Spring 2018
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. This course is required of all students seeking an Associate Degree in Arts or Science or who plan to transfer to a four- year school.
C. Instructor:Olivia Wilson
Office Location: Social Behavioral Sciences Building 202H
Office Hours: By Appointment
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 review Course Modules and provide a series of writing assignments.
2. Communication Skills—Students will review Course Modules and provide a series of writing assignments.
3. Social Responsibility— Studentssubmit a writing assignment designed to assessment social awareness.
4. Personal Responsibility—After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, students write a brief paper called “Personal Responsibility Agreement. 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: The U.S. Constitution is covered in a series of focused discussions, assigned reading, assignments, and an exam.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system: covered in a series of 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 writing assignments 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 writing assignments. There will be assigned reading and an exam.
6. Analyze the election process: covered in assigned reading, writing and an exam.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens: covered in a series of assigned writing. 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) writing assignments formatted as focused discussion, responsive assignments, review questions, journal entriesand 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. Assignment submission must be before 9:00pm EST for all assignments
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbook and Recommended Readings, Materials, and Equipment. Text: “American Government Roots and Reform” 13th Edition (with REVEL Access Code)2016 Presidential Election Edition; Pearson ISBN- ISBN - 0134535677
B. Course Policies: This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.
1. 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 Mr. Steve Hudman, Dean of Student Affairs, in Student Center, Room 101. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Mr. Hudman 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. These expectations should be included in the instructor / student agreement assignment for this course.
Students are expected to use the message system on the Blackboard page to communicate with the instructor.
Students are expected to complete reading assignments.
Students are expected to prepare course notes to summarize points and facilitate positive learning outcomes.
Students are expected to purchase the textbook and access code to prepare for course work and exams.
Students are expected to follow the course ASSIGNMENT TIMELINE posted on their page to submit assignments and course activities as listedon the TIMELINE.
Students are expected to 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. Since a course timeline with all assignments and exam dates is provided, late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments should be sent through Blackboard, using the assignment portal as indicated. Student are responsible for ensuring their assignment is submitted through Blackboardto the instructor no later than the due date and time (9:00pm) specified on the Timeline. A score of “0”will be given for failure to submit assignments or exams in the requested format and location.
Academic Integrity-The Instructor expects student conduct concerning assignments and exams to meet the highest standard of academic integrity. If a violation is confirmed for an assignment or exam, various consequences may result as most appropriate. The student may be required to re-submit a new assignment, take a new exam, receive a “0”for the assignment or receive a zero for the exam. 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.
VI. DateTopicsModule 1 / Jan 16- Feb 14
Assigned Reading Text / Chapter 1 –Roots. Context and Culture
42 pts / Assignment 1/29/18 / Student Agreement Writing Assignment
100pts / Pearson Assignment1/30/18 / REVEL Chapter 1
Assigned Reading / Chapter 10 - Public Opinion / Political Socialization
60 pts / Pearson Assignment2/1/18 / REVEL Chapter 10
Assigned Reading / Chapter 15- Public Policy
60 pts / Pearson Assignment2/6/18 / REVEL Chapter 15Public Policy
50pts / Discussion 2/9/18 / Discussion: Citizenship
Exam Journal Entries 2/12/18
50pts / Exam I Feb 15
Module 2 / Feb 15- March 5
Assigned Reading / Chapter 2 – The Constitution
75 pts / Pearson Assignment2/19/18 / REVEL Chapter 2
100pts / Assignment 2/20/2018 / Constitutional Search
Assigned Reading / Chapter 3 - Federalism
45 pts / Pearson Assignment2/22/2018 / REVEL Chapter 3
Assigned Reading / Chapter 9 – The Supreme Court
60 pts / Pearson Assignment2/28/2018 / REVEL Chapter 9
