Govt. 2305 Syllabus PDF

**Course Information:** **Instructional Method:** INTERNET **Credit Hour Breakdown:** 3.00 **Meeting Location:** *\*No Designated Meeting Location* **Meeting Days:** *\*No Designated Meeting Days* **Meeting Times:** *\*No Designated Meeting Time* *\*This is an **asynchronous course** which mea...

**Course Information:** **Instructional Method:** INTERNET **Credit Hour Breakdown:** 3.00 **Meeting Location:** *\*No Designated Meeting Location* **Meeting Days:** *\*No Designated Meeting Days* **Meeting Times:** *\*No Designated Meeting Time* *\*This is an **asynchronous course** which means there are no designated meeting places, days, nor times. Instead, students are expected to work **independently** while meeting deadlines.* **Information About the Course:** Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights. Prerequisite: Satisfy TSI Reading and Writing requirements **Faculty Information:** **Professor Armor** **Email: **armors724\@templejc.edu **Title: **Assistant Professor **Phone: **254-298-8596 **Office Location:** Admin. 919** ** **Student Support Hours (Office Hours):** 1st 8 weeks - M/W 11:00-4:00 2nd 8 Weeks M/W 9:45-10:45-2:30-4:30 **About Your Instructor:** Professor of Government  **Preferred Method of Communication: **Email **Link to CV: [[https://www.templejc.edu/live/profiles/1223-sarah-c-armor]](https://www.templejc.edu/live/profiles/1223-sarah-c-armor)** **Department or Supervisor Information:** **Instructor Response Time:** If your instructor does not respond within 72 hours or you feel that no resolution has occurred, you may contact your instructor\'s department chair. **Department:** Social Sciences II Chad Smith **Email:** chad.smith\@templejc.edu **Phone:** 254-298-8361 **Guidelines for contacting a Department Chair:** Please contact the Department Chair by email. **Learning Resources:** American Government **Author(s):** GLEN KRUTZ, **Publisher:** OER **Publication Date:** 2021 **Edition:** 3RD AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (OER) **ISBN:** 2818560395546 **Publisher:** OER **Hardware/Software Technology:** ***Computer Reliability/Internet Connectivity Policy*** **D2L Browser Information:** **Link to the course** **Course Bibliography:** **Course Topics and Their Correlation to the Measurable Learning Outcomes:** - Types of Government and Economic Systems along with Political Culture (MLO, 1) - American Founding and Federalism (MLO 1, 2) - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (MLO, 7) - The Legislative Branch (MLO 4, 8) - The Executive Branch (MLO 4, 8) - The Judiciary Branch (MLO 4, 8) - Public Opinion (MLO 5, 8) - Interest Groups (MLO 6, 8) - Political Parties and Elections (MLO 5, 6, 8) - Domestic and Foreign Policy (MLO, 8) **Core Curriculum Objectives Required for GOVT 2305:** - Critical Thinking - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. This objective will be assessed using a visual slide presentation in combination with the Communication assessment. The goal is for 70% of the learners to obtain a 70% on such a paper using a common rubric. - Communication - to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication. This objective will be assessed in combination with the Critical Thinking assessment. The goal is for 70% of the learners to successfully communicate 70% of the information on such an assignment using a common rubric. - Social Responsibility - to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. All instructors will use imbedded questions that will test the learners' knowledge of social responsibility in campaigns, elections, & interest groups. The goal is for 70% of the learners to correctly answer the objective question concerning civic responsibility. - Personal Responsibility - to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making. This objective will be assessed under the topic of Political Participation/voting/campaigns/elections. All instructors will use imbedded questions that will test the learners' knowledge of ethical decisions. The goal is for 70% of the learners to correctly answer at least half of the objective questions concerning ethics. **Goals of Govt. 2305 Are as Follows:** - Maximize learner's capacity to analyze, interpret and evaluate political events. - Maximize learner's capacity to analyze, interpret and evaluate governmental processes. - Provide opportunities to learn basic facts, concepts and themes. - Introduce learners to the elementary methods of political inquiry as a means to analyze and understand political problems, governmental institutions, participatory processes and public policy issues. - Provide opportunities to learn and apply elementary political science analysis. **Required Skill Set:** - Learners need to have basic proficiency skills in PowerPoint. - Learners need to know how to access D2L. - Learners need to know how to access TC Library databases - Learners need to have regular access to a reliable internet connection. - Learners may also be asked to participate in Nearpod, Kahoot, etc. - Learners are expected to be able to read quickly and comprehend at a collegiate level. - Learners are expected to be able to read, take notes, and study independently. - Learners are expected to have access to the TC campus. - Reading/Writing/Research: This is a reading/writing intensive course and, as such, there will be writing assignment(s) with a research component. The research component will be a minimum of 15% of the overall grade. Other assignments may include exams, research papers, in-class participation, and other assignments to be determined at the discretion of the instructor. **Primary/Scholarly Articles and Videos:** This class utilizes a textbook as well as outside articles and videos. Such articles and videos are determined at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, this class seeks to provide varying political viewpoints but will not address any and all possible political viewpoints (this would be impossible). This class seeks to teach government and politics in accordance with the traditions of American political culture as stated in the MLO's, while occasionally introducing opposing viewpoints for purposes of critical thinking. **Measurable Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):** 1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system. 