Federal Government GOVT-2305
- Fall 2024
- Section NCA
- 3 Credits
- 08/19/2024 to 10/11/2024
- Modified 08/13/2024
Meeting Times
- Monday-Friday 1:30-2:50 PM
- USHS Rm 84
Contact Information
Adjunct Professor: Mr. Daniel Rodriguez Jr.
Office Hours
- 5th Block
- Tuesday, Thursday, 2:55 PM to 4:15 PM, United South High School Rm 84
Textbooks/Materials/Technology
Course materials will be delivered through Canvas, the institution’s learning management system. Content may vary depending on course type but primarily includes assignments, activities, examinations, and grades.
For online exams, this course requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor. Respondus Monitor requires the use of a webcam with a microphone. In some cases, students can take their online exams in a proctored testing lab and Respondus Monitor would not be needed. However, Respondus LockDown Browser is always required to maintain the integrity of all exams. For details, refer to the section titled “Additional Course Information”.
American Government 3e
- Author: Glen Krutz (Content Lead), Oklahoma State University
- Publisher: OpenStax
- Edition: 3e
- ISBN: 1711493953
- Availability: https://openstax.org/books/american-government-3e/pages/preface
Course Type
Face-to-Face Course
A course in which all instruction occurs when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in the same place at the same time.
Course Description
Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.
Requisites
In order for you to be able to take this class, you must be College ready in Reading and English.
End-of-Course Outcomes
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
3. Describe the separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
6. Analyze the election process.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
General Education Competencies
Laredo College has identified six core objectives. They are:
- Communication: Laredo College students develop and express ideas through effective written, oral, or visual communication or various academic and professional contexts.
- Critical Thinking: Laredo College students demonstrate the ability to design, analyze, synthesize and/or evaluate information to achieve a desired goal.
- Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Laredo College students apply scientific and mathematical concepts to analyze and solve problems.
- Teamwork: Laredo College students consider different points of view and work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
- Personal Responsibility: Laredo College students connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
- Social Responsibility: Laredo College students demonstrate intercultural competency, civic knowledge, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and/or global communities.
Disclaimer: General Education competencies apply only to Core Curriculum courses.
Assessments
Outcomes Assessment
Unit exams and a final exam will determine the students’ achievement of the learning outcomes.(included but not limited to)
External Assessments
Students may be asked to provide assignments which may be included in course portfolios and used for evaluation of General Education Competencies. In addition, you may be selected to participate in the completion of surveys and/or be selected to take tests which will gauge your overall improvement in reading, writing, critical thinking, and mathematics. These activities are designed to collectively monitor your overall progress as a higher education student.
Course Policies
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for reading all assigned material prior to class lectures, as well as completing quizzes, discussion, essays, and exam on a timely matter.
Teaching Strategies/Methods of Instruction
Interactive class lectures and audio visual materials. (included but not limited to)
Methods and Criteria for Evaluation
Students must access the Semester Progress Report and Final Grades through PASPort (http://pasport.laredo.edu).
Instructors will notify students of the window of availability for grades.
A grade of “P” will be assigned if the student submits the required TSIA score to the instructor of record before the final exam date set by LC; otherwise, the final course grade assigned will be the grade earned by the student.
Breakdown
Resulting grade and related performance levels
| Grade |
Range |
Notes |
| A |
Excellent, 100%-89.50% |
|
| B |
Good, 89.49%-79.50% |
|
| C |
Average, 79.49%-69.50% |
|
| D |
Poor, 69.49%-59.50% |
|
| F |
Fail, 59.49% or below |
|
| F_ |
Failure, Non-Participatory |
F_ is awarded to students who did not officially withdraw from the course but who failed to participate in academically related activities; see catalog for further description.
|
| I |
Incomplete |
|
| W |
Withdrawal |
|
| NC |
No Credit |
|
| NC_ |
No Credit, Non-Participatory |
|
| NC_DV |
No Credit, Developmental |
|
| NCDV |
No Credit, Developmental, Non-Participatory |
|
| P |
Pass |
|
| NP |
No Pass |
|
| AU |
Audit |
|
Criteria
The Final Exam will be comprehensive, consisting of a Final Project in which the student will create a legislative proposal. Details will be forthcoming in the class modules.
