United States Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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.

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Course

GOVT-2305-003 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Edwards, Georce C., Wattenberg, Martin P., Lineberry, Robert L. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy. Seventeenth Edition. Boston, MA: 2015

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

Supplies

Chromebooks, 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, as well as Statecraft simulation, and will comprise 20% of your overall grade.  Discussion grading rubrics will be provided to students.
• The Final Exam is presented and provided to students during the second month of the semester, and expected on its due date and no later.  Final exam grading rubric will be provided to students. The final exam will comprise 50% of your 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.