United States Government Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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Course

GOVT-2305-DC009 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

American Government OpenStax  

 

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

1. Discuss the beginnings and evolution of constitutional democracy in the United States.  
2. Outline the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances, both in theory and in real-world application.  
3. Show understanding of the federal system.  
4. Exhibit familiarity with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. 
5. Assess the influence of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties within the political system, and examine the electoral process.  
6. Detail the rights and duties of citizens.  
7. Examine various issues and policies within U.S. politics.

Letter Grades:

A = 89+ 

B = 79+

C = 69+

D = 59+

F = 58 and below 

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

• Students are required to treat one another with respect at all times. During class discussions, it's important to remember that attendees may have diverse backgrounds and experiences that influence their perspectives.
• Students should address any challenging situations or issues related to their coursework with the instructor, allowing for the development of a plan that supports their successful completion of the course.
• Students are expected to read the assigned materials before class to actively engage in discussions.
• Students should approach the material with humility, acknowledging the limitations of their intellectual understanding.
• Students are encouraged to come to class prepared to discuss the topics and have the confidence to participate when called upon by the instructor.
• Students must submit their assignments on time unless alternative arrangements have been made prior to the due date.

Grading Criteria

Assignments - 30%

Quizzes - 20%

Exams - 40%

Discussions - 10%

Attendance

Students who do not participate in online discussions cannot receive participation credit for a classroom discussion. 

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor may adjust due dates if necessary due to emergencies or other factors that could impact student success. Additionally, course content and discussions do not represent the institution's official policies, as they are part of a continuous dialogue that may sometimes be cut short due to time constraints.