Spring 2017
Angelina CollegeLiberal Arts Division
Government 2305 Federal Government
General Syllabus
A Thought for Our Course- “A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.” Barbara Jordan
BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course is a survey of the origin and development of the United States Government which will include the U.S. Constitution and the functions of government. Study will include acquiring knowledge of the powers and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial institutions. Key concepts will include, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political socialization, political parties, interest groups,elections, media and assessment ofpublic policy formation.
B. INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course will meet the certification requirement for prospective teachers, as required by Texas law. Required of all students seeking an Associate in Arts or Science degree or who plan to transfer to a four year school.
C. Instructor:Olivia Wilson
Office Location: Social Behavioral Sciences Building 202H
Office Hours: M-Thu 2-4pm and Fri 9-11am
Phone: 936-633-3234
E-mail Address:
Address: Angelina College Liberal Arts Division
P.O Box 1768
Lufkin, Texas 75902-1768
Fax: 936-633-5269
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking Skills to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation and synthesis
2. Communication Skills to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through
written, oral and visual communication.
3. Social Responsibility to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to
engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
4. Personal Responsibility to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical
decision-making.
B. Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Lower-Division Academic Course Guide manual)
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system. 3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
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. 6. Analyze the election process.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES :
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives:
1. Critical Thinking Skills—Students will answer four (4) questions regarding Critical Thinking skills. Each question has an appropriate answer.
2. Communication Skills—Students will answer four (4) questions regarding Communication skills. Each question has an appropriate answer.
3. Social Responsibility— Students will answer four (4) questions regarding Social Responsibility. Each question has an appropriate answer.
4. Personal Responsibility—After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, students write a brief paper called “Personal Responsibility Agreement”. Students will answer four (4) questions regarding Personal Responsibility. Each question has an appropriate answer.The paper will also include student’s agreementconcerning course expectations, rules and consequences. (Assignment attached—Addendum 1)
B. Assessments for the Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States: U.S. Constitution is covered in a series of lectures, focused discussions, assigned reading, assignments, and an exam.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system: covered in a series of lectures, assignments and an exam.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice by written discussions on the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Material will be assessed by an exam.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government: covered in a series of lectures and focused discussions on the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Material will be covered on an exam.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system: covered in a series of lectures and focused discussions. There will be assigned reading and an exam.
6. Analyze the election process: covered in a series of lectures and focused discussions. There will be assigned reading, and an exam.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens: covered in a series of lectures and focused discussions. There will be assigned reading and an exam.
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics: Current events including issues and policies are covered throughout each section of the course.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: Methodologies that are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) lecture, focused discussion, responsive assignments, review questions and response to media / visual presentations. All assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Assignment submission and exams must be submitted through Blackboard as outlined by the instructor.Assignment / exam submission due dates will be specified with date and time.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbook and Recommended Readings, Materials, and Equipment. Text: “American Government Roots and Reform” (with REVEL Access Code)Pearson ISBN-13-978 – 0- 13- 460039-0
B. Course Policies: This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.
1. Academic Assistance—"Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Sellestine Hunt Associate Dean of Student Services, Student Center, Room 200. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Hunt will assist you with the necessary information to do so. To report any complaints of discrimination related to disability, you should contact Mr. Steve Hudman, Dean of Student Affairs, in Student Center, Room 101,(936) 633-5292or by .
2. Attendance—Attendance is required by the college. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences may be reported to Angelina College for possible dismissal from class; (4) cumulative absences may be judged as excessive absences from the class and the student may be dropped from the class. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course. A student must officially drop a class or risk receiving an “F” in the course.
3. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor. Students should note that these expectations should be included in the instructor / student agreement assignment for this course.
Students will use the course message system to communicate with instructor
Students will complete reading assignments.
Students will prepare course notes to summarize points and facilitate positive learning outcomes.
Students will get the textbook and read it to prepare for course work and exams.
