United States Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Pearson Custom Library:  Political Science, GOVT 2305, Amarillo College,  Taken from Fiorina: New American Democracy, 7^th edition. Custom Textbook for Amarillo College

Supplies

\ Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils and 4 green scantron forms (Form No. 882-E) for the exam.  Students will also need a computer with internet access, working printer, printer paper and ink.

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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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 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
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 59 or Below

Exam scores will be added together and averaged for a final grade.  Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course by the required drop date through the Registrar's Office will receive their standing grade or F.

Makeup Policy:  Exams will be scheduled throughout the term.  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. Due to the short time frame of the term, only one makeup request will be granted per student.  No makeup exam will be granted after the final exam. The instructor reserves the right to administer makeup exams in other forms. 

Required Exams:  There will be three (3) exams during the term 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 class room lectures.  All exams require a scantron and a number 2 pencil, which may be purchased at the A.C. Bookstore. 

Assignments:  Nine (9) assignments will be offered to each student during the summer term. They will be issued in conjunction of the textbook chapters covered in class. They are take-home and open book assignments with completion deadlines that will be announced in class.  Completed assignments will be graded and averaged near the end of the summer term. The assignment average may be used to replace the lowest exam grade scored by a student during the summer term.  Assignments turned in past the deadline will have five (5) pints deducted from the score.  Not completing the assignments will have no affect on the scores received from the required exams.

Final Exam:  The final exam will be exam three (3).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material and class lectures presented after exam two (2).  Attendance for exam three is mandatory. 

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.  An attendance roster will be available to document student attendance for administrative purposes.
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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. The information is presented in a format to help you organize and analyze broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and your role in this system.

Our society depends 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. However, a democratic-republic depends on our willingness to subordinate our personal interests for the common good of our country in order to balance and control the power of our government.  It is not my purpose 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.