Government of the United States Syllabus for 2011-2012
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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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Fiorina: America's New Democracy, Penguin Academic Series, 5th edition, Custom for Amarillo College, 0558209254

Supplies

Notebook paper, pens, #2 pencils, 15 scantrons, internet access, computer printer access, computer paper

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 comply with Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website. You may contact the instructor prior to the beginning of any class for questions regarding a deviation from these policies.

Students are required to be "E-Free" during this class except for personal computers which may be utilized for note taking. Internet use on the personal computers during class is forbidden unless under the direction of the instructor. Use of the following (and any others which may not be either remembered by the instructor or invented at the time of this syllabus) is forbidden in this class: ; mp3 players, iphones, blackberrys, ipads, cell phones of any kind and anything remotely close to these descriptions. NO TEXTING, NO TWEETING, NO PHONE CALLS, NO MESSAGE CHECKING, NO CAMERA USE, NO NOTHING WITH YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING THIS CLASS. ALL DEVICES MUST BE IN THE OFF POSITION DURING CLASS TIME. ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AWAITS THOSE WHO DISREGARD THIS POLICY.

Anyone with a legitimate exception to the above may contact the instructor after class with their plea.

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

Grading Criteria

Exams: There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final examination on Monday, May 9, 10:30AM. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. Each exam is worth 30% of the final grade for a total of 90% of the final grade. Students are allowed to drop their lowest exam grade other than the final exam. Students may not drop the final exam.

Makeup Exams: There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor. If a student misses an exam without prearrangement with the instructor, that exam becomes the exam that the student will drop. If the student misses a second exam without prearrangement with the instructor, this becomes the course that the student should drop.

Class participation grade.

Since some portion of the readings will be presented and discussed in class during virtually every class period, all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.  It is obviously impossible to add much to classroom discussion if you are absent, therefore, attendance is heavily considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  Class participation is 10% of the final grade.  Students with perfect attendance will have two points added to their final grades at the end of the semester.  Students with 1 absence will receive 1 point.  Additionally, the instructor reserves the right to deduct points from the class participation grade for behavior detrimental to the class.  Prohibited behavior which tends to result in the loss of class participation points is surveyed below under behavior policy.

Evaluation/Grade Scale
Grades for courses shall be recorded by the symbols below:

Symbol Percentage
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F below 60

Synopsis of Grading
                                                                                                Total

Highest two exam scores, plus final (30% each),                   90%

Class Participation Grade                                                       10%

Total                                                                                                                      100%

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Attendance counts heavily in determining the class participation grade. Tardies count as one third of an absence and over 20 minutes tardy counts as an absence. Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy. Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence.

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