Introduction to American GovernmentAmerican Government 2305

Fall Semester, 2016

Instructor information
Dr. Lynn R. Brink
Professor of Government
Office: Central Campus A 253
Office Hours: MW 12:30-2pm

Phone: 972-273-3480
Email: LRBrink@dcccd.edu
Please phone or email to arrange appointments
outside office hours.

Course description
This course is designed to be an introduction to American government, its historical foundations,
institutions and political processes. We will examine how our political system was designed,
how it has changed over time and how public opinion, the media and the "information age" have
affected our government institutions and public policy. We will discuss the role and scope of
government as it was conceived by the Founders and as it is viewed today. Finally, we will
examine current policy issues, weigh the costs and benefits of actions and engage in thoughtful
discussion of contemporary policies and actions with a view toward how those issues and
actions impact the current political scene. To achieve these objectives, I have chosen a textbook
that focuses attention on the role of citizens as key actors in the democratic experiment that we
call the United States of America. Obviously, we will spend much time following the 2016
Presidential Election.
Course objectives
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Explain how government impacts your daily life;
Recognize and evaluate the basic debates and issues in American government
and American political history;
Explain and critically assess the formal and informal political institutions and their
respective roles in American politics;
Identify and describe the key functions of the three branches of government; and
Assess the causes and consequences of different forms of political participation,
and outline the ways in which individuals and groups can affect political outcomes in the
United States.
Course instructional methods
The course will be taught using multiple instructional methods. These methods will include
reading, video, study assignments and written assignments. Current events will be presented
often and considered.
Course required text and materials
Christine Barbour & Gerald C. Wright, Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in
American Politics (CQ Press, 6th brief edition, 2015).

Recommended resources for additional exploration

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

The Keeping the Republic student companion website:

http://edge.sagepub.com/barbourbrief6e
This site is a particularly good resource for review of course materials.

Course Calendar-- Fall Academic Semester 2016

August 26 (F)

District Conference Day

August 29 (M)

Classes Begin

September 5
(M)

Labor Day Holiday

September 12
(M)

12th Class Day

November 17
(R)

Last Day to Withdraw

November 24
(R)

Thanksgiving Holidays Begin

November 28
(M)

Classes Resume

December 1215 (M-R)

Final Exams

December 15
(R)

Semester Ends

December 19
(M)

Last Day for faculty to submit grades electronically through

eConnect to the Registrar's Office

December 23

College buildings and offices close for the holidays

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

A mini-mester may be scheduled during December 16, 2016 through January 8,

2017. Contact the college for availability and schedules.

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Chapter Quizzes (10 points each = 140 points)
Assignments (x 4) (50 points each =200 points)
Register to Vote 10 points=10 points
Major Tests=50 points each=150 points
___________________
Total = 500 Points
GRADING METHOD: In this course, you are amassing points. Every quiz, assignment, activity
will add points. You should aim to get as close to 500 points as possible to secure an A in the
course. (Note: do not average your gradesthis will not work. All grades should be added
together).

GRADING SCALE:
A=450-500
B=400-449
C=350-399
D=300-349
F -299 & BELOW

ASSIGNMENTS: Students will be required to submit 3 Student Learning Objective assignments

and one addititonal research assignment during the semester. Assignments need to be about
two pages in length, typed and double spaced. Further details about the rules of this
assignment will be given with each assignment.

CHAPTER QUIZZES: Students will be given one 10 point quiz for each chapter, taken online.
You must complete these quizzes before you tackle each of your 3 EXAMS.
EXAMS: There will be three exams, every four or five weeks during the semester. Each will be a
combination of multiple choice and true false questions. The exams are designed to test your
familiarity with the lecture material, reading assignments, and your independent ability to apply
what you have learned.
Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Class Participation is required. It is your responsibility to make up scheduled work because of
officially excused absences.
MAKEUP AND LATE WORK
The scheduled dates of all exams and written assignments are clearly indicated in this syllabus.
No make-up exams or late papers will be accepted without my prior approval.
Support for students with disabilities
If you have, or think you may have, a disability (including an invisible disability such as a
learning disability, a chronic health problem, or a mental health condition) that interferes with
your performance as a student in this class, you are encouraged to discuss your needs and
arrange support services and/or accommodations through Disabilities Services. I will be as
flexible as possible to accommodate the needed services. Any student who has a concern or
needs to make special arrangements for meeting the requirements of the course is encouraged
to speak with me without delay.

Academic honesty policy

Be sure that you understand the universitys Academic Honesty Policy. It is important that you
refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. You
should also be aware that as a member of the academic community, it is your responsibility to
turn in all suspected violators of the honor system. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. This includes
but is not limited to: inappropriate copying of sources, padding your references,
purchasing/copying a paper from the internet or friend,. Plagiarism of assignments will result in
a grade of 0 and will be reported
Grading grievance: Procedure for challenging course grade
The Grading Grievance Policy of the university is available on the c0llege website.