Be advised that late work will be penalized 10 points per day up to a maximum of 50%
Disclaimer: Nursing, Allied Health, and Workforce courses build on knowledge and content learned from previous semesters. Therefore, content from previous courses may be included in the course examinations
Types of evaluations and related weights
| Type |
Weight |
Topic |
Notes |
| Reading Quzzes |
35% |
Chapter Reading Quizzes |
15 Quizzes (Lowest Dropped)
|
| Course Blogs |
10% |
Discussions |
4 Discussions
- Answer the prompt
- Pose a question for you classmates
- Answer 2 questions from your classmates
|
| Course Projects |
30% |
Module Projects |
3 Course Projects
|
| Short Essay |
5% |
Signature Assignment |
1 Student Loan Forgiveness Essay
|
| Final Project |
20% |
Legislative Proposal |
1 Project
|
Institutional Policies and Procedures
Non-Discriminatory Statement
Laredo College is committed to providing equal opportunities to all members of the campus community and to maintaining an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In accordance with Laredo College Board policy, and applicable federal and state law, no individual will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in Laredo College services, programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Instructor Replacement Procedure
LC reserves the right to provide a substitute instructor in the event the regularly scheduled instructor for the class becomes ill or is not able to continue in the course.
Attendance Regulations
Office of the Registrar
- Fort McIntosh Campus - Lerma Peña Building Room 116 or call (956) 721-5861
- South Campus - Billy Hall Student Center Room 109 or call (956) 794-4110
- e-mail: registrars@laredo.edu
Office of Financial Aid
- Fort McIntosh Campus - Lerma Peña Building Room 143 or call (956) 721-5361
- South Campus - Billy Hall Student Center Room 109 or call (956) 794-4361
- e-mail: finaid@laredo.edu
Face-to-Face Courses:
Students enrolled in a Face-to-Face course will need to attend class in person by the term's census dates to remain officially enrolled in the course. Attendance records for the Fall and Spring Semesters will be kept as follows:
- for the first twelve (12) class days for a 16-week term
- for the first six (6) class days for an 8-week term
- for the first five (5) class days for a 7-week term
- for the first four (4) days of a 4-week term
Online/Hybrid Courses:
Students enrolled in an Online and/or a hybrid course are required to participate in class/academically related activities such as an online discussion or contacting a faculty member via CANVAS to ask a course-related question by the term's census date to remain officially enrolled in the course. Simply logging into an online or distance education course is insufficient to remain officially enrolled, as per the U. S. Department of Education. Attendance records for the Fall and Spring Semesters will be kept as follows:
- for the first twelve (12) class days for a 16-week term
- for the first six (6) class days for an 8-week term
- for the first five (5) class days for a 7-week term
- for the first four (4) days of a 4-week term
Students will be withdrawn from the course upon being officially reported by their instructor for non-attendance/non-participation.
Exact census dates for each term are published on the College's Academic Calendar website.
Students receiving financial aid who are withdrawn from a course as a result of non-attendance/non-participation may result in a Title IV Return calculation and owe a balance as a result of the returned funds.
Students will be withdrawn administratively from the course should they fail to abide by this rule. Once the official census date for the semester or session has passed, no formal attendance will be required except for programs where the respective accreditation agency requires attendance records.
Students who do not intend to remain enrolled after attending at least one class day must initiate a drop request from any or all classes by submitting a drop slip through PASPort. Responsibility for class attendance rests with the student. Regular and punctual attendance is expected.
Prior to dropping a course, it is recommended that students receiving financial aid contact the Office of Financial Aid on either campus.
Absence From Final Examinations:
A student who is absent from a final examination receives a grade of "0" for the examination, and the “0” will be weighed according to the final exam percentage established by the course. Any students authorized to be absent from a final examination receive a grade of “I” on their transcript until they take the final examination. Such students must take the final exam within four months. Final exams cannot be re-taken. The instructor will submit a Grade Change Form to change the previously submitted incomplete grade to an “F” if the student does not meet the 4-month deadline.
Other Policies (LC and State-Wide):
- 3-peat - If a student signs up for a class for a third time, even if the student dropped or failed it before, the State will not provide funding for that student and the student will be required to pay an additional fee.
- 6 W’s - Beginning Fall 2007, students cannot withdraw more than 6 classes throughout their college career. Any subsequent drops will become F’s. The rule includes credits earned at all Texas colleges/universities, and W’s will carry over when transferring to other institutions.
