Syllabus
GOVT 2305 Federal Government
Ranger College
Division of Social Science
Instructor Information
Name: Kathy Kennedy
E-mail: kkennedy@ranger.edu or profkritchey@yahoo.com
GOVT 2305 is designed to introduce students to the organization, the principles and the
various functions of the federal government. Together we will analyze the history,
structure, changes, and continued evolution of politics in the United States. In addition,
we will explore a variety of contemporary political issues as they relate to the course
material. This course does cover some historical information, but is primarily a study of
modern politics not history.
This is one of the rare collegiate courses where watching television (the news) will
greatly benefit you. In addition, I highly encourage you to stay informed about current
events issues that are related to the course via print, televised and electronic media.
These additional resources will be of great assistance in your efforts to understand the
content covered in this course.
The larger effort in this course is to understand how and why the United States of
America has created a vast, dynamic and complex governmental system on the national,
state and local levels. Upon completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and
analytical skills necessary to better understand the philosophy, structure and logical
processes which govern the world we live in. More importantly, this course will provide
you with the resources necessary to participate in politics and make informed decisions
in the future.
Introduction to the Instructor
Welcome to Federal Government. My name is Kathy Kennedy. I greatly enjoy teaching. I
have over a decade of teaching experience. I am excited about this semester. I want to
be available for you in this course; however, email is the best tool to reach me
(kkennedy@ranger.edu or profkritchey@yahoo.com)
Required Course Materials
Textbooks/reading materials:
Wilson, James Q. American Government. Brief Version, eleventh edition. Boston,
Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Company.
(optional) New York Times (online) or access to any other major newspaper. Knowledge
of current events is essential to the course activities.
Technology Requirements:
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Internet access (free access available in campus computer labs)
USB flash drive for back-up storage of electronic files
Active E-mail account (check at least three times per week)
Basic use of a personal computer (word processing and internet browsing).
Access to the Ranger College Blackboard system
Software Requirements:
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Microsoft Office or Open Office (word processor and presentation viewer)
Windows Media Player
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Course Grading System
Grading Scale (point system)
A=
900 – 1000
B=
800 – 899
C=
700 – 799
D=
600 – 699
F=
0 – 599
Activity Grade Values (*required activity)
*Orientation
(1 x 50):
5%
= 50 points
Unit Essays (1 per unit)
(3 x 150 each):
45%
= 450 points
Unit Exams
(3 x 50 each):
15%
= 150 points
Discussion Postings
(3 x 50 each):
15%
= 150 points
*Film Evaluation Project
(1 X 200):
20%
= 200 points
________________________________________________________________
Totals:
(11 Activities)
100%
= 1000 points
GOVT 2305 – Course Calendar (All Deadlines are due in the evening by 11:55 pm
on the scheduled date)
Mandatory Orientation:
The Orientation Quiz must be completed within the first few days of the course. The
final Orientation Quiz deadline is 11:55 pm 08/28/2014.
Unit I Deadline: 09/30/14
Readings: Chapters 1-5
Deadline Activities:
o
o
o
Unit I Exam
Unit I Essay
Forum #1
Unit II Deadline: 11/06/2014
Readings: Chapters 6-10
Deadline Activities:
o
o
o
Unit II Exam (Mid-term)
Unit II Essay
Forum #2
Unit III Deadline: 12/11/14
Readings: Chapters 11-15
Deadline Activities:
o
o
o
o
Film Evaluation
Unit III Exam (Final) *must be proctored on campus
Unit III Essay
Forum #3
All work must be turned in by 12/11/2014 at 11:55 pm.
Addendum I - General Course Information
Course Description
GOVT 2305 – Federal Government (3). Introduction to the theory and practice of
government and politics in America at the national level. Topics include democratic
political theory, political culture, the United States Constitution, federalism, civil liberties
and civil rights, media, political participation and elections, the institutions of
government, domestic and foreign policies. This class is three lecture hours per week.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge
of human cultures and the physical and natural world, and advance intellectual and
practical skills that are essential for all learning.
CORE OBJECTIVES- this course directly meets all of the following of the six
Core Objectives:
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
-To include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis
of information.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
To include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written,
oral and visual communication.
