United States Government Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Instructor Information

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<p>323A, Byrd Hall</p>

Office Hours

By appointment

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2305-040 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

America: The User’s Manual - Second Edition

Benjamin R. Kantack, Lycoming College

Copyright Year: 2022

 

Supplies

Access to a computer and reliable internet.

Notebook and pen OR something else to take notes with.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes

  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
  • Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
  • Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
  • Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
  • Analyze the election process.
  • Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
  • Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.

Student Performance

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 expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

During discussions in the course students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the arguments presented can be challenging. In short, be respectful of other's opinions. When stating a claim, be prepared to defend it with evidence and facts.

Please never forget that we don't know who is in the room with us and what their experiences in life have been. That being said, all opinions that are voiced should always protect the safety of the learning environment for ALL students.

Grading Criteria

Attendance - 10%

Discussions - 20%

Assignments - 30%

Exams - 40%

 

Makeup exams and discussions at professor's discretion. 

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89.5

C = 70 - 79.5

D = 60 - 69.5

F = 0 - 59.5

Makeup exams and discussions at professor's discretion.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken in this course, and it is mandatory. Students who are not present could miss a discussion grade.

Calendar

Assignments Readings
Week 1 (Jan. 17th - 22)  
Jan. 17th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Chapters 1 and 2, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 1  
   
Week 2 (Jan. 23-29)  
Quiz Week 2 Chapters 3 and 4 America: The User's Manual
Discussion 2  
Test 1  
   
Week 3 (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)  
Quiz Week 3 Chapters 5 and 6, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 3  
   
Week 4 (Feb. 6-12)  
Quiz Week 4 Chapters 7 and 8, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 4  
Test 2  
   
Week 5 (Feb. 13-19)  
Quiz Week 5 Chapters 9 and 10, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 5  
   
Week 6 (Feb. 20-26)  
Quiz Week 6 Chapters 11 and 12, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 6  
Test 3  
   
Week 7 (Feb. 27-March 5)  
Quiz Week 7 Chapters 13, 14, and 15, America: The User's Manual
Discussion 7  
   
Week 8 (March 6-9)  
Test 4 (Final) No readings
   
Spring Break - March 13-19
Scheduled dates are subject to change. AC Connect Login: https://acconnect.actx.edu
 

Additional Information

The Instructor reserves the right to change dates and content around as necessary to meet the needs of the students and the curriculum.

Please be aware that this couse may contain adult subject matter.

Syllabus Created on:

01/12/23 4:42 PM

Last Edited on:

01/12/23 5:06 PM