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

Course Information

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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

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, green in color.

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to:

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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.
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2. \ Identify and explain the three branches of government in the U.S.
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3. \ Explain the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors.
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4. \ Identify and define the rights of U.S. citizens.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

\ 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.
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Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:

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

Exam scores will be added together and averaged for a final grade.  Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course by the required drop date through the Registrar's office will receive a grade of F.

Makeup Policy:  Exams will be scheduled throughout the term.  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. Due to the short time frame of ther term, only one makeup request will be granted per student.  No makeup exam will be granted after the final exam. The instructor reserves the right to administer makeup exams in other forms.

Required Exams:  There will be three (3) exams during the term and that includes the final exam.  Exams will be one-hundred (100) percent of the final grade.  They will consist of multiple choice and true or false questions over the assigned chapters, study guide materials handed out, and class room lectures,.  All exam will require a scantron and a number 2  pencil that may be purchased in the A.C. Bookstore.

Assignments:  Nine (9) assignments will be offered to each student during the summer term.  They will be issued in conjunction with the textbook chapters covered in class.  They are take-home and open-book assignments with completion deadlines that will be announced in class.  Completed assignments will be graded and averaged near the end of the summer term.  The assignment average may be used to replace the lowest exam grade scored by a student during the summer term.  Assignments turned in past the deadline will have five (5) points deducted from their score.  Not completing the assignments will have no affect on the scores received from the required exams.

Final Exam:  The final exam will be exam three (3).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material and class lectures presented after exam two (2).  Attendance for exam three (3) is mandatory.

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 by the required date through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F.
 

Calendar

Additional Information

The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of the essential facts our government is based upon. We present the information in a format to help you organize and analyze a broad base of data that is necessary to formulate personal views about our government, our politics, and your role in this system.

Our society depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry that gives attention to the actions of our country's leaders. As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests.However, a democratic-republic such as ours depends on our willingness to subordinate our interests for the common good of our country in order to balance and control the power of our government.

Our job is to present this information to aid you in formulating your personal views of our government and 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.