EMPIRICAL AND QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
To include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resuting
in informed conclusions.
TEAMWORK
To include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with
others to support a shared purpose or goal.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
To include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to
engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
To include the ability to connect choices, action and consequences to ethical decisionmaking.
Course Etiquette
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E-mail – Please allow 48 hours for a reply via e-mail. There may be periods
where it may take longer to get a reply (such as weekends and holidays). Again,
be patient and allow me time to get back to you.
Communication Dialogue – Personal attacks, racial or ethnic slurs, outbursts or
other inappropriate forms of communication will result in immediate removal from
the class and possibly from the college. Think about what you are saying, before
you hit the send or submit button.
Personal Requests – I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have
about the course, about the news, or even college life in general. However,
personal requests for exemptions to course policies will not be granted unless
there is a legitimate reason. It is a form of discrimination by the instructor to grant
exceptions without basis. Any exceptions made may require documentation and
will only be considered in advance of a deadline. Please refrain from asking the
instructor to engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior, such requests will
be ignored.
Late Work Policy
Ample time has been allotted to complete each Unit activity. All assignments are
expected on or before the deadline indicated in the syllabus. I am certainly willing to
work with you through extenuating personal circumstances should the need arise to
submit a late essay. Any student that needs to submit a late paper must contact me in
advance of the deadline for approval and to make alternative arrangements. You may be
required to provide some form of written documentation in order to substantiate a
request to submit a late assignment.
Online Course Attendance
Students are expected to login and utilize e-campus for a total of three hours per week
and dedicate about the same amount of time to studying and working on assignments
(approx. 6 hours total). As a minimum expectation, you should login to the course and
check your e-mail at least once per week. You are free to work ahead at your own pace.
However, be sure to avoid falling behind. Each unit deadline will serve as a benchmark
for your overall progress in the course. Remember, the distance education environment
requires a high degree of self-discipline and intrinsic motivation. Time management is
something many students struggle with, so make a schedule for this course and stick to
it. Trying to work on all the assignments just ahead of a deadline is the recipe for
disaster.
Course E-mail / Announcements
There are frequent updates posted in the course announcements areal. This is the
primary avenue of communication for this course. Each student is expected to read the
information and keep current with the course. Many frequently asked questions are
addressed via announcements and some may contain vital course information. These
are official course communications, so bear in mind that you will be held accountable for
the information provided.
Course Honor Code
Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and
collusion. Students are expected to complete all course work by their own efforts and in
their own words.
When you cite or paraphrase another author, you are required to properly acknowledge
all sources with a parenthetical citation in the body text and provide a bibliographic listing
on a works cited page. If you have any questions about citations, contact me
immediately. Any attempt to submit work that is not a product of your own efforts will
result in an automatic “F” for the assignment and the course. In addition, you may face
disciplinary action by the college administration leading up to expulsion from the college.
I implore you to avoid procrastinating and begin your work as soon as possible. Time
seems to be the largest factor in a student’s decision to plagiarize.
Statement of Academic Freedom
The collegiate environment is one that promotes tolerance, understanding,
communication and equality. Use the guidelines below in your interactions with the
instructor and your peers:
Students are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of
political issues and express their understanding of key points in this course. The
discussion format in particular is an opportunity for students to enjoy their constitutional
right to free speech and expression. This is not intended to serve as a platform for one to
express their political ideology or personal feelings about a given issue. It is a forum for
an intellectual dialogue and an exchange of ideas. Again, the expectation is that you will
conduct yourself to the standards befitting a college student engaged in an intellectual
dialogue (both inside and outside the classroom).
Academic freedom will be protected and respected by all students and the instructor.
However, there are some limitations on free speech. Hateful, sexist, racist, hurtful, or
otherwise obscene comments that are intended as a personal attack will not be
tolerated. Additionally, any dialogue that does not specifically pertain to the topic at hand
will not receive an audience. At the instructor's discretion, a student that violates these
guidelines may be removed from the course and possibly from the college.
Addendum III - Course Activities, Assignments, and Exams
Course Readings
Each student is expected to read the assigned material as detailed in the course
calendar. Students will be held accountable for assigned materials via the course
assignments, discussion forums and unit exams. The textbook readings create the core
of the online course experience.
