American Government Syllabus
Mrs. Jen Metz
American Government course overview:
This course is an introduction to American national government including a study of the structural
function of the political system and the elements of constitutionalism, republicanism, and federalism. The
party system and an analysis of the U.S. Constitution are included. It is a descriptive, institutional
approach with considerable attention to the policy-making process. College-level reading skills are
recommended for success in this course.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, the ability to read and write at the college
level is highly recommended.
Rational:
This course stimulates students to think critically about this country's governmental and political
systems while challenging them to critically examine assumptions and conclusions, integrating learning
from different areas, and valuing the logical consistency of a body of materials.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
Analyze the influence of the political structure and of ideas on the process on the process of
serving some goals rather than others.
2.
Assess the consequences of activist government on the student's life.
3.
Explain what is meant by power in general human terms, political power in particular, relating the
latter to authority, legitimacy, and democracy in the context of American government.
4.
Evaluate the phenomenon of political change and what values dominate it in American life.
5.
Judge the validity of the several theories of politics and appraise the types of policy outputs of
government.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS and/or MATERIALS:
Title:
Edition:
Author:
Publisher:
American Government
2011
Wilson & DiIulio
Houghton Mifflin
Textbook:
1. If it is lost, you must pay $50.00 for replacement.
2. Bring your text with you everyday to class.
Points Earned:
1. We will use a total point system
2. The final exam will count for 10% of your final grade
3. Two outcome-based project will count for no more than 10% of your final grade
Grading Scale:
Grading Scale: Metro
100-94= A
100-90=A
93-87= B
89-80=B
86-77= C
79-70=C
76-70= D
69-60=D
69-0= F
59-0=F
Percentage grades of .5 tenths or more are rounded off to the next highest percentage. For example, 89.5 would
equal 90.0 percent whereas 89.4 would equal 89 percent.
You/your parents will be able to check your grades on Powerschool on a regular basis. Your grades will be
posted between 3 to 7 days after the due date (there are certain types of assignments that warrant a longer
grading period). If you have questions, please feel free to talk to me BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS!
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES AND USE OF COLLEGE COMPUTERS: METRO
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you
acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College
Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your
responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum
may be found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/itprocedures.htm
When using College computers at the computer labs, Learning Centers, Libraries and classrooms, you need to
login with your username and password*. Your username and password are the same whenever you log into
the network (campus computers), SharePoint Services, student e-mail, WebAdvisor and WebCT (if enrolled in
an online or blended course). For other systems (not listed above), your instructor will provide you with the
necessary username and password information.
Assignments:
1. All assignments must be done neatly on standard 8 ½ x 11 inch notebook paper or computer paper
2. Good grammar and spelling is the sign of thoughtful work. Excessive errors in this area will result in
grade penalties. This also applies to legibility on assignments.
3. Assignments must be turned in on the due date. Late work will be accepted at 50% off after it has been
asked for and turned in by the rest of the class. For example, if I ask for your papers at the beginning of
the period and you turn it in after I have collected the papers, it is automatically 50% off. If your
absence is excused, you will be allowed to make up the homework, refer to your student handbook for
more information.
4. Extra credit will be given out at my discretion. Extra credit cannot be used in place of homework, if you
cannot do the homework, you cannot do the extra credit. Extra credit will be used instead as an
opportunity to explore areas of interest, and /or to give students an opportunity to achieve by working on
projects beyond the required workload.
5. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
a. Get up in the middle of class to throw something away.
b. Get up in the middle of class to sharpen your pencil
c. When we have a guest speaker, do not look at the clock, put your head down, do other homework.
d. Put your head down in my class.
e. Talk when someone else is talking.
Test and Quizzes:
1. It is essential that you take notes during all relevant classroom activities and that you read the assigned
reading materials if you expect to make a satisfactory mark on tests. Good study habits will be of great
value to you.
2. Quizzes will be given throughout the semester and year
3. Tests will be given at the end of the each chapter. Make-up tests will be given within three days of the
first testing.
4. A final exam will be given at the end of the semester.
Attendance, Participation, and Citizenship
1. Good attendance on a consistent basis in this class is essential if you are to participate in class activities
on a regular basis and wish to achieve success. As for specific attendance policies I will use those that
are stated in your student handbook. Also, at this point in time you have to become responsible young
adults. As such, it is your responsibility to bring a valid admit to class upon returning from an absence.
Also, I expect you to inquire about assignments given or collected during your absence. This also
applies when you know of an absence in advance. The instructor may not always be able to provide
assignments ahead of time. If in doubt, ask me, don’t rely upon student hearsay.
2. Each student will receive an attendance participation grade each semester. I expect everyone to
participate!
3. I will deduct points from your grade for every unexcused absence and tardy. Refer to student handbook
for the absence and tardy policy.
4. We will have a speaker in our class ever so often from the community. He/She will need to be treated
with respect and given your undivided attention.
Instructor’s Assistance:
You have both the rights and responsibilities in this course of study. You have the right to have an instructor
who is well prepared. You have the right to seek assistance, ask questions, and be treated as an intelligent
young adult. With all of these rights, you also must assume certain responsibilities. Your responsibilities
include: the desire/willingness to learn, regular attendance, the willingness to complete the course
requirements, and good classroom citizenship. Both your rights and responsibilities must be met if the
objectives of this course are to be realized.