US Government

Class Information: GOVT 2306

Section Number: 40401/40404/40408

Course Resources: Benson and Giardino (2019). The Texas Experience: Lone Star Politics, Policy and Participation. Pearson Publishing. ISBN -13:9780134891163

Supplies: computer access, textbook

Course Requirements: This is an accelerated 7-week course. Students are expected to manage their time as well as be self-motivated. These qualities will prove to be extremely valuable in pacing themselves with reading each chapter in such a way to be prepared for the completion of the assignments by their respective due date. For the purposes of this course, students will be allowed to work at their own pace while completing each unit by a specific deadline (please see course calendar below). All deadlines are firm. Because students are aware of all deadlines upfront and have the opportunity to work ahead and at their convenience. No late work accepted. No exceptions.

Method of Evaluation: The grade in this class will be based upon 4 examinations, 4 discussion topics and a writing assignment.

Exams are based upon the content of the textbook and any of the following including PowerPoints, video lectures and/or supplemental videos. Exams are worth 50 points each. There is one exam per unit and roughly covers 3 chapters each. The exams are 50 questions, True/False, multiple choice and are timed. The completion of all exams is required. The use of Internet Explorer is strongly discouraged as well as taking the exam on your phone, as it is more likely to “freeze”. If your exam “freezes” or gets “stuck”, please send me an email. I check emails at least once a day excluding weekends/holidays to reset any exams. Warning! If your exam requires resetting, you will have to start over. Because of the likelihood of an exam freezing, it is strongly suggested that you give yourself enough time to complete. Do not to wait until the last minute before the exam is due. Exams will only be reset if it was attempted before the stated deadline.

Discussion topics are included to simulate classroom discussion. They are worth 25 points each. There is one discussion topic per unit. The link can be found under each unit tab. Under the discussion topic link, you will see a small online blog-style discussion board containing that unit’s topic. Your response to the prompt must be a minimum of 400 words. You must also comment on at least one of your peer’s post (mention them by name) with a minimum of 100 words. Both steps must be executed to receive full credit. Failure to do so will result in a penalty. Points earned by the student are based on the thoroughness of the response and the ability to follow instructions (Please refer to the discussion topic posting guidelines found under the syllabus and textbook tab and under each discussion topic). Feel free to openly share your opinions but remember you must not use offensive or threatening language. Be nice!

The Writing Assignment is worth 100 points. The instructions will also be presented in class posted to eCampus in unit 1. The grade will be based on ability to following instructions as well as the content and thoroughness of the student’s research (Please refer to the writing assignment instruction document found in eCampus).