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

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-014 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

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 and #2 pencils..

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 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

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College polices and procedures, as well as the policies and procedures of Holy Cross Catholic Academy.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams. There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final exam (Finals are scheduled December 16-20) Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. There wil be quizzes at the end of each chapter.  Six-week graades will be based on the six-week test, quiz grades, notebook grade, and class participation.  Notebooks will be graded in accordance with the HCCA Student Handbook.

Makeup Exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor.

Synopsis of Grading

The three six-week grades and the semester exam grade are each 25% of the course grade,.

The Amarillo College grading scale is:

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

The HCCA grading scale is:

93-100=A

85-92=B

75-84=C

70-74=D

Below 70=F

Attendance

Holy Cross Catholic Academy Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

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.