United States Government Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Hours

Since I am a part time instructor I do not have an office. We can meet on the phone or on Zoom if needed. Email me or call me at 806-421-6171 for a conference.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

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Course

GOVT-2305-020 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Course Overview

The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the structures, functions, and processes of American government and politics. Using the lens of elections and the permanent campaign, we explore the philosophical and historical roots of American politics, the three branches of government, and various political institutions like the media and political parties. We also emphasize the development of a strongly analytical approach, developing strong critical thinking skills. By the end of the course, students should have the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to be engaged citizens in the American polity.

We will also study the U.S. Constitution and the amendments to the U.S. Constitution to familiarize students with this document and its impact in U.S. government.

This course will also explore the differences between liberal progressive ideals and conservative capitalism ideals which seem to be part of today’s political climate.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • Explain how government and politics impacts your daily life;
  • Recognize and evaluate the basic debates and issues in American government and American political history;
  • Explain and critically assess the formal and informal political institutions, and their respective roles, in American politics;
  • Identify and describe the key functions of the three branches of government;
  • Assess the causes and consequences of different forms of political participation, and outline the ways in which individuals and groups can affect political outcomes in the United States; and
  • Define the “permanent campaign” and assess its importance in American politics.
  • Explain the major differences between progressive liberalism and conservative capitalism.
  • Explain the differences between the progressive and conservative philosophies

Required Texts.

  • Ken Kollman, The American Political System, 3rd edition; W.W. Norton Publishing; ISBN 978-0-393-28357-0; Available at the AC bookstore or online from the publisher.
  • 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

Students will need a scantron answer sheet and #2 pencil for each test.

Student Performance

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.

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

 

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

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

Grading Criteria

see below

Attendance

Perfect attendance and participation may result in extra points added to your final grade.

Calendar

US GOVERNMENT

 

CLASS SCHEDULE, Fall I, 2020

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND EXAMS

 

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND EXAMS

  1. August 24      Online Class Review of Class Procedures; Chapters 1-2; Essay #1 & Constitution PP#1
  2. August 26      In person class Chapters 3-4; Essay #2 & Constitution PP#2
  3. August 31      *Test Chapters 1-4;
  4. September 2   *Essays Test 1&2; Essays 3 & 4
  5. September 7   LABOR DAY NO CLASS!!!!!
  6. September 9   Chapters 5-6; Essay #5 & Constitution PP#3
  7. September 14 Chapters 7-8; Essay #6 & Constitution PP#4
  8. September 16 *Test Chapters 5-8; *Essays Test 3 & 4;
  9. September 21 Chapters 9-10; Essay #32 & Constitution PP#5
  10. September 23 Chapters 11-12; Essay #33 & Constitution PP#6
  11. September 28 *Test Chapters 9-12; *Essay Test 5,6,32,33;
  12. September 30 Chapters 13-14; Essays #37,38 & Constitution PP#7
  13. October 5        Chapters 15-17; Essays #45, 47 & Constitution PP#8
  14. October 7        *Test Chapters 13-17; *Essay Test 37,38, 45, 47
  15. October 12      Make up class; Review for Final Exam
  16. October 14     *Final Exam on Constitution PP lectures

            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.

Grades will be awarded on the following percentages:

Chapter Tests                          15% X 4 = 60%

Excuse Me Essay Tests            6% X 4 = 24%

Constitution Exam                  16%       =  16%          

Final Grade                                             100%

NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN BE PRESENT FOR ALL EXAMS!!!!!

Additional Information

You must wear a mask to each class meeting and while in the Moore County campus building.

Free masks will be available at the front desk.

Please view the Amarillo College Covid 19 policy on the AC website

Syllabus Created on:

08/18/20 7:09 PM

Last Edited on:

08/18/20 7:20 PM