United States Government Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Course

GOVT-2305-DC002 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

 

Supplies

Phone or other smart device for electronic polling in the classroom and Internet access

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

Grade	A	B	C	D	F
Points	900-1000	800-899	700-799	600-699	0-599

 

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 treat each other with respect at all times. During class conversations be aware that students never know who may be in the room with them or what their life experience might be.

Students are expected to discuss problematic situations and issues regarding their course work with the instructor so that a plan can be put in place for the student's successful completion of the course.

Students are expected to read the material prior to coming to class so that they can participate in classroom discussions.

Students are expected to approach material with humility in recognition of the shortcomings of intellectual understanding.

Students are expected to come to class ready to discuss, and with the courage to speak up when asked by the instructor.

Students are expected to turn their assignments in on time, unless other arrangements have been made prior to the due date.

Grading Criteria

This is what you are graded on:

Grade Components

Component	Possible Points
Discussion Board	320 points
Weekly Quizzes	280 points
Research Papers	200 points
Midterm Exam	100 points
Final Exam	100 points
Total	1000 points

Attendance

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

Calendar

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).