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-2305-007 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Texts.

• Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer. New American Democracy (New York: Pearson Longman); Also entitled “Political Science”, Govt 2305 Amarillo College.
• Lawrence W. Reed. Excuse Me, Professor, Challenging the Myths of Progressivism (Regnery Publishing) This booklet is available on Amazon  and Kindle e-book and direct from the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE.org)

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

No performance information available

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

ATTENDENCE, CLASS PARTICIPATION AND CONDUCT

 

Students are required to attend class and be on time. Roll will be taken each class period. Students who are absent or tardy risk having points deducted from their final grade. Students who attend all classes and are not tardy will earn extra points on their final grade. Extra points may be also earned through class participation.

 

Cheating on examinations will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will be referred to the College administration for disciplinary action and receive an F (zero) on the examination. If you are planning a career in law enforcement, cheating could end your law enforcement career before it starts as most law enforcement agencies WILL NOT consider someone for employment who is not honest.

Essays listed below are contained in the book, Excuse Me, Professor, Challenging the Myths of Progressivism.

Grading Criteria

CHAPTER TESTS AND FINAL EXAM

 

            Chapter tests and the final exam will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. You will need a SCANTRON sheet for each chapter test and the final exam and a #2 pencil to mark your answers on the SCANTRON sheet. I will try to grade the chapter test immediately after the test and give you your grade at that time.

 

Grades will be awarded on the following percentages:

 

Chapter Tests                          15% X 4 = 60%

Excuse Me Essay Tests           8%  X 3 = 24%

Final Exam                              16%            16%         

Final Grade                                            100 %        

 

                     100 %        

Attendance

No attendance information available

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available