1 Government 2301.151 Spring 2012 Mr. Daniel L English, Assistant Professor South Plains College Syllabus for Mr. English’s GOVT2301.156 Internet Class (page 2) Common Course Syllabus (page 7) Course Agreement (page 9)2 Syllabus for Government 2301.156 -- Spring 2012 Instructor: Mr. Daniel L English (This syllabus shall serve as the guideline, requirements, and obligations for student performance for this course.) Primary communication for this internet course -- the “Message” Tool found in this SPC Blackboard course. All exams, and the paper requirements will be completed or posted within the SPC Blackboard course for GOVT2301.156. Office: Reese Campus, SPC Building 3, Room RC316A Office Phone: 806-716-2454 Scheduled Office Hours: MW 8:30 – 9:30 am AD143 Levelland Campus (no phone) TR 2:00 – 4:00 pm RC316A Reese Center F 8:00 – 10:00 am RC316A Reese Center (No scheduled office hours April 30th through May 10th) Purpose: Government 2301, as taught at South Plains College, is a reading intensive course designed to acquaint the learner with the history, theory, and evolution of the American political system through a survey of institutions, processes, public policies and the actions of and interactions between the institutions of governmental and private entities. Government 2301 will also contribute to the student’s understanding of the present state of American and Texas government. Theories, models and observation of past and current events will be utilized to demonstrate the scientific study of political phenomena. Further, the course meets the statutory requirements as set forth by the state of Texas. Statement of Instructor’s Intent: Of necessity, we may discuss political ideas, events or personalities in politics or society, or you may be required readings which, to some, may include issues or viewpoints in conflict with a student’s personal beliefs, values or ideology. It is not the instructor’s intent to either “convert” or offend any student, but to introduce students to the spectrum of ideology, political thought, and reasoned political policy debate in a pluralistic society. Recommended Textbook: Politics in America Texas Edition, Ninth Edition, Dye, [Used copies available at bookstores or on internet] Copies of the text will be on reserve at the SPC Levelland Library and the SPC Reese Library circulation desks for limited in-library check out. Assigned Readings and/or videos (in addition to the text) may be used in this course. These readings and/or videos will be posted in Blackboard and will be relevant material and current events for this course. Notices for the assigned readings and/or video will be in your “Messages”. Students are required to deliver a signed “course agreement” (see last page of syllabus) to the instructor no later than 10:00pm Tues. Jan. 24th. Since successful completion of this course depends on understanding and following this syllabus, failure to agree to the guidelines, requirements and obligations of student performance will result in the student being dropped from the class with an “X” shortly after the Official 12th Class Day.3 Course (Text) Requirements, Tests and Due Dates Schedule: Course Agreement due ......................................................... Tues. Jan 24th 10:00 pm Quiz 1: ............ Chap. 3 US Constitution ................................ Tues. Jan 31st 11:00 pm Quiz 2: ............ Chap. 4 Federalism ....................................... Tues. Feb. 7th 11:00 pm Quiz 3: ............ Chap. 7 Political Parties ................................ Tues. Feb. 14th 11:00 pm Quiz 4: ............ Chap. 10 Congress .......................................... Tues. Feb. 21st 11:00 pm Quiz 5: ............ Chap. 8 Campaigns and Elections ................ Tues. Feb. 28th 11:00 pm Quiz 6: ............ Chap. 11 The Presidency ................................ Tues. Mar. 6th 11:00 pm Spring Break Week ......................................................... Mar. 12th through 16th Quiz 7: ............ Chap. 12 The Executive Branch ...................... Tues. Mar. 27th 11:00 pm Quiz 8: ............ Chap. 19 Texas Politics ................................... Tues. Apr. 3rd 11:00 pm Quiz 9: ............ Chap. 20 Texas Constitution ........................... Tues. Apr. 10th 11:00 pm Quiz 10: ........... Chap. 22 The Texas Legislature ..................... Tues. Apr. 17th 11:00 pm Quiz 11: ........... Chap. 23 Texas Governor and Bureaucracy ... Tues. Apr. 24th 11:00 pm Last Day to Drop ......................................................... Tues. Apr. 24th No quizzes or assignments due – Prepare for Final.................... Apr. 25th through May 7th Final: .............. Chap. 3, 4, 10 & 11 ............................................. Tues. May 8th 11:00 pm Grading and Course Requirements: Summary: Item Points Total Points total % 10 chapter quizzes 100 each 1000 77% Final 300 300 23% TOTAL 1300 100% Total Score = Course Grade: 1300 – 1170 = A 1169 – 1040 = B 1039 -- 910 = C 909 -- 780 = D 779 or less = F Chapter Quizzes: Each chapter quiz will be approximately 40 multiple choice. (The number of questions may vary depending on the chapters and additional readings.) Chapter quizzes will be timed, one attempt tests. Students will have at least a 48 hour window of availability for each quiz. The time allowed for each quiz will be determined by the number of questions on that particular quiz. The quizzes are intended to ensure students cover adequate material and areas in the assigned chapters. It is advisable to read and study the chapters before attempting the chapter quiz to be familiar with the material (to prevent a “blind” and hurried “hunt-the-answer” strategy which tends to be unsuccessful.) Additional readings may be provided which are relevant to particular chapters. This material may be included on the chapter quiz. Retests and late testing will not be allowed. Any student not completing a chapter quiz by the due date/time will receive a zero for that quiz. Eleven chapter quizzes will be conducted during the semester. The lowest chapter quiz score will be dropped and the remaining ten will be included toward the course grade. Final Exam: The Final Exam will cover chapters 3, 4, 10 and 11