Syllabus For Ken Kemp’s Government 2305
(American National Government)
Spring 2002
Mr. Ken Kemp
College 940-668-7731
Email kenyon@texoma.net
Class Web Site:
http://www.texoma.net/~dawnThe student will gain a good overall perspective of the nature of government in the United States. The student will also gain insight into the world of US politics and the increasing role of mass media. Hopefully, students will feel empowered and become participants in the political process while staying informed on current events.
Required Text: Burns, Peltason: Government By The People (3rd Brief Edition) Prentice Hall, 1997
Suggested Media:
Daily Print: Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gainesville Daily Register
Monthly/Weekly Print: Time Newsweek USA Today Wall Street Journal US News
WWW: The class web-site has a wealth of information. Any search engine i.e. google.
TV: FOXNEWS MSNBC CNBC ABC CBS NBC CNN KERA
Radio: WBAP 820 AM KERA 90.1 FM
Rough Course Outline
Chapter 1 "Constitutional Democracy"
Chapter 2 "American Federalism" Quiz 1
Chapter 3 "First Amendment Rights" Quiz 2
Chapter 4 "Equal Justice Under The Law" Quiz 3
Chapter 5 "Political Culture & Ideology" Quiz 4
Chapter 6 "The American political Landscape" Quiz 5
Chapter 7 "Political Parties" Quiz 6
MIDTERM EXAM
Chapter 9 "The Media"
Chapter 10 "Congress" Quiz 7
Chapter 11 "The Presidency" Quiz 8
Chapter 12 "Judiciary Quiz 9
Chapter 14 "Domestic Policy" Quiz 10
Chapter 15 "Foreign Policy" Quiz 11
FINAL EXAM
Grading Policy
Tests & Projects = 50
Research Paper = 20
Attendance = 10
Group Project = 20
The number of the tests in the course may vary but the student is expected to take all tests, as no exemptions will be given. Students are responsible for contacting the instructor about making up a missed exam. Most exams will be multiple choice and/or true false some will contain essays. Tests will include lecture & text material not covered in class.
ATTENDANCE
Every class missed will cause the student to lose five points from their attendance grade, which starts at 100. Student who miss more than three classes may be dropped from the class. Each student must bring a current event every week on the topic of national government and be prepared to discuss it as part of their grade. Students who miss more than three classes may be dropped from the class.
Major Paper
A research paper of seven to ten pages is required of every student in the course. The topic must focus on politics or government in the United States and be approved by the instructor. Students are expected to follow the standard format for references and citations. In addition, the student should be aware that plagiarism will not be tolerated. The paper is due two weeks before the final exam.
Extra Credit:
Option One
Students have several opportunities to improve their course grade. Any student who attends or participates in any government or political activity will receive additional 5 points up to a maximum of 15 points on a test grade. Student must turn in an index card with the activity, date, length of participation, and signature of an appropriate governmental or political official who was also in attendance.
Option Two:
Student may do an extra report over any of these movies or books.
Films:
1984 – George Orwell (Man is reduced to a collective in which the state is the only good)
Brazil – Terry Gilliam (Critique of American capitalism & government disguised as dark comedy)
Books
1984 – George Orwell (Man is reduced to a collective in which the state is the only good)
Animal Farm – George Orwell (What communism is really like)
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley (Genetic manipulation and control of society)
Anthem – Ayn Rand (Collectivism taken to its extreme)
The Federalist Papers – Madison & Hamilton (Arguments for the adoption of the Constitution)
The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates - by Ralph Ketcham (Editor)
Parliament of Whores – PJ O’Rourke (Satirical & funny account of American Government)
Fahrenheit 451- Ray Bradbury (A classic tale of the future where books are considered obscene)
Democracy in America - Alexis De Tocqueville (A grand description of the American Experiment)
Common Sense - Thomas Paine (Words of Wisdom leading up to the US Revolution)
Student Responsibilities:
Disruption of class will result in your removal at my discretion. I will not tolerate inappropriate
Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" for that particular test, assignment or for the course.
If a student decides to drop the class it is the responsibility of the student to fill out the official withdraw forms in the Registrar’s Office in order to receive a grade of "W" instead of an "F". Students should be aware of the drop dates listed in the schedule of classes.
ADA Statement: North Central Texas College is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to its students with disabilities by providing assistance through "reasonable accommodations"; and a variety of services and resources through the Special Populations Office. The College does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities in admission or access to its programs. Students are responsible for notifying the office of their need for assistance at least two weeks prior to the beginning of a semester. Students with documented disabilities such as mobility, hearing or visual impairments, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. The Special Populations Office is located in the Counseling/Testing Center in ASC 108 (next door to the bookstore). For assistance, call 940/668-4216 ext. 344.
EEOC Statement: North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.
Important Notice:
This course outline and grading policy is for your information and reference. It does not constitute a binding agreement. The instructor is free to alter it or make adjustments as necessary at any time.