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American Government I: Course Overview and Assignments for South Texas College - Prof. Jef, Papers of Local Government Studies

Information about a college course named 'american government i' offered at south texas college. The course covers various topics related to american and texas politics and government at national, state, and local levels. Students will study political theory, constitutions, federalism, and institutions of government. Assignments include weekly quizzes, reading from textbooks and external sources, and completing assignments listed on the webct site. The document also includes details about exams and required textbooks.

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South Texas College
Division of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Government 2301VF1 Course Outline
“Mini-Mester” 16 Feb - 10 May 2009 -- Spring Semester 2009
Instructor's Information:
1. Name of Instructor: Jeffrey C. Berry
2. Office Location: Building G258 / Mid-Valley Campus
3. Telephone #: (956) 447-6657
4. FAX #: (956) 447-6677
5. E-mail Address: jberry@southtexascollege.edu
6. Office Hours: MTWRF Online 6:00-7:00 pm
Course Information:
1. Course Name: American Government I
2. Course #: GOVT2301VF1
3. Classroom Location: Internet
4. Class Days/Times: M-S 24/6 [Which means when you can do the work!]
5. Catalog Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of politics and government
in America at the national, state and local levels with special attention to Texas. Topics include political theory, the
American and Texas constitutions, federalism, and the institutions of government covering Congress, the Executive, and the
Judiciary.
6. Departmental Course Goals: By the end of the course students will understand the basic principles of American
political thought through individual reading, debating, critically analyzing, and answering essay questions about colonial
documents, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the "three branches" of government, excerpts from The Federalist Papers,
and de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Students will have developed a clear understanding of the function of
government and how government affects them, and the importance of participation in a democracy. Students will also
understand the basic structure of the U.S. government and be familiar with the functions and interrelationship between the
"three branches." Students will also read opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court on issues pertaining to the Bill of Rights and
will be capable of forms and expressing ideas and opinions regarding Supreme Court decisions, as well as other issues
relevant to the class. Students will demonstrate their ability to comprehend and write analytically about readings,
information from computer/internet searches and lecture material.
7. Departmental Course Competencies/Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:
Differentiate the influence of social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and
cultures on the evolution of individuals and societies;
Identify significant differences between diverse cultural groups in our society (as it pertains to government);
Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of alternative systems and theories;
Interpret alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social and public policy issues;
Explain the influence of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on government;
Recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, engaging
in public discourse, and using state-of-the-art information gathering systems to stay aware of current public policy;
Illustrate the origins, evolution, and operation of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political
institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas, Federalism, civil liberties, and civil rights;
Explain the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.
C:\Berry\My Documents\GOVT 2301\Spring 2009\2301VF1_SPRING_09.doc - 1 -
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South Texas College

Division of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Government 2301VF1 Course Outline

“Mini-Mester” 16 Feb - 10 May 2009 -- Spring Semester 2009

Instructor's Information:

1. Name of Instructor: Jeffrey C. Berry

2. Office Location: Building G258 / Mid-Valley Campus

3. Telephone #: (956) 447-

4. FAX #: (956) 447-

5. E-mail Address: jberry@southtexascollege.edu

6. Office Hours: MTWRF Online 6:00-7:00 pm

Course Information:

