United States Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Course

GOVT-2305-DC006 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Farmer, Bresler, Friedrich, Karlesky, Stephenson and Turner.  American Government.Sixth Edition. Redding, CA, BVT Publishing, 2011.

Supplies

\ Paper, pens and #2 pencils..

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

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 polices and procedures, as well as the policies and procedures of Holy Cross Catholic Academy.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams. There will be weekly tests during the semester plus a final exam (Finals are scheduled December 18-21) Exams will be objective and essay and will cover both the readings and the lectures.  Six-week graades will be based on the weekly  tests,  notebook grade, and class participation.  Notebooks will be graded in accordance with the HCCA Student Handbook.

Makeup Exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor.

Synopsis of Grading

The three six-week grades and the semester exam grade are each 25% of the course grade,.

The  Amarillo College grading scale is:

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

7o-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

The HCCA grading scale is:

90 -- 100 =  A

80 --  89  =  B

75 -- 79  =  C

70  --  74  =  D

Below 70 = F

Attendance

\ Holy Cross Catholic Academy Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

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Additional Information

\ 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.