GOVERNMENT 2301 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT I Fall 2011 Section 4432 and 9044 Online October 17 – December 15, 2011 Phil McMahan Email: [email protected] Office hours: MWF 09:00-10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Off-Campus. I can be reached at this number during those hours. Voicemail is also available. 972-578-5532 Student Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world. 2. To comprehend the origins and creation of the U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions. The constitution of the U.S. and Texas, federalism, civil and human rights. 3. To recognize and assume one’s responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy. 4. To develop and communicate alternatives explanations or solutions for contemporary political and social issues. 5. To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study. 6. To identify and understand differences and commonalties with diverse cultures. 7. To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems. And, Develop a demonstrable understanding of the basic principles of the American political system and the United States and Texas governments through a survey of topics that will include but not be limited to the following: the historical and cultural circumstances that led to the development of the United States and Texas governments, and how they continue to influence the modern operation of both; the unique characteristics of American Federalism, and the roles of the national, state and local governments; and the political process, including political socialization and participation, voting, campaigns and elections, public opinion, special interest influence, and the legislative, executive, and judicial roles. Develop through practice, reading, writing, critical thinking, computer literacy and analytical skills that will be of value in your future college and professional careers.Attendance/ Drop Policy If you are unable to complete the course you must withdraw by the final withdrawal date. You must do this yourself. I cannot do it for you. If you stop attending class, but do not withdraw, you will receive a performance grade, usually an “F”. District policy requires that students must complete seventy-five percent of course requirements to be considered for a grade of “incomplete”. Decisions on qualifying requests are left to the instructor’s discretion. I will accommodate only students who have extreme and verifiable circumstances that prohibit them from completing the course as scheduled. STOP BEFORE YOU DROP For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time in the fall of 2007, Texas Education Code 51.907 limits the number of courses a student may drop. You may drop no more than 6 courses during your entire undergraduate career unless the drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling/advising center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions. Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any other courses with a “W”. Therefore, please exercise caution when dropping courses in any Texas public institution of higher learning, including all seven of the Dallas County Community Colleges. For more information, you may access: https://www1.dcccd.edu/coursedrops Repeating a Course: Effective for Fall Semester 2005, DCCCD will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering for a third or subsequent time for a course at any district campus. Courses taken prior to Fall 2002 do not count and developmental courses are not covered by this policy. Textbooks and Supplies: Patterson, Thomas, et al. The American Democracy, Texas Edition, 10th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-07-733906-7 http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0077339061/information_center_view0/ Cheating and Plagiarism: Students are encouraged to learn as much as possible from their fellow students during class discussions or group projects. All exams and papers that are turned in for grading must be entirely the product of the student who seeks credit for them. To avoid the appearance of plagiarism it is essential that proper credit be given when including the words or ideas of others in your papers. We will discuss this in class. If you do not know how to do this, help is available from your instructor or from the Learning Assistance Center. Refer to your Student Handbook for the complete student code of conduct including these topics and their consequences.Financial Aid Students: If you are receiving Financial Aid grants or loans, you must begin attendance at 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 cause you to have to repay financial aid funds. Failure to attend class or make contact with your instructor will be reported to the Financial Aid office. All students receiving financial aid must open an Email account through NetMail. See directions below for opening an E-mail account. Student E-Mail: Legal privacy issues prevent your instructor from discussing your grades on commercial e-mail accounts. If you wish to send your request grade information by e-mail you must open a student e-mail account. The account is free. You may set it up by going to www.dcccd.edu and selecting Student Services, Online Services, and Student E-Mail. All students receiving financial aid must open a student NetMail account. Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance: For information regarding services for students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, or information pertaining to the Americans With Disabilities Act and Postsecondary Education, call the Disability Services Office at (972) 860-8348 (voice or TDD), or email [email protected] Grading: Successful completion of this course will be measured using the following assignment, exam, and participation schedule. Chapter Quizzes (Ten at 50 points each) 500 pts.