United States Government Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

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Recording Policy

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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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

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.

Administrative Drop Policy

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

Student Withdrawal Procedures

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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Course

GOVT-2305-017 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

We The People (15th Edition): An Introduction to American Government by Thomas E. Patterson, McGraw Hill 

Supplies

- Access to textbook 

- Notetaking supplies i.e. laptop, pen and paper, etc. 

- Access to Wi-Fi and laptop or desktop computer for Blackboard

Student Performance

1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States 

2. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice 

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system 

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government 

5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups and political parties in the political system and analyze the election process 

6. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens 

7. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics

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

Course Recording Policy 

Class Recording Policy: Students without approved accommodations are not permitted to record lectures in any format, including audio, video, or any other method, nor may they use speech-to-text or text-to-speech software to capture or transcribe the lecture. This policy also applies to recording the professor or fellow students. 

This policy is a deliberate instructional effort to provide students with a protected learning environment that is trustworthy and engaging. 

Expected Student Behavior  

- Student’s cell phones must be silenced and stored out of sight when not in use for course related activities (absent emergency or “good cause” at my discretion). 

- Air Pods or headphones of any type are not permitted in class unless the student receives accommodations from the institution or permission from me. 

- Food and drinks are allowed so long as they are not disruptive to other students (i.e. noisy or stinky). 

- Students are expected to demonstrate adequate communication with me on any issues they may have concerning the course, the course materials or assignments, or other students. 

- Students are expected to treat other students and myself with respect at all times and to avoid any behavior that may be disruptive to the learning environment. If groupwork is assigned, all group members are expected to actively and equally participate in a cooperative and positive manner. 

- Students are expected to turn assignments in on time unless exceptions are made by the institution or myself. 

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria 

10 points – Pop Quizzes & Group Assignments

15 points – Common Assessment

25 points - Exam One 

25 points - Exam Two  

25 points - Exam Three  

Total – 100 points  

Letter Grades: 

89+ = A 

79+ = B 

69+ = C 

59+ = D 

58 and below = F 

(Important Note: Any average .5 or above will be rounded up.) 

Exam Information: There will be three in-person exams throughout this 8-week course, held during class time as specified in the course schedule. The exams are not cumulative, meaning each exam will cover material up to the class before the exam (specific details will be provided on the course schedule below). The exams will include content presented in class, assigned reading material from your textbook, as well as supplemental material from Blackboard and lecture. 

Make-up Policy: All make-up exams must be arranged with the instructor.  If the student misses an exam, the student must arrange to take the exam within one week of the scheduled test date. There will be a 15% percent reduction of the overall grade on the exam for any student who does not have a documented, excused reason for missing the exam on the exam date. Make up exams will be taken in the Testing Center. 

Late Work: All assignments are due by the specified date and time indicated on the syllabus or assignment instructions. Late assignments will be accepted, but penalties will apply. Late submissions will receive a deduction of 10% of the total possible points per each day late. The maximum deduction for late submissions is 50% after 5 days. Late submissions due to documented medical issues, family emergencies, or other significant and justifiable reasons will be considered. You must contact me as soon as possible to discuss your situation and provide appropriate documentation. 

Extra Credit Opportunities:  

Students have the opportunity to earn extra credit throughout the 8-week semester, with a maximum of 5 extra points available for the course. While this may seem like a small amount, it could make the difference between an A and a B, or between passing and failing. Below are examples of ways students can earn extra credit, though I am open to additional suggestions. My goal is to encourage students to engage in both on-campus and off-campus events, build connections, and explore resources available at Amarillo College.

Please note, you must provide proof of attendance for any event or appointment to receive extra credit. I prefer that you submit this proof via Blackboard Messenger or as outlined below. All extra credit must be submitted by the designated deadline during the final week of class.

1 EC Point – Attending any of the Welcome Week Activities (January 13th - January 17th), you must submit proof of attendance via Blackboard messenger, this can include selfies, pictures with friends, a picture of the event itself, etc. 

Ongoing Extra Credit Opportunities (Worth 1 EC Unless Otherwise Stated):  

1 EC Point - Attending any activity sponsored by Amarillo College Student Life. Click Here for Information

1 EC Point - Meeting with your academic advisor before the conclusion of the semester, you can request they email me as your proof of attendance.  

1 EC Point – Visiting the Tutoring Center for my class, you can request they email me as your proof of attendance. Click Here for Information

5 EC Points (REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Taking a WTAMU Scheduled Campus Tour, you must submit proof of registration, a short paragraph detailing your experience and proof of attendance via Blackboard messenger, this can include selfies on campus, pictures with the tour guide, information packets, etc. You can register for a tour here: Click Here to Schedule A Campus Tour

Registering and attending any campus tour (in-state or out-of-state) throughout the course of the Spring I Semester can be submitted for extra credit. 

Attendance

As a college student, your attendance is an important expectation, especially given that you are investing in your education. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class, and excessive tardiness or leaving early may count as an absence. While attendance will be monitored through Watermark, it will not be factored into your course grade. Instead, random quizzes will be administered throughout the 8-week semester. These quizzes are designed to help you prepare for exams and assess your understanding of key concepts. 

In hybrid courses, attendance is particularly crucial to your success, as we only meet approximately 15 times during the semester. This makes it even more important that you prioritize attending class. If you miss a quiz, make-up opportunities will only be granted with a documented, valid reason for your absence. Ultimately, you are responsible for your attendance in this course. If you anticipate any challenges meeting this expectation, I encourage you to reach out to discuss possible accommodations and strategies to ensure your success. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Class Participation and Preparation 

Adequate participation and preparation ensure a student’s success in a course. As part of this expectation, student’s must complete their weekly reading assignments, attempt quizzes and assignments, participate in valuable and respectful discussions with their fellow students and myself, and sit for their exams. 

“Adequate” and “valuable” in the context of participation and preparation can be demonstrated most typically by a student adhering to the attendance policy, staying off their phone, paying attention in lecture, reading their assigned weekly materials and contributing meaningfully to daily in-class discussions. 

Additional Information 

The instructor reserves the right to change due dates as necessary if events call for it. This would be in the event of an emergency or other need (external or internal) that could hinder student success. 

Please be advised that course content, including discussions, is not reflective of institutional policy or posture. Rather, it is an ongoing conversation that may leave on one remark without finishing a sentence (due to limits on class time).