- Finishing on time - The State expects students to graduate on time. Students who obtain 90 or more credit hours at a Community College are no longer eligible for financial aid.
- Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement Effective Spring 2012; update effective October 1, 2013. Vaccination records must be submitted at the Office of Admissions.
- Per Texas State Law (SB 62), students who meet the criteria below must provide proper documentation that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last five years and at least 10 calendar days before the beginning of the semester.
- All new or transfer students under age 22.
- All returning students under the age of 22, who have experienced a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring term.
- Students enrolled in online courses that physically attend classes or come to campus within the semester.
Campus Gun Carry - Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), “Open Carry Law” permits individuals with a concealed handgun license (also referred to as the “CHL” or License to Carry - “LTC”) to carry a concealed weapon on public college campuses in Texas beginning August 1, 2017. Individuals licensed to carry may do so on campus premises except in locations and activities prohibited by law or by these rules and regulations. These rules and regulations apply to all faculty, staff, students, guests, visitors, and individuals and organizations doing business on behalf of the College on the campus premises. This policy does not apply to commissioned peace officers. State law DOES NOT ALLOW the open carry of a firearm at Laredo College. The following areas have been designated as no-carry zones:
- All day care facilities located at LC.
- All sports complexes and fields located at the Fort McIntosh and the South Campuses.
- Maravillo Gym located at the Fort McIntosh Campus.
- Special Services Center Offices located at the Fort McIntosh and the South Campuses.
- Federal Water Commission Building located at the Fort McIntosh Campus.
- The concealed carry of handguns is prohibited in areas in which formal hearings are being conducted. These include Room 101, 102, and the Samuel A. Meyer Board Room located in the Elpha Lee West Administrative Building at the Fort McIntosh Campus and the Deans Conference Room located in Room 215 of the Billy Hall Student Center at the South Campus.
- Campus Ministries Building located at the Fort McIntosh Campus.
Note: House Bill 1927 – Permitless Carry effective September 1, 2021, does not overrule the existing campus carry rules and regulations listed in this syllabus.
For more information about the Rules and Regulations for Campus Carry, please go to the LC Campus Safety webpage.
Disability Services
Disability Services
Fort McIntosh Campus - Disability Services Center Lerma Pena 205 (Walk-ins and appointments)
South Campus - Senator Judith Zaffirini Library Room B209 (By appointment)
Fort McIntosh and South Campus Phone Number: (956) 721-5137
E-mail: lcds@laredo.edu
Laredo College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to its programs, services and activities. For more information about accommodations or to request accommodations for this course, contact the Disability Services in-person, by phone, email, or complete the online LC Disability Services Registration form. Accommodations for temporary medical conditions may also be requested from the Disability Services Office. Supporting documentation of disability will be required and can be securely uploaded using the registration form.
Please note, services are not retroactive, and accommodations will not be provided until documentation has been received and evaluated. For this reason, you are encouraged to seek accommodations as soon as possible.
Title IX
Raquel A. Pena, Director of Student Discipline/Title IX Coordinator
Fort McIntosh Campus - Memorial Hall Room 227
Phone Number: (956) 794-4988
E-mail: rapena@laredo.edu
To comply with legislative requirements for institutions receiving federal funds, Laredo College has established specific policies and procedures to address compliance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C., Section 1681 Et. Seq. (Title IX)), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. Furthermore, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment are a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by Title IX.
Laredo College complies with the legislative requirements with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), The Violence Against Women Act 2013 (VAWA) and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act of 2013 (Campus SaVe). Any individual who has a complaint regarding Title IX prohibited behaviors needs to contact the Title IX Officer to address this complaint.
These policies and procedures apply to all students and employees at Laredo College.
Please contact the Title IX Coordinator if you have any questions regarding the process for filing or investigating complaints of discrimination. A victim of discrimination or harassment is encouraged to use the college's internal complaint process. Persons believe they have been discriminated against or harassed may seek assistance from government agencies including the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
We have adopted STOP!T, a technology platform that will help mitigate, deter, and control harmful and inappropriate behavior as well as help create a positive and safe learning environment for our campus community. STOPit will be an integral part of our effort to deter and mitigate risks associated with sexual harassment and assault, Title IX, the Clery Act, hazing, violence, and other threats to student safety.
