United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

GOVT-2305-004 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

"Political Science" Pearson Custom Library edition, Pearson Learning Solutions, 501 Boylston St., Suite 900, Boston, MA 02116, Copyright 2013

Supplies

\ Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils and 4 green scantron forms (Form No. 882-E) for the exam.

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

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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                         Exam average will count one hundred (100) percent of the total grade.

                                             B = 80 - 89                           

                                             C = 70 - 79

                                             D = 60 - 69

                                             F = 59 or below

Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F.

Makeup Policy:Tests will be scheduled throughout the semester.  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.  Students must request a makeup exam if they miss a scheduled exam. Only one makeup exam will be scheduled for a missed exam (1, 2, or 3).  The instructor reserves the right to administer makeup exams in other forms.  There will be no makeup for missing the scheduled time for exam 4.  Early testing for exam 4 will be permitted.

Required Exams: There are four (4) exams during the semester and that includes the final exam. Exams will be one-hundred (100) percent of the grade and will consist of multiple choice and true or false questions over assigned chapters, study guide material, and lectures.  All exams require a scantron and a number 2 pencil, which may be purchased at the A.C. Bookstore.  Scantron will be                 available at the time of exams by the instructor for 25 cents.  Changing answers on a scantron must be completely erased or the response could be scored incorrect.

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve (12) assignments will be given over the course of the semester.  They will be issued in conjunction of the chapters covered in class.  Assignments are take-home and open book with assigned deadlines.  Returned assignments will be graded.  The ten (10) highest scores of the assignments completed will be averaged and may be used to replace the lowest grade of the four (4) required exams.  Failure to complete the assignments will have no affect on the required exam scores.  Assignments turned in past the deadline will have five (5) points deducted from the score.

Final Exam: The final exam will be exam four (4).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material, and class lectures presented after exam three (3).  Attendance for exam four (4) is mandatory.

Extra Credit: A student may earn twenty (20) additional points for writing four (4) letters to their  elected representatives in government to express an opinion or concern they have about an issue  in the government.  The issue must be related to the representative's area of government and  topics may not be duplicated to different representatives.  Student letters may be reviewed by college officials for other academic evaluations.  Also, students may substitute one letter by  showing a valid voter registration card to the instructor.  For additional details see the handout instructions from the instructor.  Extra credit will by the end of the 14th week of the semester.

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 through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F at the end of the semester.  Student attendance is recorded for reference as needed by college administrators for loans, grants and census information about students.
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Calendar

Additional Information

\ The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of the essential facts our national government is based upon. We present them in a framework to help you organize and analyze broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and your role in the political system.
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\ Our societies depend upon an informed and engaged citizenry that gives attention to the actions of our leaders. As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests. But, a democratic-republic depends on our willingness to subordinate ourselves to the interests of the common good which is necessary to balance and control the power of governments.
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\ The job of the instructor is to present this information to help students formulate their own views of government and to inform them of the political processes available to them.  It is not the job of the instructor 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.