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1 South Plains College Reese Technology Center Fall 2010 GOVT 2301.216 American Government - Organizations Instructor: Sara J. Hudman Phone: 765-5161 (office) Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Required Text: Dye, Thomas R. 2009. Politics in America: Texas Edition. 9th Ed. Prentice Hall Publishers. Course Description This course is a survey of the fundamental principles of political science, including the American system of government and the origins and development of the constitutions of the United States and Texas. This course satisfies the Legislative requirements for teacher certification. Purpose of Course This course is intended to familiarize the student with the constitutions and organization of the United States and with particular emphasis on Texas and the traditions, processes, and structures of government. The primary goal is to promote critical thinking in understanding of the operation of the US and Texas governments. Fundamentally, the course promotes general understanding of a body of knowledge any literate person should possess about the government of his own country. Accommodations Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his or her disability to the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in Building 8, 885-3048 ext. 4675 (Reese). Attendance Policy Attendance is REQUIRED in this course. Please refer to your College Handbook for the official South Plains College attendance policy. I must stress, however, the importance of consistent attendance and promptness as they directly relate to your success in the class. Partial attendance, such as arriving late or leaving early, will not be overlooked and may be counted as an absence. Failing to adhere to the College’s established attendance policy will negatively impact your2 grade and your opportunity to learn. Perfect Attendance will positively affect your grade. Honor Policy All work completed for this class must be the sole effort of the indicated student. Any student found not adhering to the strict honor code of this class or misrepresenting his or her work shall be dropped from the course, receive a failing grade, and be referred to the Dean of Students. Course Requirements There will be four exams. The final exam is NOT comprehensive. You are responsible for all reading assignments, class notes and discussions. Though we may not cover all of the reading assignments in each class session, some may appear on the exams. Exams will also include some current event questions. The exams will account for 20% each of your final grade. If you miss an exam for ANY reason, there will be an essay makeup exam given during the final week of classes. Pop quizzes may be given and included in your final average. Online participation will comprise 20% of your final average. You should check Blackboard on MySPC at least three times a week for assignments. First Exam 20% Second Exam 20% Third Exam 20% Fourth Exam 20% Online Participation/Quizzes 20% TOTAL 100% Etiquette All students are encouraged to contribute to class discussions and participate in class debates. All opinions related to the topic at hand are welcome; those substantiated by facts are much preferred. All students shall be respectful of the instructor and fellow students at all times. Use of any electronic devices, cell phones, pagers, laptops, iPods, radios, and/or similar devices is prohibited in the classroom. Texting in class is strictly prohibited. Cell phones should be put away and turned off for the entire class period.3 General Comments 1. Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated. 2. I reserve the right to amend this syllabus, the course requirements, and the course schedule if the need arises. I will not due so without good reason and ample notice. Changes will be made to benefit the class as a whole. 3. Please be aware of all South Plains College deadlines for dropping courses, filing for graduation, etc. You are responsible for complying with these deadlines. You can view the official calendar at http://www3.southplainscollege.edu/academiccalendar. 4. Caps may not be worn in class. 5. In accordance with SPC policies, no tobacco of any kind is allowed. 6. Most importantly, please feel that you can come to me if you have ANY questions or concerns regarding this syllabus or this class. I want this to be a positive learning experience for each member of the class. 7. If you accrue five (5) absences or more, you may be dropped from the class. 8. No Extra Credit is available on an individual basis 9. No laptops (unless Accommodations permit) and no cell phones. Email/Blackboard Contact 1. Email and Blackboard will be the official sources of class information 2. All students MUST submit their email address to me by the first week of class. You will be expected to be able to regularly check this email account and Blackboard for class updates and additional assignments.4 Tentative Class Schedule (subject to change) Chapter 1 – Politics Chapter 2 – Political Culture Chapter 19 - The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics Chapter 3 – The Constitution Chapter 4 – Federalism Chapter 20 – Texas Constitution First Exam Chapter 10 – Congress Chapter 22 – Texas Legislature Chapter 7 – Political Parties Chapter 8 – Campaigns and Elections Chapter 21 – Interest Groups, Political Parties, and Elections in Texas Second Exam Chapter 11 – The President Chapter 12 – The Bureaucracy Chapter 23 – Texas Executive and Bureaucracy Third Exam Chapter 13 – The Courts Chapter 24 – Texas Judiciary Chapter 5 – Opinion and Participation Chapter 6 – Mass Media Fourth


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SPC GOVT 2301 - Study Guide

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