Fall 2025
Federal Government
Approved: RJM/2025 GOVT 2305.3C1 CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Face to Face PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: TSI Complete for Reading 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. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to 1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system. 3. Describe 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. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Dr. Rita McClelland Email: rjmcclelland@lit.edu Office Phone: 409-247-5063 Office Location: Technology Center 238 Office Hours: Available in Starfish Schedule an appointment with me in Starfish to make sure I will be in my office during my office hours because I may have committee and department meetings during my office hours. I am also available for online appointments through Collaborate outside of these office hours. We can meet face to face, on the phone, or on a video call. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS American Government 3rd Edition Krutz, Waskiewicz; Free Web Version ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-38-1 Click this link to access book, https://openstax.org/details/books/american-government-3e LIT ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance in this class is based on your physical participation, your digital participation, and your mental participation in class, including interacting with me in email, and in assignments. LIT DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. Approved: RJM/2025 COURSE CALENDAR DATE TOPIC READINGS (Due on this Date) ASSIGNMENTS (Due on this Date) Week 1 Aug 26-31 Course introduction • Syllabus • Introduction • Etiquette • Course navigation • Political Socialization Chapter 1 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Syllabus Quiz 2. Political 3. Socialization 4. Discussion 1 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 2 Sept 1-7 • Roots of the Revolution Chapter 2 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 2 Quiz See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 3 Sept 8-14 • The Constitution and its Origins Chapter 2 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. AOC Venn Assignment 2. Discussion 3 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 4 Sep 8-14 • Exam I • Landmark Supreme Court Cases Class PPTs See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Exam 1 2. Discussion 4 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 5 Sep 22-28 • Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Chapter 4 & 5 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 5 Discussion 2. KYRA Assignment See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 6 Sep 28-Oct 5 • Federalism: Forging A Nation Chapter 3 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 6 Quiz See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 7 Oct 6-12 • The Legislative Branch • Balancing National Goals and Local Interests Chapter 11 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Exam 2 2. Section 7 Discussion See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Approved: RJM/2025 Week 8 Oct 13-19 • Exam 2 • The Executive Branch • The Presidency: Leading the Nation Chapter 12 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 8 Discussion 2. Core Assessment Activity#1 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 9 Oct 20-26 • The Judicial Branch • The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law Chapter 13 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 9 Discussion 2. Core Assessment Activity #2 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 10 Oct 27-Nov 2 • Exam 3 • Interest Groups • Monopolies • Patents Chapter 10 1. Section 10 Discussion 2. Exam 3 Week 11 Nov 3-9 • Public Opinion • Public Polls Chapter 6 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 11 Discussion 2. Core Assessment First Draft See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 12 Nov 10-16 • The Media Chapter 8 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Quiz Section 8 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 13 Nov 17-23 • Political Parties Chapter 9 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Political Parties Assignment See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 14 Nov 24-30 • Core Assessment Week No Reading Assignment 1. Core Assessment See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Week 15 Dec 1-3 • Voting and Elections Chapter 7 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates 1. Section 13 Discussion 2. Media Assessment See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates Approved: RJM/2025 Week 16 Dec 8-11 • Final Exam • Group Presentations No Reading Assignment Exam 4 See Blackboard for specific assignment due dates LIT COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Tests 50% • Core Assessment 20% • Daily Grades/Quizzes 30% Total 100% LIT GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 60-69 D • 0-59 F LIT does not use +/- grading scales LIT ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Students found to be committing academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, or collusion) may receive disciplinary action. Students need to familiarize themselves with the institution’s Academic Dishonesty Policy available in the Student Catalog & Handbook at http://catalog.lit.edu/content.php?catoid=3&navoid=80#academic-dishonesty. LIT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/online-learning/online-learning-minimumcomputer-requirements. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. LIT DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). LIT STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. Approved: RJM/2025 LIT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses LIT STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. LIT STUDENT EXPECTED TIME REQUIREMENT For every hour in class (or unit of credit), students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit-hour class, students should prepare to allocate approximately six to nine hours per week outside of class in a 16- week session OR approximately twelve to eighteen hours in an 8-week session. Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as in the traditional, face-to-face class. Remember that these are estimates and you may spend either more or less time on your class at any point in the semester. INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE POLICIES DR. MCCLELLAND’S TEACHING PHILOSPHY This is a college-level class, and I am a college professor. My purpose is to work with all students learning an efficient writing process they can use whether they go on with their education, or go on with their chosen careers, after LIT. The learning process I use helps students improve their critical thinking skills by giving them plenty of opportunities to think critically about our topics, and to show that critical thinking in their assignments. DR. MCCLELLAND’S RESPONSE TIME POLICIES 1. I only answer my phone when I am in my office. 2. I only return calls that leave a voicemail because my number gets a ton of spam calls. 3. The best way to reach me is through my LIT email, rjmcclelland@lit.edu. 4. I usually respond to phone calls, LIT emails, Blackboard Messages well within the required 48-hour window Monday through Friday, and within 72 hours Friday through Monday. 5. I answer LIT emails: a. Monday through Thursday from 800 am to 100 pm, and from 600 pm to 630 pm b. Fridays from 800 am to noon. c. I do not answer my phone, LIT email, or Blackboard Messages on Saturdays and Sundays, or campus holidays. d. If I miss your email during my listed times, I will answer your email the next work morning. Approved: RJM/2025 e. If you email me on a weekend, I will answer your email on the next work morning. 6. If you try to contact me on the day that an assignment is due, wait until I respond to you before you submit your assignment. You will not be penalized for late work. 7. If I do not respond within 48 hours Monday through Friday, email or message me again. DR. MCCLELLAND’S LIT EMAIL AND BLACKBOARD MESSAGES POLICY 1. Not communicating with me because your LIT email is not working is not a valid reason for not responding to my emails, or for not emailing me. 2. If you are emailing for help on an assignment, include screenshots of the assignment you submitted to Blackboard, the assignment’s instructions, and any comments I left in the text box on the left side of the assignment screen. 3. I will email an announcement to your LIT email on the first day of class. Respond to it by the due date so we will both know your LIT email is working. 4. Check the Send to Email box above Blackboard Messages textbox if you want a faster response. DR. MCCLELLAND’S BLACKBOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Read them they are important. 2. Announcements in Blackboard are posted to the Announcements webpage that you see when you log into class and to your LIT email. 3. Announcements are important because they contain changing, up to date information you may need, and messages you may need to respond to by a due date. DR. MCCLELLAND’S TECHNOLOGY WARNINGS 1. Chrome or Firefox are the most compatible browsers with Blackboard. 2. Some computers may not open some of the links in my class. Let me know ASAP if this happens to you. 3. If you use Edge or Safari with Blackboard, schedule extra time in case they don’t work. 4. Cell phones, tablets, and some laptops do not work well with Blackboard, and the Blackboard app may not show you the complete course. 5. If you do assignments in this class on a cell phone, a tablet, or a netbook, make sure you see all assignments as they are presented on a desktop computer. 6. Not having the correct technology or internet is not a valid excuse for not doing assignments or tests. DR. MCCLELLAND’S STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 1. This is a reading, writing, and thinking class. 2. As a result, students may disagree on various topics during class discussions. 3. Disagreements lead to critical thinking, scholarly debates, and learning only when each member of the class respects the different opinions of others. 4. We can disagree with each other respectfully. Approved: RJM/2025 5. Disrespect of any kind for others will not be tolerated. DR. MCCLELLAND’S ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES AND GRADING SCHEDULE 1. All assignments have due dates. 2. It is my policy that I do not accept late work. I also know that there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances that arise where exceptions should be made. Please contact me if something happens, so that arrangements can be made. 3. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR HABITUALLY TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS LATE. 4. I leave questions or comments on all assignments. Be sure to respond to all my questions. 5. I grade Monday through Thursday from 800-100, and Fridays from 800-noon. 6. I will also grade on weekends if I need to keep up with my grading. 7. I use a grading schedule to make sure students know the latest weekday they can expect their assignments to be graded. 8. GOVT 2305.3C1assignments are due on Tuesdays and are graded on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays. DR. MCCLELLAND’S GRADING POLICIES 1. I grade assignments Monday through Friday during my office hours. 2. If you submit your assignments early enough before the due date, I will grade them and return them to you for editing. You may resubmit them for a higher grade. 3. All grades are recorded in Gradebook on Blackboard, and the highest grade for multiple attempts is the grade that will be recorded. 4. Students are responsible for making sure their grades on their assignments match their grades in Blackboard Gradebook. 5. If there is a discrepancy, email me the assignment title so I can correct it. 6. Missing assignments will be given a 0 in Blackboard Gradebook until the assignments are submitted and graded. DR. MCCLELLAND’S PARTICIPATION POLICIES 1. As a college student, thoughtful and active participation is a critical element for success in any type of college class, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. 