United States Government Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

GOVT-2305-DC001 United States Government

Prerequisites

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

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.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lineberry, Robert L., Martin P. Wattenberg and George C. Edwards, Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, Pearson

Primary Source Readers:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WIKE3G9nhV-z_-PMT9RsHevckE_9rwWO_eVjntPG7vk/edit?usp=sharing

Burkett, Christopher, 50 Core American Documents, Required Reading for Students, Teachers and Citizens. Ashbrook Press

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones have numerous problems with the Exams and Quizzes in this course. All students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet access when taking Exams and Quizzes.

Student Performance

1. Define and describe federalism and Intergovernmental Relations,the basis for federalism in the Constitution, and its changing character and development as well as explain other ways of organizing government.
2. Identify and explain the three branches of government in the U.S.
3. Explain the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors.
4. Identify and define the rights of U.S. citizens.
5. Explain the philosophical development-theoretical concepts of the state, government, limited government, democracy, and authoritarian government and demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each concept.
6. Explain the historical development of Constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the U.S. Constitution and the political system that has developed under that Constitution.
7. Explain the concepts of limited Government, protection of the individual through the limitation of government power, and explain how American government is limited through through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.

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.

During discussions in the course; students are expected to be professional and follow common curtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the debate can be heated; however, it is appropriate to attach a certain argument or point of view, but it is never appropriate to attach the person who is posting information with which you may disagree.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams/Grades.  There will be 6 major examinations/grades during the semester. Exams will be multiple choice and will cover both the readings and the lectures. The lowest of the 3 exam scores will be dropped.

Makeup or Retake Exams:  There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor and no retakes whatsoever.  If the student misses an exam/writing deadline it becomes the dropped exam, if student already has a missing exam then the student must arrange with the instructor to take an essay or alternate makeup exam/essay. No curve will be given to late exam takers.

Academic dishonesty:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated.  Some collaboration with other students on reviews or projects is acceptable; however, students must do their own work.  Papers which bear a striking resemblance to the work of other students will not be accepted. If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment.

Synopsis of Grading:

*all weighted equally*

• 3 Exam scores

• 1 Free Response Question

• Argumentative Essay

*1 submitted via Blackboard that is based off ethical dilemma*

• Participation Grade (Discussion Participation)

Total 100%

Attendance

The online US Government course will not have any on campus meetings. Students must log on to this course in ACOnline the first day of regular classes and follow the instructions for the course. If a student needs individual assistance they can contact me to work out the problems or schedule an appointment.

Calendar

Additional Information

There is a Start Here page under the Lessons Tab when you log in to the course. All students should read and understand ALL of the information that is contained on that Start Here page. This will save ALL students a lot of time and frustration.