United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-007 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

The required textbook is Fiorina, et. al., Political Science, custom edition for Amarillo College, 2013, Pearson Learning Solutions, taken from Fiorina, et. al, The New American Democracy, 7^th ed., 2011. Handouts of supplemental reading materials (brief papers, articles, etc.) may also be used from time to time.

Supplies

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Student Performance

Student Performance/Course Objectives: After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

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

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Grading Criteria

\ Grading Criteria/Grade Scale

\ Three semester exams, 60%; final exam, 25%

\ Written assignment, 5%

\ Class participation grade, 10%

\ Total 100%

\ Optional extra credit assignment (write a paper on an appropriate topic, do a project, attend public meetings and report on them, etc.—but see me first), up to 5%

\ The grading scale for this course, typical for Amarillo College, is as follows: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60

Attendance

\ Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Further information appears under Additional Information, “class participation grade.”

Calendar

Additional Information

Exams, participation, etc.

Exams. There will be three exams during the semester plus a final exam. Each semester exam is worth 20% of the final grade for a total of 60%. The final exam is comprehensive, worth 25% of your final grade, and almost all of it will be taken directly from the three semester exams.

All exam questions will be multiple choice, and each exam will include a short answer essay question for extra credit. Class discussion will parallel the readings, and normally, exam questions will come from those concepts or topics we’ve discussed in class. However, I reserve the right to include questions from the readings that we’ve not specifically discussed.

Makeup Exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with me. If you miss an exam without arranging with me in advance to take a makeup, should I decide to allow a makeup, there will be a 10 point deduction from your exam grade. It is your responsibility to contact me; I will not chase you down.

Written assignment. There will be a written assignment worth 5%. Details later.

Class participation grade. Class participation is 10% of the final grade and is, admittedly, my somewhat subjective assessment of the quality of your participation. Since some portion of the readings will be covered during every lecture and since the classroom experience is better when there is a dialogue (not to mention that I have no desire to do all of the talking), all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion. You can’t contribute if you’re not here, therefore, attendance will also be considered in the participation grade. Factors that will affect your participation grade other than attendance and actual participation in classroom discussion include disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise detrimental behavior.

Electronic devices. Ok, this is a good example of how laws are made; abuse by a few leads to rules for all. This is relatively new in my syllabus. If you must surf the ‘net, text, or otherwise utilize your gizmos for activities unrelated to class, please leave the room. I also reserve the right to kick you out and/or dock your participation grade.

Attendance again. This is college—your attendance is your responsibility. While it is possible to pass this course with a poor attendance record, my experience confirms that attendance is directly related to performance. Also, occasionally, the course schedule may change or an exam date may need to be shifted. It helps to know what’s going on.

Additional assistance. If you are having difficulty or if you have other concerns about the class, please contact me. I live and work (my regular job) in Dumas and am fairly flexible with regard to my availability to meet or chat.