3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. 5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system. 6. Analyze the election process. 7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens. 8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics. **Grading Criteria:** - **Google Assignments (40% of overall grade)** -- these are class assignments in which students are expected to follow provided instructions and participate. - **Quizzes (20% of overall grade)** -- Quizzes are **multiple choice** and cover material in the lecture, including referenced textbook page numbers, articles, videos, or additional resources mentioned in the lecture. - **PowerPoint Project (25% of overall grade) --** Students will create a PowerPoint presentation based on original research over a federal (U.S.) public policy. Students are expected to follow the project guidelines provided. - **Unit Tests (15% of overall grade) --** Unit 1 Test will cover lessons 1-5 material. Unit 2 Test will cover lessons 6-10 material. The Final Exam is comprehensive and will cover lessons 1-10 material. **Course Outline Subject to Change:** ----------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 1: Jan. 13--19 Class Intro. Quiz and Google Assignment on Class Intro. Due Sunday Week 2: Jan. 20--26 Lesson 1 Quiz and Google Assignment 1 Due Sunday Week 3: Jan. 27--2  Lesson 2 Quiz and Google Assignment 2 Due Sunday Week 4: Feb. 3--9  Lesson 3 Quiz and Google Assignment 3 Due Sunday Week 5: Feb. 10--16 Lesson 4 Quiz and Google Assignment 4 Due Sunday Week 6: Feb. 17--23 Lesson 5 Quiz and Google Assignment 5 Due Sunday Week 7: Feb. 24--2 Unit 1 Test Due Sunday and Google Assignment Unit 1 Due Sunday Week 8: Mar. 3--9 Lesson 6 Quiz and Google Assignment 6 Due Sunday *\* Week 9: Mar.17--23 Lesson 7 Quiz and Google Assignment 7 Due Sunday Week 10: Mar. 24--30 Lesson 8 Quiz and Google Assignment 8 Due Sunday Week 11: Mar. 31--6 Lesson 9 Quiz and Google Assignment 9 Due Sunday Week 12: Apr. 7--13 Lesson 10 Quiz Due Sunday Week 13: Apr. 14-- 20 Unit 2 Test Due Sunday and Google Assignment Unit 2 Due Sunday Week 14: Apr. 21--27 PowerPoint Project Due Sunday Week 15: Apr. 28--4 Google Assignment Final Due Sunday / Final Exam Opens Sunday Week 16: May 5 \* *Final Exam Due Monday and Closes Thursday! ----------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- **Disclaimer:** This syllabus is tentative and subject to change at the instructor\'s discretion. Students will be notified of changes, if there are any, in a timely manner. **Student Course Participation Expectations:** **Respect for Others Policy:** Because of the content in this class, it is important that all learners respect each other's opinions, statements, and comments. Any form of disrespect towards a fellow learner and/or the instructor will not be tolerated and can result in a zero for the course. Free speech is not absolute and does come with limitations. In class (or in online class format) harassment will not be tolerated. Be careful of what you say in class as it may be taken as a type of harassment. If a complaint of harassment has been made known to the instructor, the instructor will report the complaint to campus police. **What is considered harassment?** - Threats to others - Vulgar language - Discriminatory statements - Statements made that are insensitive or meant to cause emotional distress - Statements made that give cause to worry for one's safety - Etc. **Textbook:** **Course Format and Expectations** **Non-Lecture Format** - This course is **reading-intensive** and designed for students who are **self-motivated** and capable of managing their own learning. Unlike traditional in-person or online classes, there will be ***no professor-delivered lectures***. Instead, the course relies on: - **Independent Reading**: You are expected to thoroughly engage with the assigned readings, as they will serve as the primary source of instruction. - **Self-Discipline**: Staying on track with the course schedule, meeting deadlines, and proactively studying the material are essential. - **Note-Taking and Study Skills**: It is your responsibility to take detailed notes, synthesize key ideas, and review them regularly. - **Active Engagement**: You are encouraged to participate in any discussion boards, group activities, or other collaborative components of the course to deepen your understanding. - This format is designed to develop and reward self-reliance, critical thinking, and time management---skills that are essential for academic and professional success. If you have questions or need clarification, resources are available, but the responsibility for initiating assistance lies with you. - By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge and accept these expectations. **Coursework Explanations:** **Course Expectations:** **Course Incompletes --** This course does not