It is vital that you manage your time and maintain a high degree of self-discipline to
ensure your success in any college course. The course schedule has been designed to
spread apart the major course topics so that you are able to comprehend the material. If
you fall behind, it is difficult to adequately address the topics and this often creates a
snowball effect leading to failure. Again, I implore you to keep pace with the class and
not fall behind. As a general guideline, the pace is about 1 chapter per week during the
full length term (or a chapter per day in a mini-term).
Unit Essays
The unit essay is the primary assessment of your learning in an online course. Reading
the material and taking an open book exam does not fully demonstrate your command of
the information. For this reason, the majority of your grade will be based on your written
work. The deadline for each essay is the end of the unit for which it was assigned (see
calendar for details). Late work will only be considered according to the late work policy.
Once the deadline passes, the grade will be recorded as a zero. It is suggested that you
identify which essay you want to work on at the start of each unit and consistently
progress toward a final draft.
All course readings are expected to have been examined prior to submitting the unit
essay. As always, the essays are to be in your own words. When a source has been
cited, you are expected to acknowledge the source in the body of your text and on a
works cited page using formal MLA or APA citation format.
Each unit essay is to be 3-4 pages in length. The minimum writing requirement is
1,000 words. An essay will not be graded if it does not include a word count at the
top of the essay. Anything less than the minimum writing expectations will be
considered incomplete and will result in a zero. You will choose only one essay out
of the different options. The final work products must be submitted to the Safe
Assignments area of the course when completed. This is found in the Unit. An essay that
is more than 25% copied will be considered as plagiarized. This may result in academic
suspension or probation. Please use caution!
Unit Exams
There are three exams in this course, one for each unit. The exam window is from the
first day of the unit until the deadline (see the course calendar for details). Each course
exam consists of 25 randomly generated multiple-choice questions. The exams are
automated; they are generated from a pool of questions. The grade will post immediately
after submission. Each student will have two attempts per unit exam. The higher grade
will be recorded. If you do not finish an attempt, it will count as a zero. You will have 60
minutes (1 hour) to complete each exam. If you are susceptible to procrastination,
please give yourself time to complete the exam. I suggest starting no later than 10:00
pm the day of the deadline. See the course schedule for specific deadlines for each
exam.
The tests are not comprehensive. Each test covers detailed material from the chapters
assigned for a given unit. The format for each exam is open book and each exam has a
time limit. It is the unsecured nature of the distance education environment that
mandates that you are highly prepared before each test. These restrictions provide a
measure of integrity for the course exams and help secure your identity.
Once an exam has started, you will not be able to leave, back out or close the test
screen. It is strongly suggested that you do not take the exams on a computer with a
wireless connection. It is also suggested that you keep an internet radio station active
without volume during the test to ensure your connection stays active during the exam.
On rare occasion, there may be an issue with the test pool. I will address those issues
on a case-by-case basis.
Unforeseen glitches during an exam attempt can occur from time to time.
Please note: the final exam must be proctored at a designated campus. Please
watch for announcements concerning the final exam.
Discussion Forums
General guidelines:
Postings must be made by the deadline for each unit for the discussion assignment to be
considered complete. Please post your word count at the end of each and every posting
made in the discussion forum. The expectation is that students have completed the
assigned readings prior to engaging the forum topic. This allows the discussions to
remain relevant to the assigned topics. You may not go back and address discussion
topics once the Unit has been completed. The deadline for the forum postings will be the
end of each Unit as noted in the syllabus.
Posting Guidelines:
During each unit, you are expected to post an answer (in your own words) to the primary
set of questions posed for the discussion forum. Please do not wait until the deadline to
make your submission. Each activity involves an element of independent research and
critical analysis. The questions address your understanding of central themes in the
textbook and your ability to think critically about the course material.
Your responses are to be in essay format. Be sure to fully explain your position, citing a
high quality source as evidence. The course textbook, Wikipedia, an online blog and
similar items are examples of unacceptable sources on the collegiate level. Each
student is expected to utilize high quality sources (academic journals, scholarly articles,
current laws/policy, court cases, etc). The grade for the posting will be determined by the
quality, depth and originality of your writing. There must be at least two sources. The
minimum writing requirement is 250 words for the posting, be sure to add your
word count at the end of the posting.
