United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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-2305-005 United States Government

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.

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

Political Science, Pearson Custom Ed., 2013, for Amarillo College.

Supplies

Paper, pens, pencils, six (6) form #882-E scantrons.  Plus access to internet & printer for typed research assignments.

Student Performance

1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.

3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.

5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.

6. Analyze the election process.

7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens

8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S politics.

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

Student behavioral and ethical guidelines are contained in the AC Student Handbook.   Please read them.  Ignorance of the rules will be no excuse.

Grading Criteria

The average of your 3 (of 4) highest Chapter Test scores will constitute 60% of your semester grade.

The average of your 3 homework scores will constitute 20% of your semester grade.

The Final Exam (mandatory) will constitute 15 % of your semester grade.

Class Attendance will constitute 5% of your semester grade.

Make-up Chapter Tests will only be given with proof of dire circumstances that prevented you from taking the test with the class, or proof of ,participation in an AC approved campus activity or field trip during testing time.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required for satisfactory achievement in this class.   Attendance constitutes 5% of your semester grade. YOU WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO INSTRUCTOR'S LECTURE NOTES, therefore, make a friend in class who can share notes with you if you must be absent.

Calendar

Additional Information

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 in the Student Service Center, Room 119, Ph.371-5436 as soon as possible.

TAPING OF LECTURES: All students, whether or not you have a learning disability, may tape the lectures if they wish.