Instructor: Michael Enders

203-468-6277 (available 7 days 9:00am to 3:00pm)

Please use the course email system for routine correspondence!!!

Personal email for emergency use only:  Michael.B.Enders@comcast.net

This HCC course in American Government is an introductory survey course pertaining to aspects of our national government and of the political processes associated with it.  The course will provide you with a working knowledge of both governmental and non-governmental institutions which combine to make up our federal political system.  It will also demonstrate the role of politics in shaping public policy, as well as the individual and collective roles in this process.  A study of the Constitution, federalism, and other basic concepts of American government will be emphasized. Topics to be discussed will be the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; national policy making (domestic and foreign); political parties; interest groups and elections; civil rights; and suffrage.  The textbook used is a brief edition from a national view.  This course is a three credit course, and is offered consecutively in the traditional 15 week format for the fall and spring semesters.  The course consists of 15 weekly discussion board assignments, all covering topics in the textbook.  This consists of 30% of the grade, and suggested due dates are posted with each lesson.   There are also two ongoing discussions throughout the course where you will post and respond to an essay on a US Supreme Court case and a piece of US legislation, which counts for another 20% of the course.  A final course reflection essay is also expected on the concept of American democracy worth another 10%, along with two exams for the remaining 40%.   

Textbook: 

Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy

Edwards, Wattenberg, and Lineberry

Pearson Longman Publishing, 10th Edition (Brief) 2009 

ISBN-10: 0205662870
ISBN-13: 9780205662876

Companion Website

General Education Objectives:

A thorough study of the course should enable the student to:

• receive and comprehend written and oral information properly.

• observe and analyze data accurately.

• draw reasonable inferences from the presented facts and ideas.

• express ideas and opinions clearly in an organized manner using Standard English.

• demonstrate a knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and their methods.

• recognize ethical issues, both personal and public.

Course Specific Objectives:

A thorough study of the course should enable the student to:

• develop an understanding of the ideals which the United States government was built on.

• develop an understanding of the basic framework and branches of American government, as well as its checks and balances system.

• understand the importance of the US Constitution and other written documents, treaties, and legislation which continues to guide the country.

• understand the amendment process and judicial interpretation of the US Constitution.

• recognize ethical and moral social issues and gain an understanding of differing views.

• understand the medias and special interest groups role in the political process.

• understand the continuous struggle of civil liberties and civil rights in America.

• become better informed on political issues as citizens and residents of the United States.

• develop an understanding of the value of diversity and importance of pluralism in America.

    Specific chapter objectives can be found under each of the 15 weekly lessons. 

Course Grading:

College Grading Scale: 

On Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a legal violation and schools will often fail, or expel students for this type of behavior.  Please be aware that plagiarism will not be tolerated and points will be deducted (under the research & knowledge learned area), or papers refused, if I find this does occur.  If you are unsure of using the proper writing format or have any uncertainty of what plagiarism is, please review the Enders Writing Lab link below.  Although there is no formal research paper due in this course, I will still be aware of the importance of this issue which shows poor academic behavior.  In-text notation does not mean you can cite exact wording, it means that you are citing the original authors "idea" not the wording.  You are to interpret the information and then paraphrase it "in your own words".  If you are taking information straight from an Internet site, please make sure you clearly let us know. 

Netiquette:

Netiquette is network or Internet etiquette, the proper manner to which you conduct your online communications.  Netiquette covers both common courtesy online and the informal rules of cyberspace.  Although the concept and its application by the nature of the Internet remain in a state of flux and vary from community to community, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) develops and promotes most of the standards.  The Enders Writing Lab also includes information on this topic.  Please briefly read through the link to familiarize yourself with what is available to you here.  Some of my own annoyances are using all caps or no caps at all.  I prefer using proper Standard English grammar in discussions rather than abbreviations in the classroom.  Please be conscious that the topic of the course often deals with issues that may be sensitive to some.  I will not tolerate derogatory remarks or bullying of your opinion. 

Enders Writing Lab

Weekly Chapter Lessons and Discussions: (300pts/20pts per wk)

You will see 15 lesson assignments which are linked to weekly discussion threads.  Each one includes lecture notes, chapter objectives, vocabulary, and essay questions.  They are based on the topic of the week and are worth 20pts each week toward your grade.  You are to choose TWO questions each week and answer them on the appropriate discussion thread which will be locked two weeks after the start date.  This assignment can be completed with the textbook or any outside resources available.  This is an informal writing assignment, but please make sure you include any outside resources at the end of your post and backup your opinions with cited facts.  You can have access to all discussions in advance and you are allowed to work in advance, but you will only have two weeks from the start date, and after that the thread will be locked.  Please see below for the discussion schedule dates.  Participation and interaction (at least two replies) with other students posts is highly recommended and is included in the grading criteria below.  This semester long assignment is worth 30% of the total grade!!!