United States Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

GOVT-2305-004 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.

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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 conductive to learning one must be tolerant of different views, opinions, and perspectives from others.  Treat people as you would want them to treat you. 

Cell phones will be allowed in the classroom but only in 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.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:             A = 90 - 100         Exam average will consist of four (4) exams.

                                        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.

Required Exams: There will be four (4) exams during the semester, one exam every four weeks of the semester.  Each exam will consist of multiple choice and true and false questions taken from the assigned chapters, study guide material, and lectures.  Copies of the exams will be provided on each exam date.  All responses to exam questions must be scored on a green scantron (Form no.882-E) and turned in to the instructor with the exam copy.  Scantrons are available from the A.C. bookstore, from campus vending machines, and the instructor on exam days.

Makeup Policy: Exams will be scheduled throughout the semester approximately one exam every four (4) weeks.  Students must request a makeup exam if they miss a scheduled exam.  If you know in advance that you will not be able to take a scheduled exam, early exam times may be scheduled.  For unexpected absences makeup exams may be scheduled with the Testing Center at the instructor's discretion.  Only one makeup request will be permitted for missed exams 1, 2, and 3.  A makeup exam must be completed prior to the next scheduled exam.  The instructor reserves the option to administer makeup exams in other forms.  There will be no makeup for exam four (4).  Taking exam 4 early will be permitted.

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 unless students make prior arrangements with the instructor's approval.

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve (12) assignments will be made available during the semester.  All of the assignments will be take-home open book and made up of key term questions taken from the assigned chapters.  Three assignments will be due on each scheduled exam date.  Assignments submitted past their deadline will be graded, but five (5) points will be deducted from the score as a late penalty.  The ten (10) highest assignment scores will be averaged and the assignment average will be used to replace the lowest exam score.  Completing the assignments is optional and choosing not to do them will have no affect on a student's exam scores.  Students may submit completed assignments ahead of schedule.

Extra Credit: Students may earn twenty (20) additional points that can be added to their exam scores by writing four (4) letters to their elected or appointed representatives in any government (federal, state, or local) level.  The issue or topic of the letter must be related to the public official's authority or area of responsibility and the topics may not be duplicated to different officials.  One letter may be substituted by showing the instructor a valid voter registration card or proof thereof.  Extra credit letters and voter registration cards must be submitted by the end of the fourteenth (14th) week of the semester.  For additional details see extra credit instructions with the course information listings.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore it is the responsibility of each student to attend all classes.  Excellent attendance will be rewarded.  Students with two (2) or less absences during the semester will receive five (5) percentage points added to their final grade average at the end of the semester.  Students with three (3) to five (5) absences during the semester will receive three (3) percentage points added to their final grade average at the end of the semester, also.

Attendance will be taken for each class with an attendance roster to be signed by all students before leaving each class period.

Students are responsible for obtaining all class information and material covered for any absence.  The instructor will NOT give students copies of lecture notes or outlines due to absences.  Students who do not complete the required exams and do not formally drop the course prior to the official drop date through the Registrar's office could receive a failing grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of our national government and what it is based upon.  The material is presented in a framework to help the student organize and analyze the broad data necessary to formulate views and understanding about our government, politics, and their role in the national political system.  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 that is necessary to balance and control the power of government.

  It is not the instructor's objective to convert a student to a particular political or partisan position, but to encourage students to grapple with and engage in assessing the material to form their own position.