Course schedule
SESSION
& DATE
Date
8/29

Date
9/4

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Buy textbook
-Introduction to Course

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS

Read Chapter 1
Topology Test
Assignment: Register to Vote10 points
SLO Assignment #1 50 points
Chapter Quiz #110 points

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

Date
9/11

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 2Politics of the American Founding

Read US Constitution
Chapter Quiz #210 points

Date
9/18

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:
PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 3-- Federalism

SLO #2 Assignment50 points
Chapter 3 Quiz10 points
Read Chapter 4-- Fundamental American Liberties
Chapter 4 Quiz10 points

Date
10/2

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 5The Struggle for Equal Rights

Chapter 5 Quiz10 points

Date
10/2

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Study Chapters 1-5

EXAM #1---CHAPTERS 1-550 QUESTIONS-50 points

Date
10/9

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 6-- Congress

Assignment--Who Represents Me?-50 points
Chapter 6 Quiz10 points

Date
10/16

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 7- The Presidency

Chapter 7 Quiz10 points

Date
10/25

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 8- The Bureaucracy

Chapter 8 Quiz10 points

Date
10/30

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 9- The American Legal System and the Courts

Chapter 9 Quiz10 points

Date
10/30

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Study Chapters 6-9

EXAM # 2Chapters 6-950 Questions50 points

Date
11/13

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapters 10 and 11- Public Opinion and Parties and

Interest Groups
SLO #3 Assignment50 points
Chapter 10 Quiz10 points
Chapter 11 Quiz10 points

Date
11/20

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:
PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 12 --Voting, Campaigns, Elections

Chapter 12 Quiz10 points

PREPARATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
TOPICS:

Read Chapter 14-- Domestic and Foreign Policy

Chapter 14 Quiz10 points
EXAM # 3---Chapters 10-14

Date
9/25

Date
11/27

Date
12/4

Read Chapter 13The Media

Chapter 13 Test10 points

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

Date
12/11
EXAM # 3---Chapters 10-14
Course ends today..Sunday, December 11 10:30 pm.

DCCCD OIE Faculty Syllabi Statement- FALL 2016

The Office of Institutional Equity, in coordination with DCCCD colleges, has the primary
responsibility for reviewing, updating and implementing compliance policies and procedures. The
Institutional Equity and Compliance Officer and the Office of Institutional Equity will ensure compliance
with College District policies, federal and state laws related to sexual assault, Title IX, Title II
(Americans with Disabilities Act) and the Military Veterans Full Employment Act to support diversity
and inclusion.
Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs, or if you think you may have a disability,
please contact the college Disability Services Office (DSO). Please note that all communication with
DSO is confidential. If you are eligible for accommodations, please provide or request that the DSO
send your accommodation letter to me as soon as possible (students are encouraged to contact DSO
at the beginning of the semester). For more information regarding the College Disability Services
Office, please visit the Student Services website: dcccd.edu/DSO Offices or contact DCCCD Office of
Institutional Equity at (214) 378-1633.
College Disability Services Offices
Brookhaven
972-860-4673
Cedar Valley
972-860-8119
Eastfield
972-860-8348
El Centro
214-860-2411
Mountain View
214-860-8677
North Lake
972-273-3165
Richland
972-238-6180
A Note on Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct
We are committed to assure all community members learn and work in a welcoming and inclusive
environment. Title VII, Title IX and DCCCD policy prohibit harassment, discrimination and sexual
misconduct. If you encounter harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault,
stalking, relationship violence, stalking), retaliation or discrimination based on race, color, religion,
age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression,
please contact your College Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Institutional Equity. We treat this
information with the greatest degree of confidentiality possible while also ensuring student welfare and
college safety.
We are concerned about the well-being and development of our students, and are available to discuss
any concerns. There are both confidential and non-confidential resources and reporting options
available to you. If students wish to keep the information confidential, please contact the college
Counseling or Student Health Services. As required by DCCCD policy, incidents of discrimination
and/or sexual misconduct shared with faculty will be reported to the College Title IX Coordinator or
District Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will contact the student and determine if further
investigation is needed. For more information about policies, resources or reporting options, please
contact your college Title IX Coordinator or visit www.dcccd.edu/titleIX.
College Title IX Coordinators
Brookhaven
Terri Edrich
TitleIX-BHC@dcccd.edu
972-860-4825
Cedar Valley
Grenna Rollings
TitleIX-CVC@dcccd.edu
972-860-8181
Eastfield
Rachel Wolf
TitleIX-EFC@dcccd.edu
972860-7358
El Centro
Shanee Moore
TitleIX-ECC@dcccd.edu
214860-2138
Mountain View
Regina Garner
TitleIX-MVC@dcccd.edu
214-860-8561

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District

North Lake
860-3992
Richland
238-6386
Dallas Colleges Online
669-6672

Rosemary Meredith(acting)
Bill Dial
LeKendra Higgs

TitleIX-NLC@dcccd.edu

972-

TitleIX-RLC@dcccd.edu

972-

TitleIX-LEC@dcccd.edu

972-

Fall, 2016/ Government 2305/ Dr. Lynn Brink/ North Lake College of the Dallas County Community College District