50pts / Discussion 3/1/2018 / Discussion:The Constitution: The Bill of Rights
Exam Journal Entries 3/2/2018
50pts / Exam II March 6
Module 3 / March 6- April 2
Assigned Reading / Chapter 4- Civil Liberties
75 pts / Pearson Assignment3/9/2018 / REVEL Chapter 4
Assigned Reading / Chapter 5 - Civil Rights
60 pts / Pearson Assignment3/21/2018 / REVEL Chapter 5
50pts / Discussion 3/23/2018 / Civil Rights
Assigned Reading / Chapter 13- Media
57 pts / Pearson Assignment3/27/2017 / REVEL Chapter 13- Media
Exam Journal Entries 3/30/2018
50pts / Exam III April 3
Module 4 / April 3- April 26
100pts / Assignment4/ 5/2018 / Know Your Representatives
Assigned Reading / Chapter 6 – Congress
75 pts / Pearson Assignment4/9/2018 / REVEL Chapter 6 Congress
Assigned Reading / Chapter 14 Interest Groups
45 pts / Pearson Assignment4/12/2018 / REVEL Chapter 14
Assigned Reading / Chapter 7 – The Presidency
75 pts / Pearson Assignment4/17/2018 / REVEL Chapter 7
50pts / Discussion 4/19/2018 / Discussion: Washington and the Presidency
Assigned Reading / Chapter 11 Political Parties
63 pts / Pearson Assignment4/20/2018 / REVEL Chapter 11 Political Parties
Exam Journal Entries 4/23/2018
50pts / Exam IV April 26
Module 5 / April 27– May 3
Assigned Reading / Chapter 12 – Campaigns / Elections
54 pts / Pearson Assignment5/1/2018 / REVEL Chapter 12 Campaigns / Elections
Assigned Reading / Chapter 8 The Federal Bureaucracy
60 pts / Pearson Assignment5/3/2018 / REVEL Chapter 8 The Federal Bureaucracy
200pts / FINAL / Final Exams begin May 6
Instructor may alter Timeline at her discretionwith posted updates
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING: Grades will be determined by total points earned through submission of the student agreement, REVEL assignments, Review Journal Entries, Discussions, Exams and a comprehensive final exam. Assignments are submitted through the appropriate Blackboard portal as provided by the instructor. Email submissions are not acceptable. 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 Grade is earned by assessment of the following within a point accumulation system worth 2000 points:
- Student Agreement Writing Assignment–100 points
- REVEL Assignments (15) = 900 total points
- Final Review Journal Entries(20) = 200 points
- Discussions (4) –200 points
- Other Assignments - 200
- (4) Exams (50 points each) = 200 total points
- Comprehensive Final Exam = 200 points
Determination of Final Grade with accumulated points is as follows:
Mastery of Content- 1800 points and above = A
Development-1600- 1799 points =B
Introductory -1400 –1599 points =C
Low Level –1200 –1399 points =D
1199 points –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 Writing Assignment affirms agreement to the course requirements and understanding of course expectations. This assignment is a paper, written after a thorough review of the course syllabus and Orientation materials.This agreement involves accepting PersonalResponsibility for time and effort needed to be successful in our course.After reading the “Getting Started Section”, course syllabus, and Assignment Timeline,write a paper called “Student Agreement”.The paper should include a discussion of the course expectations, rules and consequencesas appropriate.The papermust be CLEARLY organized in the following manner.
I: Introductory Biographical Paragraph— This should be a biographical sketch. Write about your college experience, successes, challenges and future goals. Explain your philosophy of education and its value to you personally.
II: Course Agreement Paragraph--After review of the syllabus and Course Orientation materials this should be an explanation ofyour understandingof 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, periods, and secure internet connections.
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.
4. Please include your personal HONOR STATEMENT, of your intention to behave with academic integrity,
III: Conclude with a paragraph on *Personal Responsibility in college course work within today’s society.Close with a discussion on the purpose of rules and consequences and the result of an absence of rules.
How have the use of websites and advice from other students contributed to the learning environment?
Is it true that today’s student only needs a smart phone and internet access to “look up” answers so studying is no longer required?
What are the possible effects for other students when some students choose to disregardrules or cheat to getting a passing grade?
Offer your personal views on why unethical behavior and cheating is so common 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 and grammar
The assignment will be posted on our course page under ASSIGNMENTS and must submitted as requested before the due date. The Student Agreement Assignment is worth 100 points.
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