2. My policy is designed to emphasize the importance of participating over simply attending class with a physical or digital presence. 3. I expect active participation and engagement from all of my students in all forms of learning, online and face-to- face. 4. Even face-to-face classes include online interactions because all assignments are submitted to Blackboard. 5. I also want to foster an environment of responsibility where students hold themselves accountable for their academic engagement, regardless of course format. Approved: RJM/2025 6. I prefer to base attendance on students’ participation rather than just their physical and digital presence in my classes. 7. Attendance in this class is based on your physical participation, your digital participation, and your mental participation in class, including interacting with me in email, in assignments, and in synchronous meetings. 8. Students need to reply to my LIT and Starfish emails, and Blackboard Messages sent to the entire class and to emails and messages I send only to them within three days of my sending them. 9. Students need to reply within a timely manner to questions I leave on their assignments. 10. You will receive a Starfish email from me weekly if you do not have a physical, digital, and mental presence in my class. 11. Starfish emails go to students, to students’ advisors, to students’ program directors, and to Student Services. People in these areas will also contact students to offer help to students to help them succeed at LIT. Take advantage of LIT’s programs. Your success is our top priority. DR. MCCLELLAND’S FACE-TO-FACE CLASS PARTICPATION POLICIES 1. I take roll every day in class. 2. I do not excuse absences but email me before class and I will count you present. You don’t have to tell me why you are absent. 3. Students are welcome to come in late; however, if it happens more than twice, I will speak to students about it. 4. Attendance in face-to-face classes is important, but active participation is even more important. 5. Instead, I want to know what assignments you are working on and your plan for finishing them. 6. Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, group work, and other in class activities. 7. Simply being present without participating will not meet the participation requirements. 8. Students must log into the course platform and interact with the materials and resources regularly. 9. This includes watching lecture videos, completing reading assignments, and submitting coursework. 10. Interaction with classmates, including participation in forums, peer feedback, and group projects, is considered part of active participation. 11. Starfish or Blackboard will notify you if you have not logged in every three days. DR. MCCLELLAND’S ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: PLAGIARISM AND AI POLICIES Academic honesty is expected on all assignments. See LIT student handbook for more information about academic honesty and the penalty for breaking academic honesty. DR. MCCLELLAND’S PLAGIARISM POLICIES 1. I do not tolerate plagiarism of any sort. 2. There are different types of plagiarism, and all are serious violations of academic honesty. Approved: RJM/2025 3. I check all writing assignments for direct plagiarism, the word-for-word copying of someone else’s work, without citation; self-plagiarism, student submits his or her own previous work, or mixes parts of previous work, even works from a previous class at LIT, even if it is my class; mosaic plagiarism, using words or phrases from a source without using citation; and replacing an author’s words with synonyms while keeping to the same general structure and meaning of the original. These are not the only types of plagiarism that I check. 4. All writing assignments are submitted to plagiarism checkers in Blackboard to be reviewed for plagiarism. 5. I also detect plagiarism using the skills I have learned in my 30 plus years of teaching college-level English classes. 6. Students suspected assignment will be flagged with a 0, and I will email students for a meeting to talk about the flagged assignments. 7. We will decide in our meeting whether the student is going to start the assignment or assignments from the beginning, or whether they will be heavily edited to remove plagiarism issues. 8. Students’ other assignments will not be graded until students’ plagiarism issues have been addressed to my satisfaction. DR. MCCLELLAND’S ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE, AI, USE POLICIES 1. Students are not allowed to use AI to write their content. 2. All content must come from students’ brains. 3. Students may use AI to correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage errors, academic style, and MLA errors in their writing. 4. WARNING: Heavy use of AI to correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage errors, academic style, and MLA errors may be detected as AI by the AI checkers I use. 5. I use three different AI checkers to scan for AI use, Scribbr.com, Quillbot.com, and GPTZero.me. 6. I know that AI checkers are not reliable. Sometimes they mark AI when there isn’t any, and sometimes they don’t mark AI when an entire assignment is AI. 7. I also detect AI using the skills I have learned in my 30 plus years of teaching college level English classes. 8. Students’ assignments will be flagged with 0, and I will email students for a meeting to talk about the flagged assignments. 9. We will decide in our meeting whether the student is going to start the assignment or assignments from the beginning, or whether they will be heavily edited to remove AI issues. 10. Students’ other assignments will not be graded until students’ AI issues have been addressed to my satisfaction. WARNING: AI is not as smart as we think it is. AI has unique traits that show that it has not been written by a human being. AI writes assignments that are vague, repetitive, word salad that do not follow my assignment Approved: RJM/2025 instructions, and, sometimes, makes up its own research. It is much easier to do the assignment yourself than it is to try to game the system. Look at the images below. They were made by AI. How many errors do you see? Don’t let it do the same to your writing.