United States Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

GOVT-2305-009 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Fiorina: Pearson Custom Library, Political Science, Custom for Amarillo College, Boston, MA, Pearson Learning Solutions

Supplies

Notebook paper, pens and/or pencils, internet access, computer printer access, computer printer paper, and ink for printer.

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Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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\ 1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.

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\ 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.

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\ 3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.

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\ 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.

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\ 5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.

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\ 6. Analyze the election process.

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\ 7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens

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\ 8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

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\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Students are expected to comply with Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website. You may contact the instructor prior to the beginning of any class for questions regarding a deviation from these policies. \ \ Students are required to be "E-Free" during this class except for personal computers which may be utilized for note taking. Internet use on the personal computers during class is forbidden unless under the direction of the instructor. Anyone with a legitimate exception to the above may contact the instructor after class with their plea. \ \ 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

Exams: There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final examination. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. Exams are worth 30% of the final grade. The final exam in worth 20% of the final grade. Exams and the Final Examination will be online. The opening and closing dates for each exam will be announced by the instructor.

Makeup Exams: There are no makeup exams.

Ethical Dilemma Paper: Students will read an ethical dilemma assigned by the instructor. Individual due dates are determined by the instructor. In a one page single spaced typed paper, students will briefly identify and accurately describe the ethical dilemma. Students will use appropriate insights from two or more areas of study at AC to make connections and clarify the ethical dilemma. Students will recognize connections to their own personal values and rules, articulate the sources of their insights, and incorporate personal values in a reasoned response.  Do not include information from Wikipedia or any other web sites, articles, or books. Keep the length of your response to one page. The Ethical Dilemma Paper is worth one chapter test.

Class participation grade: Since some portion of the readings will be presented and discussed in class during virtually every class period, all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.  It is obviously impossible to add much to classroom discussion if you are absent, therefore, attendance is heavily considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  Class participation is 10% of the final grade. 

Chapter Quizzes: Prior to covering each chapter in class the students will be expected to take an online quiz covering the chapter. The quiz will be taken online. The quiz will open on Wednesday and remain open until Sunday at 11:00 pm. Each chapter quiz will be 15 questions with a 40 minute time limit. The students may use the reading material as a reference while taking the quiz. The Chapter Quizzes will be 15% of the final grade.

Chapter Tests: After each chapter the students will take a chapter test. The test will be online. The chapter test will open the day after the chapter is covered in class and will be open until Friday at 11:00 pm. Each chapter test will be 30 questions with a 40 minute time limit. The text and class notes may be used during the test. Chapter Tests will be 25% of the final grade.

Evaluation/Grade Scale
Grades for courses shall be recorded by the symbols below:

Symbol Percentage
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F below 60

Synopsis of Grading:

	Total
Exams	30%
Final Exam	20%
Class Participation Grade	10%
Chapter Quizzes	15%
Chapter Tests	25%
Total	100%

Attendance

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. 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

Additional Information

The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of the essential facts that government is based upon. They are presented in a framework to help the student organize and analyze the broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and their role in the political system.
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\ Our societies depend 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. But, a democratic republic depends on our willingness to subordinate ourselves to the interests of the common good is necessary to balance and control the power of government.
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\ The objective here is to present information to help students formulate their own views of government and to inform them of the political processes available to all citizenry. It is not our objective to convert a student to a particular political or partisan position, but to encourage them to grapple with the materials presented and engage in the assessments drawn from this work.