Students will follow the course TIMELINE posted on their page to submit assignments and course activities as listed on the TIMELINE.
Students will commit to academic integrity, ethical behavior and personal responsibility.
Assignments–Assignments will be due on the date / time specified by the instructor. Arrangements can be made to submit assignments early. A course Timeline with all assignments and exam dates is provided. Late assignments will not be accepted. The student is responsible for ensuring the assignment is submitted to the instructor no later than the due date and time. Failure to do so will result in a “0”for the exam or assignment grade.
Academic Integrity- Student conduct concerning assignments and exams are expected to meet the highest standard of academic integrity. If a violation is confirmed, various consequences may result as most appropriate. The student may be required to re-submit a new assignment, take a new exam or receive a zero for the exam / assignment. Violations deemed serious by the instructor may result in the student receiving an “F”for the course. Academic honesty is essential. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Dishonesty such as - cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a better grade on an exam (cell phones or website, etc.) (2) copying/pasting excessive amounts of information for writing assignments (3) using unacceptable materials on assignments, or omitting appropriate citations, and/or (4) helping or attempting to help another individual in an act of cheating or plagiarism. Computerized exams will be submitted after one attempt. The student must ensure that the internet connection is reliable and secure. There will be no opportunity to begin an exam, exit and re-enter. Should there be an irregularity with an exam, the instructor will determine the appropriate manner of assessing the submission attempt.
Plagiarism is presenting the words, works or ideas of another person as one’s own work. Examples of plagiarism include: (1) submitting an assignment which is the work of another; (2) submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained from another source; and (3) inserting the words or ideas of an author into one's paper without giving the author due credit (4) altering another’s work in any way in order to submit it as one’s own. (5) “copy/paste”insertions which exceed what the instructor determines is an acceptable percentage of the submission.
Communications: Communication concerning a student’s grade or progress in the course will remain between the instructor and the student enrolled in the course. Requests for information concerning distance students should be submitted through the Distance Learning Office. By law, the instructor cannot share grades or course progress information with unauthorized individuals.
Course Schedule DateTopicsModule 1- 260pts / Jan 17 – Feb 9
Assigned Reading / Chapter 1 –Roots. Context and Culture
10pts / Pearson Assignment1/24/17 / REVEL Chapter 1
100pts / Assignment1/26/17 / Student Agreement
Assigned Reading / Chapter 10 - Public Opinion / Political Socialization
10pts / Pearson Assignment2/1/17 / REVEL Chapter 10
Assigned Reading / Chapter 16- Public Policy
10pts / Pearson Assignment2/3/17 / REVEL Chapter 16Public Policy
40pts / Discussion 2/8/17 / Discussion: Citizenship
50pts / Exam I Feb 9
Module 2- 130pts / Feb 10 – March 2
Assigned Reading / Chapter 2 – The Constitution
50pts / Assignment 2//14/2017 / Constitutional Search
10pts / Pearson Assignment2/16/17 / REVEL Chapter 2
Assigned Reading / Chapter 3 - Federalism
10pts / Pearson Assignment2/21/17 / REVEL Chapter 3
Assigned Reading / Chapter 9 – The Supreme Court
10pts / Pearson Assignment2/23/17 / REVEL Chapter 9
40pts / Discussion 3/9/17 / Discussion: The Constitution: The Bill of Rights
50pts / Exam II March 2
Module 3- 160pts / March 3 – April 6
Assigned Reading / Chapter 4- Civil Liberties
10pts / Pearson Assignment3/7/17 / REVEL Chapter 4
Assigned Reading / Chapter 5 - Civil Rights
10pts / Pearson Assignment3/21/17 / REVEL Chapter 5
40pts / Discussion 3/27/17 / Assignment: Civil Rights
Assigned Reading / Chapter 14- Media
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/3/17 / REVEL Chapter 14- Media
40pts / Discussion 4/5/17 / Discussion: Impact of the Media
50pts / Exam III April 6
Module 4- 190pts / April 7 – April 26
30pts / Assignment4/12/17 / Know Your Representatives
Assigned Reading / Chapter 6 – Congress
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/13/17 / REVEL Chapter 6 Congress
