United States Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

GOVT-2305-002 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

Farmer, Brian, Robert Bresler, Robert J. Friedrich, Joseph J. Karlesky, D. Grier Stephenson, Jr., and Charles C. Turner. American Government. Seventh Edition. Redding, CA: 2013. (Bundled with required access code)

Ladd, Everett C., Serow, Ann G.  The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity. Fifth Edition. Baltimore, MD: 2011

Supplies

Spiral notebook, pens or pencils, and/or something you can take notes with. (Tablets are acceptable, as well as laptops)  

Student Performance

Student performance will be graded based on participation in discussions, productivity on reading quizzes, a comprehensive final at the end of the semester, and daily assignments.

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

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.  If you are going to miss a day of class, please inform me one class time ahead of time unless it is a personal emergency.  There are some special circumstances which it is impossible to foresee, so when they occur, please communicate with me about any difficulties or problems with attendance that you’re having as a result.  

Grading Criteria

• Reading quizzes are available online, with due dates as posted in the syllabus. These reading quizzes will comprise 30% of your overall grade.
• Daily grades are based on participation and engagement in class discussions, and will comprise 20% of your overall grade.
• The Final Exam is presented and provided to students on the next to last class day of school, with advanced knowledge of its contents, and will comprise 50% of the overall grade.
• Any make-up work needs to be approved ahead of time by me.
• A – 100-89.5%
• B – 80-79.5%
• C – 70-69.5%
• D – 60-59.5%
• F – Anything below 59.4%

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory unless cleared ahead of time by the instructor.  Once again, I understand that there are times when attendance is simply not possible, but communication needs to be open and shared between student and teacher on these types of issues.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or calendar if necessary.