United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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.

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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

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Course

GOVT-2305-002 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,  Custom Ed. 2013 for Amarillo College.

Supplies

Paper, pens and pencils. Six (6) Form # 882-E scantrons. Plus access to keyboard and printer for typed assignments, and to Internet link for research assignments.

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 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

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

Course Ethics: At Amarillo college there are serious academic penalties for any unethical conduct on the part of any student. The policy and penalty for various conduct is stated in the general Catalog.

Grading Criteria

If your raw score on any homework, test, or final exam includes a decimal amount, it will be rounded off to the nearest whole number. A minimum raw semester score of 60 is required to pass this course with a D.

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

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

The Final Exam grade (Mandatory for all students unless exempted) will constitute 15% of your semester grade.

Attendance at class will constitute 5% of your grade.

To be Exempt from the Final Exam you must meet ALL Three (3) of the following criteria: (in which case your chapter test average will count 75%, not 60% of your semester grade).

1.) Have missed 3 or less days of class. 2.) Average of 4 highest tests is 90 or above and you actually took all 5 tests. 3.) All homework was turned in on time and you received at least a 90 on each assignment.

MAKE-UP TESTS: If you miss a Chapter Test, this will be the one (lowest) grade you get to drop, unless you give to the instructor proof of dire circumstances that prevented your taking the test with the rest of the class. Ifyou are allowed to take a make-up test, you will take a different form of the test.  The Instructor does not have the authority to allow you to take the Final Exam at other than the scheduled time. Permission for that must come from the Department Chair.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required for satisfactory achievement in this class. Attendance shall be taken at each class meeting. GOOD CLASS NOTES ARE CRITICAL AS STUDENTS WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INSTRUCTOR'S LECTURE NOTES. Making a friend in class who can take notes when you must miss class is necessary. The Instructor will post under "content," at the site for this class, a Chapter Outlines for Student Note Taking for each chapter to assist you in taking good notes on class Lectures.  Print these off and bring them to class.

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.

HOWEVER, any student, whether they have a disability or not, may tape the class lectures.