Assigned Reading / Chapter 15 Interest Groups
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/17/17 / REVEL Chapter 15
Assigned Reading / Chapter 7 – The Presidency
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/19/17 / REVEL Chapter 7
40pts / Discussion 4/20/17 / Discussion: Washington and the Presidency
Assigned Reading / Chapter 11 Political Parties
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/24/17 / REVEL Chapter 11 Political Parties
50pts / Exam IV April 26
Module 5 – 260 pts / April 27 - May 9
Assigned Reading / Chapter 12 – Campaigns / Elections
10pts / Pearson Assignment4/28 / REVEL Chapter 12 Campaigns / Elections
Assigned Reading / Chapter 8 The Federal Bureaucracy
10pts / Pearson Assignment5/2 / REVEL Chapter 8 The Federal Bureaucracy
200pts / FINAL / Final ExamMay
Instructor may alter Timeline at her discretion with posted updates
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:Grades will be determined by total points earned through submission of course agreement and responsibility assignment, writing assignments, REVEL assignments, four (4) exams andthe final exam. Assignments are submitted through the appropriate Blackboard portal as provided by the instructor. The final exam must be completed in an Angelina College Testing Center or another testing center can be used with prior instructor approval. Proctor U is a third option for completing the final exam. Please note Proctor U requires students pay a fee. Students using Proctor U must inform the instructor two weeks prior to the final exam. Course Gradeis earned by assessment of the following within a point accumulation system:
- Writing Assignment on Course Agreement –100 points
- Writing / REVEL Assignments =500 total points
- (4) Exams (50 points each) = 200total points
- Final Exam = 200 points
Determination of Final Grade with accumulated points is as follows:
Mastery of Content- 900 points and above = A
Development-899- 800 points =B
Introductory -799 –700 points =C
Low Level –699 –600points =D
599points –below = F
The instructor may modify specific provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance of changes through the Blackboard message system.
Addendum 1
Writing Assignment: Student Agreement
The Student Agreement Assignment should be a paper that affirms understanding of course requirements and agreement to meet instructor expectations. The paper should be written after course orientation and a thorough review of the course syllabus.This agreement addressesPersonalResponsibility.After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, the student writes a paper called “Student Agreement”.The paper should include a discussion of student's agreement concerning course expectations, rules and consequences.The papermust be CLEARLY organized in the following manner.
I: Introductory Biographical Paragraph— This should be a biographical sketch, college experience, and future goals.
II: Course Agreement Paragraph--After review of the syllabus and Course Orientation this should be an explanation ofunderstandingof the requirementsandthepurpose of the requirements. There must a discussion of ALL the following:
1.Paraphrase rules regarding Collusion, Copying, Plagiarism, Cut /Paste, Quotations without quotation marks, and cheating in any manner.
2. Paraphrase rules regarding exam / test submissions and written work, including due dates, time frames, and secureinternetconnections.
3.Paraphrase rules regarding respect for peers and instructor, including use of electronic devices (when and where use is appropriate), working on assignments for other classes, absences, and late work / entry.
III: Conclude with a paragraph on *Personal Responsibility in course conduct within today’s society.Close with a discussion on the purpose of rules and consequences for the absence of rules. What are the possible effects for other students when some students choose to disregard rules?Offer viewpoints on why these issues are so prevalent in today’s college course work. What can be done to address cheating and respect issues>
A mastery level submission will include the following:
_____ Minimum word count 1000 words
_____ File format isdoc, rich text orpdfformat– (nogoogledocs please)
_____ Use of standard, appropriate, college-level English.
_____ Accurate spelling, grammar
_____ Submitted to Blackboard Assignment Portal before due date / time as noted on /courseTimeline.
Percentage of grade:The project is worth (10%) of the semester grade.
1