Use this Access Code to activate the STOP!T web app: PALOMINOS
Click https://appweb.stopitsolutions.com/login to access web app and to start reporting.
In addition, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities. Protection extends to students who are pregnant or who have either had a false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or have gone through childbirth, or are recovering from any of those conditions.
Laredo College does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to the College District's education program and activity. Any student seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator, Raquel A. Pena, (956)794-4988 or rpena@laredo.edu to discuss appropriate and available Reasonable Modifications as promptly as possible, although retroactive modifications may be available in some circumstances. Reasonable Modifications are voluntary, and a student can accept or decline the offered Reasonable Modifications. Not all Reasonable Modifications are appropriate for all contexts.
Pregnancy Accommodation Request - Pregnant students can use this form to initiate their pregnancy accommodation request for the current semester. It is the pregnant student's responsibility to renew their pregnancy accommodation for every semester enrolled at Laredo College.
For more information, please go to Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination.
Grade Appeal
TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALING A GRADE:
A student who wishes to question a grade received for a class should first discuss the situation with the instructor of record who issued the grade. If the issue is not resolved, the student should contact the appropriate Department Chairperson to review the concern. If the student is not satisfied with the Department Chairperson’s decision, the student may contact the appropriate Dean of Instruction for assistance. If necessary, the student may request a review by the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs after all other avenues have been exhausted. Established departmental procedures will be utilized to resolve concerns related to grades received for a class.
Students who believe that the final course grade is incorrect have two weeks (ten working days) after the grade is issued to appeal the grade. Students who believe that a grade earned in a class activity is incorrect have one week (five working days) after the grade is issued to appeal the grade. Exceptions require the approval of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Student Behavior
Raquel A. Pena, Director of Student Discipline
Fort McIntosh Campus - Memorial Hall Room 227
Phone Number: (956) 794-4988
E-mail: rapena@laredo.edu
Each student is expected to be fully acquainted with all published policies, rules, and regulations of the College, copies of which shall be available to each student for review at LC’s website at www.laredo.edu (Student Services/Student Conduct) and the Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management or the Office of the Director of Student Discipline. Laredo College will hold each student responsible for compliance with these policies, rules, and regulations. The student is responsible for obtaining published materials to update the items in this Code. Students are also expected to comply with all federal, state, and local laws. This principle extends to conduct off-campus, which is likely to have an adverse effect on Laredo College or on the educational process.
Student Misconduct
Each student is expected to conduct him/herself in a manner consistent with the college's functions as an educational institution. Specific examples of misconduct and the disciplinary process are located on LC’s website at www.laredo.edu (Student Services/Student Conduct).
Use of Electronic Devices
The use of an electronic device shall not interfere with the instructional, administrative, student activities, public service, and other authorized activities on College District premises. Unless prior authorization is obtained from the instructor or respective College District official, the use of an electronic device is expressly prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, clinical settings, and designated quiet areas on College District premises. Certain violations of this policy may be excused in the case of emergencies or other extenuating circumstances provided that prior approval is obtained from the instructor or respective College District official.
The use of electronic equipment capable of capturing still or moving images in any location where individuals may reasonably expect a right to privacy is not authorized on College District premises. Noncompliance with these provisions shall be considered a violation of Board adopted policy and shall warrant appropriate disciplinary action.
Scholastic Dishonesty
“Scholastic dishonesty” shall include, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion.
“Cheating” shall include, but shall not be limited to:
- Copying from another student's test or classwork;
- Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test;
- Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator;
- Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or part, the contents of an unadministered test, paper, or another assignment;
- The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test;
- Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test;
- Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test; or
- Manipulating a test, assignment, or final course grades.
“Plagiarism” shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own written work.
“Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for the fulfillment of course requirements.
"Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)" software is a rapidly emerging tool that students may be interested in using. If doing so, Laredo College students are expected to adhere to the same standards as the Scholastic Dishonesty statement on plagiarism. Presenting generative AI software content as your own is a violation of academic integrity. If you use generative AI in your work, you must indicate that you have done so.
Intellectual honesty is vital to an academic community and for a fair evaluation of your work. All work submitted in this course must be your own. If you are using outside resources to complete your work, it is important that you cite your work accordingly.
Please note that faculty still have the option to limit your use of generative AI. To ensure you stay within the academic integrity of your course, please talk to your instructor.