issue course incompletes. All students are expected to complete all assigned coursework during the semester. If students feel they are unable to complete the course, they may want to consider initiating a drop request prior to the drop date. **Deadlines/Late Work** -- Each assignment for this course has a deadline in which the assignment is due followed by a designated *grace period (designated by the **"end date"** on each assignment)*. Although all students are expected to adhere to designated deadlines, the grace period allows the assignment to remain **open** in case a student has encountered an **emergency** and needs more time to complete the assignment. However, once the grace period has passed, the assignment is **closed** and will not be reopened. **Travel/Vacations** - Students are reminded that enrolling in this course is a commitment to prioritize their education and **meet all deadlines** as outlined in the syllabus. Traveling or booking vacations during the semester ***does not*** exempt students from their academic responsibilities. **Deadlines will not be extended, and assignments or exams missed due to travel will not be excused**. It is the student\'s responsibility to manage their time effectively and ensure that personal plans do not interfere with course obligations. Signing up for this class is a deliberate choice that requires dedication; therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid making travel arrangements that conflict with your coursework. Failure to adhere to these expectations demonstrates a lack of responsibility and may jeopardize your academic success. **End of Semester!** -- Once the class closes all grades are ***FINAL!*** Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding course grades need to be addressed one week prior to finals week. Once the class is close, there is no going back to correct or change grades. This is because your instructor has a **[hard deadline]** to turn in final grades and cannot change grades once they are final! **Temple College Mission Statement:** Temple College Mission Statement: The mission of Temple College is to foster learner's success for our diverse community by providing quality lifelong learning and enrichment experiences. The goals of the Government courses support the Temple College Mission Statement. The courses are intended to contribute to the growth and development of learners by providing a solid foundation for further academic education and preparing them to become more productive members of our national, state, and local communities. Foundational Component Area: Government/Political Science **General Education Core Objectives / Marketable Skills:** **Marketable Skills upon Completion of This Course:** - Communication/Writing - Research - Presentation Skills - Power Point Skills - Time Management - Assessing and interpreting government data sources/data analytics - Working under deadlines - Teamwork/Working with a group - Problem Solving - Meet Deadlines - Critical thinking **Learner Health/Mental/Physical Services:** **Americans with Disabilities Act:** Temple College will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. This includes learner accommodations. Learners are responsible for acquiring permission through the OSA (office of student accommodations) for accommodations relating to a disability. The instructor will abide by required accommodations by the OSA. Learners can help instructors by checking to make sure their accommodation is in place. If a learner has not received their accommodation, their instructor should be notified immediately, and it will be corrected and made right. **FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)**: Parents, guardians, spouses, relatives or anyone else will not be allowed to gather information from the instructor regarding how a learner is doing in class. Federal law prohibits instructors from intentionally giving out any private or personal information regarding a learners' progress or lack thereof. No parent/teacher meetings will be conducted unless the learners has filed a waiver with the Admissions Office. This waiver must be filled out and signed by the learners prior to any communication between the parent and their learners' instructor. In addition, in order to ensure compliance with FERPA laws, the instructor will not discuss grades by email. Grades should only be discussed in person. This can be done at the end of class (if time allows) or during the instructors designated office hours. **Mental Health Counseling**: Temple College has a licensed counselor available to learners in need of counseling or referral services. All counseling services are confidential. Please go to https://www.templejc.edu/resources/mental-health-counseling/ or phone 254-298-8318 to schedule an appointment. **Suicide Prevention Lifeline:** 1-800-273-8255 or text HELP to 741741 **Local Mental Health Crisis Lines:** 1-800-888-4036 (Temple); 1-800-841-1255 (Round Rock) **Domestic Violence Hotline:** 1-800-799-7233 **Circle of Support:** The Circle of Support is a program that is available to Temple College learners who may need assistance with non-academic issues (i.e., financial, food, housing). It is located at the Arnold Student Union (ASU). Phone 254-298-8767. **Title Nine:** If you are pregnant (or have a partner that may become pregnant) at any point this semester and feel that it may affect your participation in this class, you should contact Adrian Sora Director of Learners Retention and Deputy Coordinator of Title IX at the One College Centre -- RM 1473 or by email: adrian.sora\@templejc.edu\