Government of the United States Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

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-2305-004 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Stephenson/Turner/Farmer/Bresler/Friedrich/Karlesky. “Understanding American Government.”
\   Sixth Edition. Redding, CA: Horizon Textbook Publishing, ©2011

Supplies

\ Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils and 4 green scantron forms (Form No. 882-E) for the exam.

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 will be expected to follow the guidelines listed in the Amarillo College Handbook. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable and not allowed. In order to produce an environment conducive to learning one must be tolerant of different views, opinions, and perspectives from others. Treat people as you would want them to treat you.  The following is expected as well:

\ CELL PHONES:  Cell phones are only allowed to be used in class when on the silent mode.  Phones may be monitored but not answered during class.  If a student has an emergency they are to step outside of class for cell phone calls.
\  

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:

A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 59 or Below

Exam average will count one hundred (100) percent of the total grade. 

Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F at the end of the semester.

Makeup Policy:  Tests will be scheduled throughout the semester.  If you know in advance you will not be able to take a scheduled test, you should arrange to take the test early or before the next class period, if possible. Students must request a makeup exam if they miss a scheduled exam.  Only one makeup exam will be rescheduled for a missed exam (1, 2, and 3). Makeup exams will be possible until the next scheduled exam.  The instructor reserves the right to administer makeup exams in other forms. There is no makeup exam after exam IV.

Required Exams:  There are four exams during the semester and that includes the final exam.  Exams will be one hundred (100) percent of the grade and will consist of multiple choice and true and false questions over assigned chapters, study guide material, and lectures.  All exams require a scantron, which can be purchased at the A.C. Bookstore, and a number 2 pencil to mark the scantron.  Changing answers on a scantron must be completely erased or the response could be scored incorrect.

Assignments:  Twelve (12) assignments will be given over the course of the semester.  They will be issued in conjunction of the chapters covered in class.  Assignments are take-home and open book with assigned deadlines.  Returned assignments will be graded.  The ten (10) highest scores of the assignments completed will be averaged and used to replace the lowest exam score. Noncompletion of the assignments will have no affect on the required exam scores.  Assignments turned in late will have five (5) points deducted.

Final Exam:  The final exam will be exam four (4).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material and class lectures presented after exam three (3).  Attendance for exam four (4) is mandatory.  No makeup after exam IV.

Extra Credit:  A student may earn twenty (20) additional points for writing four (4) letters to their elected representatives in government to express an opinion or concern they have about an issue in government.  The issue must be related to the representatives area of government.  For additional details, see the handout from your instructor.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F at the end of the semester.
\  

Calendar

Additional Information

\ The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of the essential facts our national government is based upon. We present them in a framework to help you organize and analyze broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and your role in the political system.
\
\ Our societies depend upon an informed and engaged citizenry that gives attention to the actions of our leaders. As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests. But, a democratic republic depends on our willingness to subordinate ourselves to the interests of the common good is necessary to balance and control the power of governments.
\
\ Our job is to present this information to help you formulate your own views of government and to inform you of the political processes available to all citizens. It is not our job to convert you to a particular political or partisan position, but to encourage you to grapple with materials presented and engage in the assessments drawn from this work.