806-371-5193
Second floor of Dutton Hall, # 202J
Office Hours: I'm available in my office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:15-12:15, and by appointment.
If you email me, I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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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.
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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
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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
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GOVT-2305-004 United States Government
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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
On Campus Course
OpenStax Online American Government Textbook:
Available for download here:
https://openstax.org/details/books/american-government
American Government Simulation Code available for purchase in the AC Bookstore.
The simulation code is the only thing students need to purchase.
During the simulation, students will need access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones and Laptops will be used extensively. If you don't have access to a smartphone, I recommend getting a laptop from the bookstore on loan.
During all other ordinary class times, students will need to bring their engaging personalities, thoughtfulness, and creativity.
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".
Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.
During discussions in the course; students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. Students alone are responsible for making sure everything is done on-time.
During course discussions and the simulation, please be aware that no one ever knows who is in the room with them and what life experiences they've had. Therefore, it is incredibly important to be respectful and kind during discussions, and speak in a manner that will always protect the safety of the learning environment for ALL students.
A = 89 - 100
B = 79 - 88
C = 69 - 78
D = 59 - 68
F = 0 - 58
Assessment Average – 20%
Discussions Average – 30%
American Government Simulation - 30%
Course Paper – 20%
This on campus course will meet Monday thru Thursday. All coursework will take place in class on a daily basis. Readings will be available on Blackboard to prepare students for discussions.
Attendance is mandatory, and there will be incentives for attending regularly. Discussion grades, which comprise 30% of a student's overall grade, will be taken in class and at the discretion of the instructor, so it is vital to a student's grade that they are present in class.
In addition, our American Government Simulation will require your attendance. The simulation is based on an incentive system, and I will explain it the first several days of class.
If you need to be absent for a specific reason, please email through the Blackboard email system and let me know ahead of time if possible.
Due: September 24th
Discussions will be randomly selected as content and the simulation allow throughout the 8 week course.
Class Schedule
Week 1: Constitutional Democracy and Foundations, American Federalism
Week 2: Congress
Week 3: The Presidency
Phase 0 of Simulation
Assessment 1
Week 4: Bureaucracy
Phase 1 of Simulation
Week 5: Judiciary
Assessment 2
Phase 2 of Simulation
Week 6: Civil Rights
Phase 3 of Simulation
Week 7: American Political Landscape
Phase 4 of Simulation
Week 8: Assessment 3
Course Wrap-up
The Professor reserves the right to change this syllabus as necessary, or as situations submit themselves during our time together.
Because this class moves so quickly, it is incredibly important for each student to stay up to date on each of assignments and assessments, as well as be present in class. Attendance is an absolute necessity to success due to the high energy of the simulation itself. We will be experiencing the perplexing realities of American Government and Politics.
http://www.actx.edu
08/21/19 2:02 PM
08/21/19 2:03 PM