1. Course Name: American Government I

2. Course #: GOVT2301VF

3. Classroom Location: Internet

4. Class Days/Times: M-S 24/6 [Which means when you can do the work!]

  1. Catalog Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of politics and government in America at the national, state and local levels with special attention to Texas. Topics include political theory, the American and Texas constitutions, federalism, and the institutions of government covering Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
  2. Departmental Course Goals: By the end of the course students will understand the basic principles of American political thought through individual reading, debating, critically analyzing, and answering essay questions about colonial documents, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the "three branches" of government, excerpts from The Federalist Papers , and de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Students will have developed a clear understanding of the function of government and how government affects them, and the importance of participation in a democracy. Students will also understand the basic structure of the U.S. government and be familiar with the functions and interrelationship between the "three branches." Students will also read opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court on issues pertaining to the Bill of Rights and will be capable of forms and expressing ideas and opinions regarding Supreme Court decisions, as well as other issues relevant to the class. Students will demonstrate their ability to comprehend and write analytically about readings, information from computer/internet searches and lecture material.
  3. Departmental Course Competencies/Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:  Differentiate the influence of social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures on the evolution of individuals and societies;  Identify significant differences between diverse cultural groups in our society (as it pertains to government);  Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of alternative systems and theories;  Interpret alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social and public policy issues;  Explain the influence of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on government;  Recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, engaging in public discourse, and using state-of-the-art information gathering systems to stay aware of current public policy;  Illustrate the origins, evolution, and operation of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas, Federalism, civil liberties, and civil rights;  Explain the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.
  1. Exemplary Educational Objectives : Through the Government component of the core curriculum the objectives which the students will be able to demonstrate are: (At the conclusion of the term you will participate in an assessment on 8 May 2009 – this is not optional, it is MANDATORY! Failure to complete the Common Assessment will preclude you taking the Final.  To comprehend the origins and evolution of 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 liberties, and civil and human rights.  To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to pubic policy problems.  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.
  2. Departmental Course Requirements, Evaluation Methods, and Grading Criteria : We will cover the following topics and organization during the semester. All students are responsible for the following and chapter readings: Topic Readings Assigned/Tests Procedures and Course Introduction Read StartHere Link on the Course Page Complete the WebCT Orientation at http://elearn.southtexascollege.edu/eSTC/appz/ce6orientation/index.html This is the Distance Learning Website for South Texas College Week of 16-22 Feb 2009 (Quizzes Open from 16-22 Feb 2009) Introducing Government in America Chapter 1, Edwards GIA Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site ** Weekly Quiz #1 due by 22 Feb 2009 – 10 Points. Week of 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2009 (Quizzes Open from 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2009) The Constitution Chapter 2, Edwards GIA Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site – Edwards’ Text link Reading from Claremont Review of Books “The True Story of Marbury v. Madison” [found in the rear of your text] ** Weekly Quiz #2 by 1 Mar 2009 – 10 Points Federalism Chapter 3, Edwards GIA Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site Federalist No 10 p. 702-3 and - Edwards’ Text link Federalist No. 51 p. 703- ** Weekly Quiz #3 by 1 Mar 2009 – 10 Points Week of 2-8 Mar 2009 (Quizzes open from 2-8 Mar 2009) Test #1 – Covering Chapters 1,2,3 Taken online at WebCT Course Site [Test Date (Only): 8 Mar 2009] Presidency Chapter 13, Edwards GIA Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site – Edwards’ Text link ** Weekly Quiz #4 by 8 Mar 2009 – 10 Points Week of 9-15 Mar 2009 (Quizzes open from 9-15 Mar 2009) Congress Chapter 12, Edwards GIA Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site – Edwards’ Text link The Congress, the President, and the Budget: Chapter 14, Edwards GIA The Politics of Taxing and Spending Complete the Assignment(s) listed on the WebCT site – Edwards’ Text link ** Weekly Quiz #5 and #6 by 15 Mar 2009 – 10 Points Each

B. Reading Responsibility: Edwards 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 Note once a “Module” or a Chapter closes, no further work is accepted. That means you must finish your Module Test by the specified time. No excuses are accepted. I drop the low score so if you miss one, that is your “low score!” Note the end time for the final examination! C. Attendance/Participation is required: Punctuality and presence are mandatory. Participation is essential. Everyone has something to contribute, and you cannot contribute if you are not doing your work. Please remember that you cannot learn what we are doing from another person’s notes—be here. I measure the attendance in Internet classes by the number of times you check-in weekly—yes, I do monitor it, every week. D. Reading Responsibility: See the above list of readings. E. Examinations and Grade Requirements: There will be three multiple chapter style examinations and a comprehensive essay final examination during this course. Each examination will involve a minimum of 40 to a maximum of 60 multiple-choice questions which will be taken from lectures and assigned chapters: 1 1. Examination #1 Federal Government I ( Edwards , Chapters 1,2,3) 2 2. Examination #2 Federal Government II (Edwards 4,16,12,13; 14) 3 3. Examination #3 Federal & Texas ( Edwards 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26) 4 4. Final Examination All Chapters and All Lectures 5 6. Papers/Presentations See Below 6 F. Grading: Your grade will be based on the following system. Points Date Special Instructions Political Compass 100 22 Feb 2009 Via WebCT email Test - I Federal – I 100 8 Mar 2009 Online at WebCT Website Test - II Federal - II 200 30 Mar 2009 Online at WebCT Website Journal 200 3 May 2009 [Summary/Reaction to 15 Political Articles] Test – III Texas 200 4 May 2009 Weekly Chapter Quizzes 10 pts ea 140 Final Essay/Exam 100 9 May 2009 Comprehensive - 100 Multiple Choice Questions 1,040 points 100 % G. Internet Course: You are required to use the Internet, either at home or here at the College. You will take the all tests online. You alone are responsible for your equipment and internet service provider. The College is not responsible, nor am I. You must have made arrangement for equipment and locations, this is not my responsibility, it is not the College’s responsibility it is your responsibility. You will receive a list of the activities required for each chapter. This is the checklist for grading. I. Political Compass (10 Percent) : This is an exercise in following instructions first, and second it permits you to see where you are according to a social scientist. You will submit your results via WebCT email, as a Word document attached to the WebCT email. Follow the instructions carefully. J. Journal (20 Percent): You are required to select and read at least fifteen (15) articles in newspapers, magazines and journals related to what we have studied about in class. You will write a one half page summary of the article (ten lines typed double spaced with a word processor, 12 pts Times New Roman). [ Remember Times New Roman, 12 pts, 1” margin “all around,” double spaced throughout, using the header as specified on the example, using a proper MLA bibliography entry as indicated, immediately after the header data. ] You will then write a one half page personal reaction to the article. You must tell me what you believe about the article. See the following link for an example at my web page http://www.southtexascollege.edu/jberry/journal.htm. This document can only be submitted as a Word document attached to a WebCT email. Follow the instructions in the document Howard Smithe.htm. K. Tests: (10/20/20 Percent Each) Tests will consist of multiple choice questions which are based on class material and the readings. You must be present to get the information from class—notes will not “fill in the blanks” in your mind. Dates: see above.

L. Final Examination: (10 Percent) Final will be a comprehensive multiple choice examination. M. Make-Up Examinations : Make-up quiz or exam opportunities are available only for medical emergencies which have been validated by a physician, or other acceptable circumstances. Excuses from doctors must be specific in nature. I reserve the right to refuse to accept any excuse presented. If I consider your absence to be unexcused you will not be able to take a make-up exam, and I will enter a zero "0" as your grade in the gradebook. N. What if I’m Failing at the end of the course? If you find yourself in a situation where you are failing, getting a low grade, etc., and you have been doing all of your work come a see Mr. Berry. You can ask for an “Incomplete”grade and make a contract with Mr. Berry to make up the work during the following semester, Fall 2009. This is not guaranteed, you must demonstrate maturity and responsibility to get this exception!

What the Grades/Percentages Mean…

LETTER GRADE GRADE MEANING QUALITY POINTS

90-100% A Excellent 4. 80-89% B Good 3. 70-79% C Average 2. 60-69% D Passing 1. 59-below F Failing 0.

  1. Required Textbook & Resources: Edwards, George C. III. Et.al. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy [13th^ Edition Texas Edition – Binder Version]. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 2007. (ISBN 0536505799) Looseleaf with Texas Chapters.
  2. Intellectual Competencies are addressed as follows:  Reading –By paraphrasing material present in the text, handouts, journals, and/or articles.  Writing—By constructing essay answers on examinations, written assignments, and research projects.  Speaking- By explaining ideas in an organized was with adequate grammar and sentence construction during classroom interaction and oral presentations.  Listening--By following verbal directions and delivering appropriate comments in the classroom during instructor/student interaction  Critical Thinking—By analyzing and critiquing an issue in essays, term papers, or projects.  Computer Skills—By handing in word-processed papers or research projects with at least one source from an internet sources.
  3. Perspectives will be addressed as follows:  Showing respect for other cultures and in gender issues by using utmost caution and being sensitive to such issues while presenting opinions on issues in Government  Accomplishing assignments on time, cooperating with group assignments, and attending classes for the full time period.  Using technology in the presentation of class assignments, exploring the wide variety of information on Government issues available through the use of technology, and using technology properly such as turning off cell phones and observing copyright laws when using technology.  Demonstrating ethical behavior through active group participation, avoidance of plagiarism and cheating by copying and distributing other students’ work or instructors’ exams or assignments.  Displaying aesthetic judgment by presentation of organized and typed written assignments in properly prepared formats.  Exhibiting problem solving ability through critical thinking and self-evaluation on homework and other class assignments.  Confirming the importance of interdisciplinary skills by using written communication (English), language arts (Communication), philosophical analysis (Philosophy), historical events (History), government issues (Government), word processing (Computer Science), and sociological theories (Sociology) to complete homework assignments, to participate in classroom discuss, and to respond to examination questions.
  4. Developmental Studies Policy Statement:

Process to complete the Political Compass:

1. Go to www.politicalcompass.org

2. Complete the survey.

3. When you receive the results go to the last page and click on the link that says “Show graph on

separatye page for printing”

4. When the page appears—

* Highlight the page with the diagram on it.

* Go to Edit – Copy

5. Open a Word document.

6. Go to Edit – Paste and enter the diagram of your results.

7. Go to the top of the page an insert your name and course number in Times New Roman 12 pts.

8. Save the document – title it and remember where you saved it.

9. Go back to WebCT for the course and open the email function.

10. Write me, Mr. Berry, an email. Compose Messge, then in the Attachments, “Browse” and find

your file. After you find your file, click on open, then the file will appear below the block. Send.

See the example on the following page.

Smithe - 1

Howard Smithe

Mr. Berry

GOVT2301V

20 Nov 2007/hsmithe@jagnet.edu /956-236-

The Political Compass

Economic Left/Right: -0.

Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.

Authoritarian Left Right Libertarian