United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Mary Dorsey (Curriculum Vitae)Office Hours
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.
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Course
GOVT-2305-008 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
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Hours
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Class Type
On Campus Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
Political Science, Pearson Publishing, Custom Ed. 2013 for Amarillo College. ISBN:1269239236.
Supplies
You will need pen, pencil, note taking paper, at least 6 scantrons for multiple choice and true/false questions (no essay), and access to a computer with internet access to do the research and writing necessary for the 3 Homework assignments in this
Student Performance
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
3. Describe the 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
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
Please refer to the Student Handbook for ethical and behaviorial rules and regulations at Amarillo College.
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 such as a field trip during testing time.
Attendance
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Calendar
Test questions will be taken from the lecture, the textbook, current events discussed in class, and any handout sheets of information.
The instructor retains the right to vary the scheduled calendar material to be covered each day according to the flow of lectures and class discussions. You will receive at least 2 days prior notice, in class and by AC email, of any change in Testing dates from the schedule below.
Aug. 27 Review syllabus and Homework Assignment instructions. Handout copies of "Types of World Economic and Governmental Systems" and review the definitions therein. Lecture Chapter 1, Democracy in the United States
Sept. 3 Chapter 2, Establishing aConstitutional Democracy AND Chapter 3, Federalism
Sept. 10 Test 1 over Chapters 1-3, handouts and current events discussed in class.
Sept. 17 Chapter 4, American Political Culture
Sept. 24 Chapter 5, Public Opinion AND Chapter 6 Individual Participation & Interest Group Participation
Oct. 1 Chapter 7 and Chapter 8, Political Parties
Oct. 8 Test over Chapters 4-8 and current events.
Oct. 15 Chapter 9, The Media and Chapter 10, Electing the President.
Oct. 22 Chapter 11 Choosing theCongress
Oct. 29 Chapter 12 The Congress and its Work
Nov. 5 Test over chapters 9-12. Begin Chapter. 13, The Presidency.
Nov. 12 Complete Chapter 13, and Chapter 14, The Bureaucracy, and Ch. 15, The Courts, and Chapter 16 Civil Liberties
Nov. 19 Test 4 over Chapters 13-16. Lecture on Chapter 17 Civil Rights.
Nov. 26 Chapter 18 Domestic Policy and Chapter 19 Economic Policy
Nov. 28 Thanksgiving
Dec. 3 . Test 5 over Chapters 17-19. Grade and go over Test 5 and review for Final Exam.
Dec. 10 Final Exam
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.
Any student, whether they have a disability or not, may tape the class lectures.
Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM