1 American Government/Texas Politics Fall 2011 Course: GOVT 2301 Instructor: Rhonda J. Miller Class Meeting: Sec. 4011: TR 9:30 – 10:50 AM; Room N222 Sec. 4014: TR 11 – 12:20PM; Room N222 Sec. 4017: TR 2- 3:20PM; Room N222 Office/Mailbox: Social Science Office: G237/C201 Division Phone: 972-860-7156 E-mail Address: [email protected] Required Textbooks: American Government: Roots & Reform Karen O’Connor, Larry Sabato, et.al., 2011 Texas Edition A People’ History of the United States, Howard Zinn 2003 Edition Course Description American Government 2301 is designed to introduce the student to the American and Texas political processes. The course will focus on the origin and development of constitutional democracy, federalism and intergovernmental relations, local government, politics and political behavior. A historical perspective will be provided to help students understand the context for the development of our system of government and identify the central issues that define American democracy. Course Objectives & Outcomes The objective of this course is to produce well informed citizens who are empowered to participate in the American democratic process at the national, state and local levels. At the end of the course, students will: 1) understand the development of the U.S. & Texas constitutions and the amendment process; 2) understand the concepts of civil liberties and civil rights; 3) understand the structure of the U.S. & Texas governments; 4) understand the electoral process; and understand the relationship between states and the national government. Class Format This course is designed to be interactive; therefore active class participation is expected and required. Lectures will be limited. Class discussions will be based on informed conversation about assigned readings and questions. Therefore, all assigned reading must be done prior to each class meeting. (Follow the class schedule). If you do not like to read, transfer to another American Government class. Because a great deal of critical information will be covered, students are encouraged to report to class on time, attend all scheduled classes, and complete assignments on time. NO LAPTOPS ARE ALLOWED FOR USE IN CLASS. TURN OFF CELL PHONES & PAGERS DURING CLASS AND DURING EXAMS. If you must take a call, please leave the classroom, as it is rude and distracting to answer the phone during a lecture, film or class discussion. Course Requirements Students will be graded as follows: Three exams (including the final). Any exam missed will be given a grade of “F.”2 Exams: Three (3) exams will be given on the following dates: September 29; November 3; and December 13 or 15 TBA (FINAL EXAM). Make-up exams will not be given. Regular participation in class will be taken into consideration when computing final grades. Keep in mind that you cannot earn an “A” if you do not READ and intelligently participate. Grading Scale: A = 90 -100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 59 & below Students are required to know the names of the following office holders: 1) their Congressional representatives in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate; 2) their Governor and Mayor/City Manager; and of course 3) the President and Vice president of the U.S. Useful Websites 1) www.firstgov.gov 4) www.senate.gov 7) www.factcheck.org 2) www.thomas.loc.gov 5) www.house.gov 3) www.statelocalgov.gov 6) www.whitehouse.gov Commentary & Analysis 1) www.truthout.org 2) www.theblackcommentator.com Regular attendance is required. Multiple absences will guarantee and “F” for the course. If you cannot attend 90% of the scheduled class meetings, you may want to consider dropping the course. If you will miss class due to observance of a religious holy day, you must notify the instructor one week in advance. Please refer to the student obligations section of the college catalogue for more explanation. You are required to complete any assignments or take any examinations missed as a result of this absence within the time frame specified by the instructor. Academic Dishonesty The Student Code of Conduct prohibits academic dishonesty and prescribes penalties for violations. According to this code, which is printed in the college catalogue, “students found guilty of any form of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to “ cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and collusion” may receive an F on the assignment and/or an F in their course(s) and may be suspended from the college by administrative action. As a college student, you are considered a responsible adult. Your enrollment indicates acceptance of the DCCCD Code of Student Conduct published in the DCCCD Catalogue. More information is available at www1.dcccd.edu.edu/cat0406/ss/code.cfm. Financial Aid If you are receiving financial aid grants or loans, you must begin attendance in all classes. Do not drop or stop attending any class without consulting the Financial Aid Office. Changes in your enrollment level and failing grades may require that you repay financial aid funds. ADA Statement If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs who requires accommodation, please contact the Eastfield College Disability Services Office at (972) 860-8314.3 Sexual Harassment Eastfield College has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. All students shall report complaints of sexual harassment informally to the college Human Resources Director or formally to the Vice Chancellor of Educational Affairs. Disclaimer Reserving the Right to Change Syllabus Eastfield College and the instructor reserve the right to make modifications in content, schedule and requirements as necessary to promote the best education possible within prevailing conditions affecting this course. 2301 Class Schedule: Fall 2011 August 8/30 Welcome, Introductions, & Course Overview September 9/1 Historical Background: A People’s History of the United States (Zinn) Chapter 1: “Columbus, the Indians and Human Progress,” pp.1-22 9/6 Historical Background: A People’s History of the United States (Zinn) Chapter 2: “Drawing the Color Line, “ pp. 23-38 9/8 Historical Background: A People’s History of the United States (Zinn) Chapter 3, “ Persons of Mean & Vile Condition, “ pp. 39-58 9/13 Historical Background: A People’s History of the United