United States Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

GOVT-2305-014 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REVEL for Government By the People, 2014 Elections and Updates Edition -- Access Card, 25th Edition

David B. Magleby,   Christine L. Nemacheck

ISBN-13 9780133951264

 

Pearson EBook Link:           https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/dqehzw

 

Supplies

E-Textbook listed above under “Textbooks”

Paper, pen/pencil

RELIABLE Internet Access

RELIABLE Computer Access

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the origin and development of the United States  constitution.
2. Describe the United State political structure and how it relates to individual states and institutions.
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 United States government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the United States.
6. Analyze the federal election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of the United States.

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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 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.

No sleeping or laying down on the desks during class.

Students are required to be "E-Free" during this class except for personal computers which may be utilized for note taking ONLY.  No game playing on the personal computers during class.  Internet use on the personal computers during class is forbidden unless under the direction of the instructor.  Use of the following (and any others which may not be either remembered by the instructor or invented at the time of this syllabus) is forbidden in this class:  ;ipods, mp3 players, iphones, blackberrys, ipads, cell phones of any kind and anything remotely close to these descriptions.  NO TEXTING, NO TWEETING, NO PHONE CALLS, NO MESSAGE CHECKING, NO CAMERA USE, NO NOTHING WITH YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING THIS CLASS.  ALL DEVICES MUST BE IN THE SILENT POSITION DURING CLASS TIME.  ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AWAITS THOSE WHO DISREGARD THIS POLICY.   All students are urged to enroll in the AC alert  notification located on the Amarillo College homepage.

Anyone with a legitimate exception to the above may contact the instructor after class with their plea.

Grading Criteria

Students will actively utilize their AC Online account to receive class assignments, class announcements and to contact the instructor.  Students without personal internet access are free to use the computer internet terminals in the Amarillo College Lynn Library located on the Washington Street Campus.

Grading Criteria:
90  – 100 = A

80   – 89  = B

70   -  79 = C

60  -   69 = D

Below 60 = F

Weekly textbook assignments:  35% of semester grade

Weekly internet assignments, Ethical Dilemma:    35% of semester grade

Attendance  AND  Class participation:  15% of semester grade

Final:  15% of semester grade

Make up work is is accepted at the discretion of the Instructor during specified times only.

Attendance

Both Attendance and Class Participation are vital.  This is not an on-line class although homework assignments will be completed on-line. 

There are 8 “in person” classes PLUS the Final that you must attend.You will receive an attendance grade for each of the 8 regular classroom meeting times. You must be present for at least 1 hour of the class to receive a grade other than a “0” for attending that particular class. 

Do not send the Instructor an email telling why you weren’t in class. There are no exceptions made for a “no-show”. 

If you choose not to attend classes yet choose to only complete the on-line assignments, you will be referred to the Dean of Behavioral Sciences for determination on whether or not to withdraw you from the course.

Required In-Person Class Attendance Dates –  All on Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m.  ( The Instructor Reserves the Right to Change Any Meeting Date.) 

August 24

August 31

September 14

October 5

October 19

November 2

November 16

November 30

 

Calendar

Additional Information

1. The Course Assignment Calendar is based on a “Wednesday through Tuesday” schedule.
2. Homework Assignments will open online at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesdays and will close at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
3. Late assignments will not be accepted EVEN IF YOUR INTERNET GOES OUT. 
4.  At the end of the course, the Instructor will allow the make-up of one assignment with the exception of the Ethical Dilemma.  The Instructor will advise when make up will occur.

Additional Information