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

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-007 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

The required textbook for this course is America's New Democracy, Penguin Academic Series, 6th edition (2nd custom edition for Amarillo College), by Fiorina, Peterson, Johnson, and Mayer. Handouts of supplemental reading materials (brief papers, articles, etc.) may also be used from time to time.

Supplies

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Student Performance

Student Performance/Course Objectives: After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

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

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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

Don't make me write something here....

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grade Scale

Three semester exams, 60%; final exam, 25%

Written assignment, 5%

Class participation grade, 10%

Total 100%

Optional extra credit assignment (write a paper on an appropriate topic, do a project, attend public meetings and report on them, etc.—but see me first), up to 5%

The grading scale for this course, typical for Amarillo College, is as follows: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Further information appears under Additional Information, “class participation grade.”

Calendar

Additional Information

Exams, Participation, etc.

Exams.There will be three exams during the semester plus a final exam. Each semester exam is worth 20% of the final grade for a total of 60%. The final exam is comprehensive and will be worth 25%.

All exam questions will be multiple choice, and each exam will include a short answer essay question for extra credit. Class discussion will parallel the readings, and nearly always, exam questions will come from those concepts or topics we’ve discussed in class. However, I reserve the right to include questions from the readings that we’ve not specifically discussed.

Makeup Exams.There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with me. If you miss an exam without arranging with me in advance to take a makeup, should I decide to allow a makeup, there will be a 10 point penalty deducted from your exam grade.

Class participation grade.Class participation is 10% of the final grade and is, admittedly, my somewhat subjective assessment of the quality of your participation. Since some portion of the readings will be covered during every lecture and since the classroom experience is better when there is a dialogue (not to mention that I have no desire to do all of the talking), all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion. You can’t contribute if you’re not here, therefore, attendance will also be considered in formulating the class participation grade. Factors that will affect your class participation grade other than attendance and actual participation in classroom discussion include disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise detrimental behavior.

Written assignment. I will select the topic(s) and the format and will provide instructions-- worth 5% of the total. Details later.

Attendance again. This is college—your attendance is your responsibility. While it is possible to pass this course with a poor attendance record, my experience confirms that attendance is directly related to performance. Also, occasionally, the course schedule may change or an exam date may need to be shifted. It helps to know what’s going on.

Additional assistance.If you are having difficulty or if you have other concerns about the class, please contact me. I live and work (my regular job) in Dumas and am fairly flexible with regard to my availability to meet or chat.