United States Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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-DC007 United States Government

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Edwards III, George C, Martin P. Wattenberg, Robert Lineberry.  Government in America.  15th ed. 

Supplies

Notebook paper, pens, 2 inch 3 ring binder, 3x5 index cards, 1 pkg. dividers

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

\ 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

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College polices and procedures, as well as the policies and procedures of Ascencion Academy.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams. All exams and projects will constitute 60% of a six weeks grade.  Daily quizzes and group presentations will constitute 40% of a six weeks grade.

Makeup Exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor.

Notebook:  A notebook will be kept and graded each six weeks.

Group Presentations:  Each group wil lead a discussion on selected reading assignments approximately five times throughout the semester.  The purpose of these presentations will be to further assist each student in the class in the understanding of the assigned reading.  These presentations will be limited to no more than twenty minutes.  The format and type of the presentation is left to the group.

Attendance

Ascension Academy attendence requirements:   Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ 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.