COURSE SYLLABUS_______________________________________
GOVT 220 – SPRING 2019
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Instructor:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Emai/Phone:
Class Meets:
Dr. Kahlib Fischer
Green Hall 1661 N
By appointment only
kfischer@liberty.edu / (434) 592-4649
Tuesday/Thursday, 9:45-11:10 am DH 1166
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The issues, interest and institutions of American politics, emphasizing the struggle between
liberalism and conservatism.
RATIONALE
The primary purpose of this course is to train the student for effective citizenship. No one can be
an effective citizen without an understanding of how his or her government operates. This is
especially true today because the growth in size of government at all levels has increased its
impact on our daily lives. No one can avoid involvement with government. As both Christians
and citizens, we need to understand our duties to our government and how we can defend our
heritage of liberty.
I. PREREQUISITES
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course
Catalog.
II. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES
A. Wilson, James Q., Dilulio, John Jr., Bose, Meena; Levendusky, Matthew S., American
Government: Institutions and Policies 16E. ISBN-13: 978-1-337-56839-5
B. Top Hat App for phone or laptop.
 We will be using the Top Hat classroom response system in class.
 You will be able to submit answers to in-class questions using Apple or Android
smartphones and tablets, laptops, or through text message.
 You can visit the Top Hat Overview within the Top Hat Success Center which
outlines how you will register for a Top Hat account, as well as providing a brief
overview to get you up and running on the system.
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


An email invitation will be sent to you by email, but if don’t receive this email, you
can register by simply visiting our course website (Note: our Course Join Code
is 266700).
Top Hat will require a paid subscription, and a full breakdown of all subscription
options available can be found here.
Should you require assistance with Top Hat at any time, due to the fact that they
require specific user information to troubleshoot these issues, please contact their
Support Team directly by way of email, the in app support button, or by calling 1888-663-5491.
III. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING
A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Microsoft Word (Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University
students.)
D. U.S. Constitution including the Bill of Rights
IV. MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
V.
Identify the main provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
Analyze the meaning of important constitutional provisions.
Identify characteristics of liberalism and conservatism.
Identify the constitutional powers granted to each branch of government.
Differentiate between formal and informal changes made to the constitution.
Identify ways in which citizens can effectively participate in the political process.
Identify the extent of Christian influence on the underlying principles of the U.S.
Constitution and the way recent Supreme Court rulings have limited this influence.
ASSIGNMENTS/REQUIREMENTS
A.
Top Hat
We will be using the Top Hat (www.tophat.com) classroom response
system in class. You will be able to submit answers to in-class
questions using Apple or Android smartphones and tablets, laptops,
or through text message.
You can visit the Top Hat Overview
(https://success.tophat.com/s/article/Student-Top-Hat-Overview-andGetting-Started-Guide) within the Top Hat Success Center which
outlines how you will register for a Top Hat account, as well as
providing a brief overview to get you up and running on the system.
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An email invitation will be sent to you by email, but if don’t receive
this email, you can register by simply visiting our course
website: https://app.tophat.com/e/056830
Note: our Course Join Code is 056830
Top Hat may require a paid subscription, and a full breakdown of all
subscription options available can be found
here: www.tophat.com/pricing.
Should you require assistance with Top Hat at any time, due to the
fact that they require specific user information to troubleshoot these
issues, please contact their Support Team directly by way of email
(support@tophat.com), the in app support button, or by calling 1888-663-5491.
B.
American Majority
Students may have the option of substituting a weekend seminar offered by the
American Majority for the Synthesis Paper. This seminar covers practical ways in
which citizens can become effective players in the political process. This seminar
will be held at Liberty University on September 15. The cost of the seminar is
covered by the American Majorityand there is no charge for students to attend. Since
seminar will take all day Saturday, students should clear their schedules for those
days.
A general outline of the content can be seen by going to the Internet and viewing the
American Majority site. You can also watch this promotional video. Students will be
required to keep a notebook of the lectures given in The American Majority Seminar.
This will serve as a substitute for the synthesis paper.
C.
MindTap Exercises
Students will complete online, interactive exercsies and quizzes for each e-chapter in
the text. These exercises must be completed before the next chapter is discussed in
class.
D.
Synthesis Paper
Students will write a 3-5, double-spaced paper applying Biblical principles of
government to a current political issue. Attending the American Majority Seminar
will serve as a substitute for this paper.
E.
Challenge Path Assignments
For no credit or extra credit whatsoever and purely on a volunteer basis, interested
students will complete one additional essay per unit, based upon assigned questions
from the professor. These questions may be a blend of personal and political as it
relates to course content. Students volunteering for this path must take assignments,
deeper reflection and learning seriously. Occassionally, there may be outside of class
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meetings for those interested. Again, this is entirely voluntary and earns the student
no extra credit whatsoever.