For additional information on generative AI, please visit the Library AI informational website at AI Library.
Procedures for discipline due to scholastic dishonesty shall be the same as in student disciplinary actions, except that all scholastic dishonesty actions shall be first considered and reviewed by the faculty member.
For additional information, please refer to: Student Policies - LC Policy Manual.
The LC Policy Manual is available online and includes all Federal, State, and Local Policies applicable to the College. Students may access the LC Policy Manual through LC’s website at www.laredo.edu (About LC/Manual of Policy).
Emergency Procedures
For emergency services, dial 911.
LC Campus Police Offices
- Fort McIntosh Campus - Building P-64 Room 102
- Phone: (956) 721-5303
- South Campus – Academic and Advanced Technology Center, Room 126
- Phone: (956) 794-4303
Emergency Notification System
Laredo College, its students, and staff are protected by 911 Cellular by providing LC Alert, the Campus Shield Mobile Phone App. When an emergency arises, LC Alert sends automated mass notifications via phone calls, text messages, emails, and the Campus Shield App. The Campus Shield App can be downloaded for free. The app allows students to contact campus police quickly in emergency situations, report safety concerns, request police services, and access campus safety resources. For more information on downloading Campus Shield on your mobile device, click here.
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, contact Campus Police at (956) 721-5303 or (956) 794-4303. Campus Police will dispatch a police officer to the site and alert emergency personnel.
When a person calls 911, Campus Police strongly encourage the caller to provide the following information: the address or exact location of the incident, a call-back number, the type of emergency, the time of occurrence, any known hazards, and the identities of those involved and their location. The caller is to remain on the phone with the dispatcher until emergency responders arrive.
Standard Response Protocol
The Standard Response Protocol (“SRP”) is based on Five actions. When communicating these actions, the action is labeled with a “Term of Art” and is then followed by a Directive. Execution of the action is performed by active participants, including students, staff, teachers, and first responders. By standardizing vocabulary, all stakeholders can understand the response and status of the event. For students, this provides continuity of expectations and actions throughout their educational career.
Laredo College produced this video to prepare you in case of an emergency. To watch the video, please click here.
Disclaimer
Every attempt has been made to make the contents of this syllabus informative and accurate. Content of the syllabus is subject to revision and change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Changes will be made available to you electronically.
Notifiable Conditions
Laredo College is committed to maintaining the health and safety of the college community. It is important for all students, employees, and community members to take proactive measures to create a safe learning and working environment. LC is required to report any student and employee cases of notifiable conditions to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in a timely matter. Therefore, all students and employees should report a confirmed diagnosis of a notifiable condition to LC's Health and Safety Operations Center at safety@laredo.edu and (956) 721-5852. Notifiable conditions that LC is required to report can be found at Notifiable Rare Conditions.
Updated Official Catalog
The updated official version of the LC Catalog is the online catalog and can be found by clicking on College Catalog.
Course Calendar
Subject to Change
Course calendar and related activities
| When |
Topic |
Notes |
| Week 1 |
Module 1 - Introduction to Course |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Review Syllabus
Quiz 1 – Course Syllabus
Watch Canvas Orientation Video
Sign Syllabus Student Acknowledgement
Chapter/Reading Materials
Course Syllabus
CH1-3
|
| Week 2 |
Module 1-2 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description.
Module 1 Discussion, Project
Ch 4
Chapter/Reading Materials
Chapter 4
|
| Week 3 |
Module 2 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Ch 5,
Module 2 Discussion
Chapter/Reading Materials
Ch 5
|
| Week 4 |
Module 3 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Civic Engagement Podcast
Module 3
Ch 6 Quiz
Ch 7 Quiz
Chapter/Reading Materials
Chapter 6,
Chapter 7
|
| Week 5 |
Module 3 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Ch 9 Quiz
Ch 10 Quiz
Module 3 Discussion
Chapter/Reading Materials
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
|
| Week 6 |
Module 4 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Signature Assignment
Ch 11 Quiz
Ch 12 Quiz
Chapter/Reading Materials
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
|
| Week 7 |
Module 4 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Ch 13 Quiz
Module 4 Discussion
Legislative Profile
Chapter/Reading Materials
Chapter 13
|
| Week 8 |
Module 8 |
Assignments/Examinations/Activities with Brief Description
Legislative Proposal Final Project
|
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