Students will be taking the exams via the Internet through the AC Online Course Server at http://actx.angellearning.com/.  AC Online link is also available from the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/.   Students will be taking the exams via the Internet through the AC Online Course Server.  Be sure your pop-up blocker is closed or allows pop-ups from this site. 
• Students are required to log into AC Online and access the course website PRIOR to the first exam date.  This will ensure any problems or log-in issues are resolved early.
• Students must have access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to take the exams.  Technical or other computer problems are not an excuse to miss a posted exam.  Students should plan ahead to have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local city library.
• Additional assistance and log-in instructions are available through the “Distance Education” link on the AC Homepage or http://www.actx.edu/de/. 
• DO NOT CONTACT the professor about Internet connection problems, AC Online access issues, or computer technical problems.  Help can be obtained IMMEDIATELY from the AC Help Desk by e-mail at askac@actx.eduor bytelephone at 371-5000.  AC Help Desk hours of operation: 7 am - 9 pm (Mon-Thurs); 7 am - 6 pm (Fri); 10 am - 3 pm (Sat).
• Exam schedule dates are on the outline above.  The quizzes open at 12:00 p.m. Noon on the first date listed and close at 11:55 p.m. on the final date.
• AC Online is unavailable every morning from 2:00 AM until 4:00 AM.  Students are required to complete their quiz prior to 2:00 a.m. or take the quiz at another time.
• Students will only be able to access any quiz ONCE and will have seventy-five (75) minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes) to take and complete each quiz. You cannot view the exam and return later to complete. Once opened, the student must complete each exam so be prepared with necessary materials and free from distractions before starting.
• Each quiz must be completed and submitted prior to the 11:55 p.m. deadline.  
• There are NO make-ups. 
• 50 Multiple Choice or True/False questions taken from lecture & readings worth 2 points each.
• Students are NOT allowed to print or reproduce any question.
• Students may use their notes and/or textbook during the exam but MAY NOT access the Internet, copy/print the exam, share the exam with other students, etc. Violations, as recorded by AC Online protocols, will result in a zero or worse.  (See cheating policy below.) Your best effort will depend on knowing the information well beforehand in order to answer the questions in the time frame available.   
• If necessary, the professor reserves the right to grade an incomplete exam based upon the questions viewed and answered.
• Students are required to take the exam individually.  Any violations of the above will result in a zero and expulsion from the class with an F.  Additional penalties by the college may apply.

Attendance

\ Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this course.  See AC Student Handbook for guidelines. 

\ NOTE:  This is a hybrid course which meets once a week for lecture requiring student attendance while additional assignments and exams are completed online in AC Online.  However, this is NOT an online course. 

Calendar

Additional Information

AC Online Course Webpage:  Students will need to access the associated course webpage on the Internet through the AC Online Course Server at  https://actx.angellearning.com/default.asp   for accessing additional assignments, reading lists, and taking online exams.  Online link is also available from the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/or on the MyAC homepage.   Students will also be able to view their quiz scores, review the syllabus, find additional study help, and more.  All electronic correspondence between student and Professor needs to be conducted through the AC Online -- Course Home Page – E-mail found under the Communications tab.

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:  It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before November 16, 2011.

COPYRIGHT OF COURSE:  The course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. The content of this class is copyrighted and protected under laws similar to those governing more traditional materials such as books or articles.   Therefore, audio recorders must have PRIOR approval of the instructor and cannot be disseminated beyond personal use and no visual reproductions or photographs are allowed under any circumstances.

HOLIDAYS:  No class will be held on the following dates:
Monday, September 5, 2011 - Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, November 25, 2011 - Thanksgiving Holiday

**Changes or adjustments in course material, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.