San Antonio College

1300 San Pedro

San Antonio, TX 78212-4299

 

 

SYLLABUS

 

 

Department: Political Science

 

Course number and title: 2305 American Government (National)

 

Credit Hours   3         Hrs/wk lec.   3            Hrs/wk lab 0               Lec/Lab comb.  0     

 

 

I.  Catalog description

 

            This is a general survey course in American government covering the theories and concepts of government, the United States Constitution, politics, public opinion, political parties, human rights and the functions of national, state, and local government.

 

II.  Required background

 

            Students must have a “C” (or above) or place out of Reading 0303 and English 0301.  Students should be reading at the 13.0 level and be qualified to take English 1301.

 

III.  Texts

 

            See individual syllabus for current text.

 

IV.  Methods of Instruction

 

            A professor may use one or more of the following:

 

                        Lecture - discussion

                        Assigned reading from texts

                        Guided collaborative learning

                        Media Assisted Instruction

                        Research projects

 

            Students should check with their professor in order to obtain the specific methods to be used in his/her class and materials that may be necessary for the course.

 

 

 

 

V.  Course Grade

 

            Some or all of the following methods may be utilized by professors to assess student progress: major exams composed of objective and/or essay questions, short quizzes, oral questions, research papers, oral presentation, attendance and a comprehensive final exam.

 

VI.  Course Content

 

            This is a general survey course in American government.  It covers the United States Constitution including the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments.  It studies the formal and informal structures of the United States government.  Special attention is given the process by which the United States government formulates and implements public policy.  It encompasses the rights and duties of Americans based on the constitution and statutory policy.  The course covers general theories and concepts of government, public opinion, political parties, and issues of civil and human rights.  It encompasses the functions of national, state, and local governments in the American federal system.

 

VII.  Objectives and Outcomes

 

            Course content listed above (VI) is a topical outline of American Government (National).  Student mastering of this subject matter will be assessed through his or her performance on the exams mentioned above and any additional work assigned by the instructor.

 

            Upon completion of this course, the student will have a fundamental understanding of the basics of American government from its inception to the present day.  They will have a basic understanding of political concepts, institutions, and political organizations and their influence on our life, liberty, and happiness.  The student should be able to discuss in oral or written form all of the following:

 

                        The republican form of government

                        The federal form of government

                        Judicial Review

                        Checks and balances

                        The process of amending the United States Constitution

The subject matter of various articles and amendments to the United States Constitution

                        The importance of the media on politics

                        Duties and responsibility of citizens

                        Public policy

                        Roles of state and local governments in the United States federal system

 

 

 

 

VIII.  Absence Policy

 

            Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required.  A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed.

 

            Absences of each student are recorded without exception from the official date of his/her enrollment.  The counting of absences begins on the first day of a student’s enrollment in the course after classes begin.  A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a regular semester may be dropped by the instructor.  If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W” (withdraw).  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

 

            Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism.  The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.

 

IX.  Academic Dishonesty Policy

 

            Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty.  Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.  For additional information, refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

 

X.  Children on Campus Policy

 

            Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab.  Minors under the age of 12 must not be left unattended on campus.

 

XI.  ADA Statement for Students Requiring Special Accommodations

 

            As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if accommodation is needed, students must make the request through the Office of Disabled Student Services, CAC 124C, Phone: 733-2347.

 

 

San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212-4299
Phone: 210/733-2000, Technology Hotline: 785-6031
One of the Alamo Community Colleges
GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE may be made through the ACCD FOUNDATION . . .The Fundraising Arm of the Alamo Community Colleges.

San Antonio College Mission Statement
The Alamo Community Colleges are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For special accommodations or an alternate format, contact the San Antonio College disABILITY Support Services at 733-2347


This Web site Last Updated 7/5/07