Course Syllabus: Spring 2012 Mr. Ring US Government for Advanced Placement &Dual Credit (South Plains College course American Gov’t & Organization 2301) Contact Information: Room 304 Conference Periods 1st (M/W) & 5th (T/Th) Phone 806.766.0600 Email [email protected] (or [email protected]) Website http://sites.google.com/site/3042point0/ Course Texts: Ginsberg. We The People: An Introduction to American Politics. Norton ISBN 978-0-393-14957-9 Government In America: People, Politics and Policy. Pearson ISBN 0-321-09336-4 Supplemental Readings Course Description This is an advanced survey course over government structure and organization at the local, state and federal levels. This class is designed to educate students in the intricacies of governmental institutions as well as to prepare them for the College Board Advance Placement Exam in May. Each student is encouraged to take this exam. This course and expectations are also designed to qualify for three hours of dual credit through South Plains College (GOVT 2301). This course satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification in Texas. If a student is not planning on taking the AP exam or enrolling in SPC for dual credit, they do not need to be in this course. As a senior level advanced class, instructor expectations are greater than previous classes or other government sections offered. Students are expected to come to class prepared with course materials and any previously-assigned work or readings completed. Students are expected to participate in class discussions as well as complete difficult and numerous reading assignments. To pass this course, students should attend all class meetings, complete all homework assignments and examinations in a timely manner, and complete all other projects or papers as assigned by the instructor. Grading Policy This is an entry-level college course meant to prepare students to pass POLS 2302 or equivalent course. Grading will reflect this. Exams: 50% Participation: 30% Homework/Quizzes: 20%Expected Student Learning Outcomes 1. Recognize the differences between the New Jersey and Virginia Plans 2. Indentify the major components of Articles I, II and III of the US Constitution 3. Explain the major components of the Bill of Rights 4. Define federalism and its constitutional basis between the national and state governments 5. List differences between the US House of Representatives and the Senate 6. Describe the powers of the president as established in the Constitution 7. List the weaknesses of the Texas Constitution 8. Indentify the formal structure and organization of the Texas House and Senate Absences It is the student’s responsibility to find out about any missed assignments or lecture notes REGARDLESS if the absence is excused, preferably beforehand. Notes can be received from a classmate or in some cases from the website. Students who miss exams, quizzes or projects are solely responsible for making it up in a timely manner. Electronics Policy Students will adhere to the district policy on electronic devices (cell phones, media players, etc.) Academic Integrity Students are expected to produce their own work. Any conclusive evidence of plagiarism, copying, or cheating off another student will result in a grade of zero with no chance of making it up as well as other appropriate consequences. Class Conduct Being an advanced course, students are expected to act in a way that reflects their desire to be enrolled. Discipline will not be an issue. If any student shows an inability to act mature and responsibly they will be removed from the course and/or sent to an administrator. Students will be courteous and respectful when it comes to classroom discussion. Sensitive topics will be addressed and students are expected to be civil and mature while exchanging ideas with classmates and the instructor. Semester-at-a-glance Unit I: Introduction to American Politics and Governance Unit II: Legislative Branch Unit III: Executive Branch Unit IV: Judicial Branch Unit V: Linkage Institutions Unit VI: Texas