Political Film Evaluation Project
Introduction:
The major project for this course is to view one film that is of personal interest from the list
provided below. The films have been screened by the instructor and have been found to be of
considerable value as it pertains to the content of a GOVT 2305 course. The final work product is
to be a high quality report using the specific guidelines provided for the project.
The films listed can be obtained at your local video store or in some cases at your local library. I
suggest that you carefully examine the requirements for this activity prior to selecting a film. Then
as you watch the film, create a detailed set of notes that you can refer to as you prepare your
paper. Again, examine your notes and carefully consider the project guidelines. Spend some time
developing you ideas before typing up a report. In general, plan to spend about 10 hours on this
project. That includes the time needed to view the film (possibly twice), write the report and edit
the final copy. The purpose of this assignment is to compare concepts and ideology from this
course to the movie. If there is no comparison, no points will be given. Begin with an abstract of
what the movie is about. Next, write a summary of how the film applies to government. Lastly,
give your opinion of the film based on whether or not it had a motive or bias. Perhaps it was
informative. If so, was there a certain political slant?
The final work product is to have a minimum of one page annotating the politics involved in the
plot of the film and a minimum of 800 words single spaced (this does not include the cover
page, extensive quotes and the opinion page).
Grade Value: The grading scale is based on a maximum value of 200 points.
Deadline: Submit your work by the final Unit deadline for your course section (see your course
calendar for details).
List of Approved Films:
 Recount (R): A chronicle of the weeks after the 2000 U.S. presidential election and
the subsequent recounts in Florida . HBO Films, 2008.
 Swing Vote (PG-13): Bud Johnson, an apathetic, beer-slinging, lovable loser, is
coasting through a life that has passed him by. A chain of events culminate in the
election coming down to his one vote. Touchstone Pictures, 2008.
 Frost/Nixon (R): A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews
between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.
Universal Pictures, 2008.
 Lions for Lambs (R): Three parallel storylines, from around the world, share a
common bond and a powerful message. One takes place in Afghanistan , one at a
California University , and the other in the US Congress. One of the central
questions posed asks if politics is relevant. United Artists, 2007.
 V for Vendetta (R): A shadowy figure known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight
for freedoms against a totalitarian government. Warner Home Video, 2005.
 Good Night and Good Luck (PG): Broadcast journalist 'Edward R. Murrow (I)' looks
to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy during the "Red Scare" of the 1950's.
Warner Independent Pictures, 2005.
 Bowling for Columbine (R): Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of
America 's predilection for gun violence and seeks meaning for the right to bear
arms. Alliance Atlantis Communications, 2002.
 The Patriot (R): Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia
during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.
Columbia Pictures, 2000.
 The Insider (R): A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack
when he decides to appear in a "60 Minutes" expose on Big Tobacco. Blue Lion
Entertainment, 1999.
 The Siege (R): A look at how various government entities respond to a series of
terrorist attack in New York City and several Constitutional issues. 20th Century Fox,
1998.
 Enemy of the State (R): A lawyer becomes a target by a corrupt politician and the
National Security Agency when he accidentally receives key evidence to a serious
politically motivated crime. Touchstone Pictures, 1998.
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Bullworth (R): A Congressman has a nervous breakdown and decides to tell the
public the truth about politics. Twentieth Century Fox, 1998.
Primary Colors (R): Jack Stanton is running for President. The election is seen
through the eyes of Henry Burton who is the grandson of the county's most
celebrated Civil Rights leader. Along the way Stanton must deal with a sex scandal.
Universal, 1998.
Wag the Dog (R): The media spin doctors show how influential they have become in
this satirical look at modern politics. New Line Cinema, 1997.
Bob Roberts (R): A corrupt rightwing folksinger runs a crooked election campaign
while only one independent muckraking reporter is trying to stop him, 1992.
Brewster's Millions (PG-13): To inherit $300 million, Montgomery Brewster is
charged with the near-impossible task of spending $30 million in 30 days without
accruing an asset. How does he do it? He runs for office. The role of money in
politics is illuminated with humor, 1985.
The Candidate (PG): Robert Redford plays the idealist lawyer Bill Mackay who is
persuaded by the political establishment to run for the Senate on the grounds that he
cannot possibly win. Warner Brothers, 1972.
All the Kings Men (PG): One of the earliest tales about how power corrupts, this
classic focuses on an honest man who succumbs to ambition and populist pandering,
1949.
The Distinguished Gentleman (R): A con man uses the likeness of his name to get
elected to the US Congress. Once in public office, he must decide between his own
interests and those of his constituents. Hollywood Pictures, 1992.
All the President's Men (PG): A film that tells the story of the infamous investigation
of the break-in at the Watergate Hotel, which would eventually lead to President
Nixon's resignation. Warner Brothers, 1976.
Advise and Consent (PG): The story of a Senate battle over the appointment and
confirmation of a Secretary of State. Columbia, 1962.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (NR): Classic Jimmy Stewart movie shows a naive
businessman who takes a courageous stand as a Senator. Columbia, 1939.
Guidelines for the Film Report:
1. Follow all of the formatting guidelines for this course. In this case, place the title of the
project, your name, course and section number on a cover page. Be sure to include a
word count for each report (excluding the citation and any extensive quotes).
2. Provide a one-page detailed annotation using the following criteria:
a. The annotation must be in your own words, using the language of a political
science student. Do not submit something like the film abstract found online or on
the back of the DVD (a summary). The purpose of the annotation is to
demonstrate your ability to identify the political ideas being conveyed in the plot
of the film. In other words, what are the political points being made and how did
they evolve during the plot of the film?
b. Someone reading your annotation should get a general feel about the political
issues being engaged in the film without having to see it. Writing a good
annotation is challenging, this is very different from a "book report" or summary
type activity. You may want to review the film more than once before you begin
writing. You are to use your own judgments, no one is permitted to use outside
sources for this aspect of the project.
c. Do not express your feelings, reactions or personal views in the summary. That
is the purpose of the opinion page, a separate requirement within this project. Be
sure to keep your opinions separate from your report (stay objective).
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
d. The annotation for each film report must be 1 full page in length. If too short, it
doesn't provide enough information; if too long, you are probably trying to put in
all the facts or details, which is not the purpose of annotating.
Clearly identify how the film ties in with relevant course material. You are expected to
make specific references to at least 4 different scenes from the film.
Explain whether or not the content was biased or objective (films often use bias
intentionally to convey an idea). Provide at least 2 specific examples from each film to
support your analysis.
Identify at least 2 things you learned from the film about the world of politics that were not
specifically addressed in the formal course readings, lectures or videos.
On a separate "Opinion Page" - State your personal opinion of the film. Think of your
audience, try to rate it in terms that would appeal to your fellow students. Would they find
it useful or interesting? This is where you get to play the role of a film critic. The opinion
page should be no more than one paragraph on a separate page.
Proofread. The final product must be grammatically correct. It is your responsibility to find
someone (friend, fellow student, English teacher, English tutor, relative, neighbor, etc.) to
go over your rough copy and make corrections before your final copy is prepared. I do
not expect perfection, but I do expect college level performance. Thus, your writing
should demonstrate what you have learned in class through your written analysis.
Suggestion: sometimes it's a good idea to read your final copy out loud to yourself to
hear if it makes sense.
Addendum IV – Ranger College Institutional Policies
Instructor’s Rights:
The instructor reserves the right to modify any course requirements and calendar due
dates as necessary to manage and conduct this course. Students are responsible for
contacting the instructor and seeking clarification of any requirement that is not
understood.
ADA Information:
If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs who requires accommodations,
please contact the College’s Special Services. The student is responsible for making the
initial contact with the counselor before or immediately after the semester begins.
Academic Honesty:
Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Scholastic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
As a college student, you are considered a responsible adult.
Withdrawal Policy –
If you are unable to complete this course, it is your responsibility to withdraw formally.
Do not simply stop attending the course. The withdrawal request must be received in the
Registrar’s Office by (semester’s drop date). Failure to do so will result in your receiving
a performance grade, usually an “F.” If you drop a class or withdraw from the college
before the official drop/withdrawal deadline, you will receive a “W” (Withdraw) in each
class dropped. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Admission, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are nondiscriminatory in regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, and national
origin.