United States Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

GOVT-2305-008 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

EBOOK:

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

• David B. Magleby, Brigham Young University
• Paul C. Light, New York University
• Christine L. Nemacheck, The College of William & Mary

*******Please register your ebook with the SAME NAME  under which you are registered in this class.  If you do not know how you are listed in this class, contact the registrar before registering your ebook.  If you do not use the same name, you will not receive credit for your textbook assignments.

Supplies

Ebook listed above under TEXTBOOKS

Reliable Internet 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 States political structure and how it relates to individual states and institutions.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of the United States government.
4. Demonstrate separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
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

1. 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.
2. Students must check their Amarillo College email box on a regular basis for emails from the instructor regarding the course. The instructor will notify students regarding any changes or updates in the course schedule in a timely fashion.  Failure to read emails will not excuse students from assignment changes.
3. Emailing the course instructor must be done from the Blackboard course email link in order to immediately show the instructor who you are and what course you are in. 

Grading Criteria

90 -100 = A

80 –  89 = B

70 – 79 =  C

60 – 69 =  D

Below 60 = F

 

Weekly On-Line Assignments = 45 % of semester grade

Weekly Pearson Ebook Assignments = 45 % of semester grade

Final = 10 % of semester grade

The making up of one assignment will be allowed late in the semester at the discretion of the instructor.   The instructor will announce the particulars via email to students.

Attendance

on line course

Calendar

Additional Information

REGULAR HOMEWORK SCHEDULE:

All weekly homework “begins”  or “opens” at 12:30 a.m. on the Mondays during our course.

All weekly homework “closes” and is due at midnight on the Sundays during our course.

Each week there will be a Pearson Ebook assignment PLUS an online assignment located via the Content link on your Course Home Page.

EXCUSES FOR NOT DOING WORK: 

Issues frequently arise for most of us during the course preventing us from submitting work. Chief among these are internet connection issues.  If for some reason you are not able to submit your work, please wait until the later part of the course to make the work up during the time period the instructor accepts late work.

HOW TO DO THIS COURSE:

Students must open their course announcements and read How To Do This Course.

INSTRUCTOR DISCRETION:

Your instructor reserves the right to edit this Syllabus but will notify students of any change without penalties assessed.