F.
VI.
Final Exam
The final exam is a cumulative, multiple choice/True-False exam taken at the end of
the semester.
GRADING POLICIES
A. Point Totals
Chapter MindTap Exercises (30 pts. Ea)
Synthesis Paper/American Majority Seminar
Final Exam
Reading Quizzes / Class Participation
Total
600
150
150
100
1000
B. Grading Scale
A = 900 points and above
B = 800 to 899 points
C = 700 to 799 points
D = 600 to 699 points
F = below 600 points
VII. EXTRA CREDIT POLICY
Extra credit work is difficult to evaluate and often counterproductive by interfering with the
regularly assigned work. Therefore extra credit work ordinarily will be permitted only for
election activities. The total amount of extra credit for all projects combined will be limited to a
total of no more than 60 points. In no case will extra credit change the final grade more than one
letter.
VIII. ATTENDANCE POLICIES
For the good of the Liberty University student body, a consistent attendance policy is needed so
that all students in all majors will understand the expectations of faculty in all their courses. In
general, regular and punctual attendance in all classes is expected of all students. Though at
times, students will miss classes.
Absences for 100-200 level courses fall into two categories:
1. University Approved Absences
a. University Approved Absences include Liberty University sponsored events, athletic
competition, and other Provost-approved absences.
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b. The student must provide written documentation in advance for University Approved
Absences.
c. Work missed for University-approved absences may be made up.
2. Student Elective Absences
a. Student Elective Absences include, but are not limited to, illness and bereavement.
b. Work missed for Student Elective Absences may be made up at the discretion of the
faculty member. Questions regarding missed work for Student Elective Absences
must be addressed by the student with the professor within one week of returning to
class. In cases where this is not possible, the student must notify the Professor in
writing of the circumstances impacting his or her absence. The student may appeal
the Professor's decision in writing to the respective Chair within one week. Final
appeals may be made to the Dean in writing within one week of the Chair's decision
and the Dean's decision is final.
c. When circumstances result in excessive absences (e.g., serious medical illness, family
crisis), upon return to campus, the student shall communicate in writing with the
Registrar's Office (Registrar@liberty.edu) and provide an explanation of his or her
situation with appropriate documentation. The Registrar will consult with the faculty
member before making the final decision and will notify, in writing, the student and
the faculty member.
d. Students who are more than 10 minutes late for class are considered absent.
e. Students who are late for class 10 minutes or less are considered tardy but present for
the class. If a student misses in-class work due to tardiness, the faculty member may
choose not to allow the student to make up this work. Three class tardies will be
counted as one absence.
f. Number of Student Elective Absences Permitted:
i. For classes that meet three times per week, the student will be permitted four
elective absences per semester.
ii. For classes that meet twice per week, the student will be permitted three
elective absences per semester.
iii. For classes that meet once per week, the student will be permitted one elective
absence per semester.
g. Penalties for each absence over the permitted number of elective absences per
semester will be as follows:
i. 50 points for classes that meet 3 times per week
ii. 75 points for classes that meet 2 times per week
iii. 100 points for classes that meet once per week
Attendance at tests is especially important. Students who will be away on test dates on excused
absences may be able to take the exam early. Arrangements must be made with the instructor in
advance in such cases. In the event that a student misses a test (except test 2) for any reason, the
final exam will serve as the make-up test. In this case, the weight of the final exam will be
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increased by 130 points to compensate for the missed test. This policy does not apply to test 2.
You must attend the American Majority Seminar or take test 2.
In the event that a student misses a second test for an excused cut, a make-up test may be
scheduled in consultation with the instructor. Responsibility rests with the student for scheduling
any make-up tests. Arrangements for a make-up test must be made within one week of the date
of the test or a grade of “0” will be given for the missed test.
VII.
OTHER POLICIES
Dress Code
Students are expected to come to class dressed in a manner consistent with the Liberty Way.
Failure to comply may result in being dismissed from class.
Honor Code
We, the students, faculty and staff of Liberty University, have a responsibility to uphold the
moral and ethical standards of this institution and personally confront those who do not.
Limits of Confidentiality
Students are encouraged to share prayer requests and life concerns with the professor in this
class. Not only will the professor pray for and care for students, but can guide students to
appropriate University resources if desired.
However, in the event of a student's disclosure, either verbally or in writing, of threat of
serious or foreseeable harm to self or others, abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly or disabled
person, victim or witness of a crime or sexual misconduct, or current involvement in
criminal activity, the faculty, staff, administrator, or supervisor will take immediate action.
