United States Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Jeff Frazer (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

jcfrazer@actx.edu

Phone

Office Location

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.

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-DC001 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ MCclenaghan, William C. Magruder's American Government. Prentice Hall: 2003.

Supplies

\ Scantrons- (50 Question)

Student Performance

\ GOVT 2305

\ 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

Student 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

\ To the mature adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus. Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion. Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the institution. This is not junior high, elementary school, nor the Lad 'N' Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of them. In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are included as examples of behavior which may result in permanent expulsion from this class. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement. The instructor reserves the right to assign individual seating if necessary for order in the classroom.
\
\ Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:
\
\ 1.banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor

\ 2. sleeping, head on desk

\ 3. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means

\ 4. academic dishonesty in any form

\ 5. disruptive talking/visiting between students

\ 6. throwing paper wads or any other objects

\ 7. passing notes

\ 8. disrespect for fellow students

\ 9. doing homework related to this class or any other.

\ 10. wearing headphones

\ 11. moving from desk to desk, walking around room.

\ 12. disrespectful comments

\ 13. eating

\ 14. knitting, needlepoint, or any other arts and crafts.

\ 15. any other behavior detri-mental to the class

\ 16. Cell Phones—No Text!
\
\ Contrary to what you are probably now thinking, it is not my intention to design a class which is a prison camp for college students. I am in favor of having fun in class perhaps as much as anyone; however, it must not be at the expense of an environment conducive to learning.
\
\ 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.
\

Grading Criteria

Synopsis of Grading:
Major Test- 50%

Personal Responsibility and Social Responsibility Assignment- Choose one ethical dilemma from the supplied list and write a 2-page overview of how the dilemma should be addressed. Incorporate your personal values and the sources of your insight— 25%

Final Comprehensive Exam -25%

Make up work must be done within 5 days following an absence.

Attendance

\
\ Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Attendance counts heavily in determining the class participation grade as discussed below. Tardies count as one third of an absence and over 20 minutes tardy counts as an absence. Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy. Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence.
\

Calendar

\ There will be a major exam after each Unit. - 6 total

\ A comprehensive final exam will be administered to all students. It counts 25% of the Final Grade.

\ Unit One: Origins of Government and Political Thought (2 weeks)

\ Unit Two: The Constitution and the Role of Federalism (3 weeks)

\ Unit Three: Parties, the Media, and the Electoral Process (3 weeks

\ Unit Four: Political Structures—The Three Branches of Government (3 weeks)

\ \

\ Unit Five: Public Policy Making in the United States (3 weeks)

\ Unit Six: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (2 weeks)

\ Week 17 will be used as a review week for the Comprehensive Final Examination. Students will also write the 2 free-response questions which are a part of this Exam.

\ Week 18 is mandated as Final Examination Week. No new material is presented.

Additional Information

\ TBA

\ Mr. Frazer's Web Site:

\ http://teacherweb.com/TX/CaprockHigh/Frazer/

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on: