THE COURSE:
     Govt 2301 American Government I is an introduction to the study of politics and government in the United States.  Topics include the origin and development of American constitutional democracy, and emphasize the constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas; federalism and intergovernmental relations; local government; the electoral process; political parties, interest groups, and the mass media.

     This course and Govt2302 fulfill the State of Texas legislative requirement of 6 credit hours of American Government for Baccalaureate Degrees.  Lab required. 3 credit hours. Prerequisite:  Placement levels: Reading Assessment at College Level.  Writing Assessment: ENGL-1301.Placement in at least READ 0310.  Co-requisite:    None.

Course Repeat Policy:  A student may repeat this course only once after receiving a grade, including “W.”  Please also note that Texas law now restricts students from withdrawing from more than six classes during their college career from any Texas college or university.
      If you have taken an American or Texas Government course at another institution, check with Enrollment Management to assure that you have enrolled for the proper course to complete the legislative requirement.  NOTE: Students transferring a government course from out-of-state must enroll in this course to complete the Texas legislative requirement.

     The professor may use a variety of methods including lectures, debates, group and individual projects, learning games, simulations, multimedia, experiential learning assignments, web and computer-based work.

       
OFFICE & HOURS:
Dr. Glenn David Garrison, Professor of Political Science
SCC G224 in Suite G221

Telephone:  972.881.5815 (office)
972.881.5800 (Secretary)
972.881.5700 (Fax)

E-mail: dgarrison@ccccd.edu

Please include your name, course, and section in all email correspondence.

Classroom: B125 SCC
 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Acquire knowledge of the basic principles of American and Texas government and an understanding of the operation of the American political system including but not limited to the following:

2. demonstrate an appreciation of the interactions between and among various participants at all
      levels of the American political system and the ethnic and economic diversity of the United States.
3. develop critical thinking skills, e.g., interpretation of graphs, mathematical skills, written and oral critiques, etc.
4. demonstrate an understanding of the application of the above material to contemporary politics.
5. encourage students to read, think, write and speak at an appropriate intellectual level.
6. equip students with the tools necessary to become informed citizens

COURSE REQUIREMENTS &  METHOD OF EVALUATION:
     The student is expected to attend class, read the assigned textbook and supplemental materials, take thorough
class notes, thoughtfully participate in class discussion and activities, become knowledgeable in current affairs
relevant to the course, complete the experiential learning assignments and the assigned exams. No exams are optional.
     The professor is available for help and advice. Free tutoring is available from the ACCESS program. Textbook
study guides in MyPoliSciLab are strongly recommended Study lists for each exam are available at the professor's
web site.  
      Exams occur approximately every four to five weeks. Exams consist of objective questions (multiple choice
and true-false) and a take home essay. The final exam is in part comprehensive.  All exams are mandatory.
     Experiential learning tasks (usually three) are related to the exams and typically involve research, analysis, and
writing. For exam study lists, take home essays, and tasks see the course page.

                                      Exam 1=                        200 points (20%)

                                      Exam 2=                        200 points (20%)

                                      Final =                            300 points (30%)

                                      Experiential Tasks =   300 points (30%; typically 100 points per task)

                                                                            1000 total possible points

The grading scale is:

        900-1000 points =  A

          800-899 points  =  B

          700-799 points  =  C

           600-699 points  =  D

                0-599 points  =  F