This action may include, but is not limited to, immediate notification of appropriate state
law enforcement or social services personnel, emergency contacts, notification of the
appropriate program chair or online dean, or notification to other appropriate University
officials. All reported information is treated with discretion and respect, and kept as private
as possible.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct includes: dishonesty, plagiarism, and falsification. See the Liberty Way
for specific definitions, penalties and processes for reporting.
Disability Statement
Students with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability Academic
Support (ODAS) in DeMoss Hall 1118 to make arrangements for academic
accommodations. For all disability testing accommodation requests (i.e. quieter
environment, extended time, oral testing, etc.) the Testing Center (DeMoss Hall 1036) is the
officially designated place for all tests administered outside of the regular classroom.
Drop/Add Policy
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A Fall/Spring course may be dropped without a grade, tuition and fee charges within the first five
days of the semester. From the sixth day until the end of the tenth week, a Fall/Spring course
may be withdrawn with a grade of W or WF.
Classroom Policies
The inappropriate use of technology, such as cell phones, iPods, laptops, calculators, etc. in the
classroom is not tolerated. Other disruptive behavior in the classroom is not tolerated. Students
who engage in such misconduct will be subject the penalties and processes as written in the
Liberty Way.
IX.
CALENDAR FOR THE SEMESTER
Required Readings:
All the readings in the list that follows are required. Please read the appropriate assignment
before coming to class. The required readings are not necessarily limited to those in the syllabus.
This is because other important material may be published during the course of the semester, or
our discussion may lead in directions that make other readings useful. As a result, I reserve the
right to make additional assignments from time to time.
CAUTION: We will adhere to this schedule as closely as possible. It may be necessary for
various reasons to make adjustments in this sequence of assignments. In the event that such a
change is announced in class, it is your responsibility to be aware of the change whether you are
in class or not.
The dates topics and assignments are subject to change based upon the progress of discussion in
class. Note that you must complete the assigned MindTap exercises for the chatper before we
discuss it in class. With those caveats, the calendar below is subject to change:
TOPIC
READING
1/15
1/17
1/22
1/24
1/29
1/31
2/5
PART 1: PRINCIPLES & FOUNDATIONS OF
Introduction & Biblical Principles & Foundations
Biblical Principles & Foundations
The Constitution; Articles 1-3
Article 4, Federalism
American Political Culture
Civil Liberties
Civil Rights
AMERICAN SYSTEM
Chapter 1
2/7
2/12
2/14
2/19
2/21
2/23
2/26
PART 2: OPINIONS, INTERESTS & ORGANIZATIONS
Public Opinion
Chapter 7
Political Participation
Chapter 8
Political Parties
Chapter 9
Elections & Campaigns
Chapter 10
Interest Groups
Chapter 11
American Majority Seminar
The Media
Chapter 12
THE
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
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2/28
3/3
3/5
3/7
3/9-17
3/19
3/21
3/26
3/28
4/2
4/4
4/9
4/11
4/16
4/18
4/23
4/25
4/30
5/6
XI.
PART 3: INSTITUTIONS
Congress
Synthesis Paper Due
Guest Speaker
The Presidency
Spring Break
The Bureaucracy
The Judiciary
OF
GOVERNMENT
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
PART 4: PUBLIC POLICY & AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Domestic Policy
Chapter 17
Economic Policy
Chapter 18
Health Care
Foreign & Military Policy
Chapter 19
Criminal Justice
American Democracy, Then & Now
Chapter 20
TBD / Part 1 Review
TBD / Part 2 Review
TBD/ Part 3 Review
TBD / Part 4 Review
Final Exam Review
Final Exam (8:00-10:00 am)
Chapters 1-20
Bibliography
Barone, Michael. The Almanac of American Politics 2014. Washington, DC: National Journal,
2013
Barton, David. Original Intent: The Courts, The Constitution, and Religion. Aledo, TX:
Wallbuilder Press, 2005
Berger, Raoul. Federalism: The Founders’ Design. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma
Press, 1989
Buchanan, Patrick. Where the Right Went Wrong. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2005
Dreisbach, Daniel. Real Threat and Mere Shadow. Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1987
Goeglein, Timothy. The Man in the Middle. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2011
Goldberg, Bernard. Bias. New York: Warner Books, 2001
Levine, Mark. Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 2009
McCutcheon, Chuck. CQ’s Politics in America 2014: The 113th Congress. Washington, DC:
Congressional Quarterly, 2013
Meese, Edwin. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution. Washington, DC: Henry Regnery, 2005
Nash, George. The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945. New York:
Basic Books, 1979
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