American Government

GOVT100 — Insert Program Name, 3.0 hours

Description

The course provides a survey of the organization of the American government, which includes an overview of the historical significance and provisions of the Constitution; the Bill of Rights; Congress; the Supreme Court; the Presidency; political parties, and interest groups. The objective of the course is to lay the proper foundation for informed citizenship and more specialized study in political science.

Program Objectives 

1) Explain the concept of Federalism, and distinguish between Federal, State, and Local government functions.
2) Explain the concepts of Separation of Powers and checks and balances and the differing roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of Government.
3) Identify Constitutional civil rights and liberties and their sources.
4) Identify some players (media, interest groups, pollsters, lobbyists, etc.) involved in the political process in the United States and the influence of each. 
5) Explain the purpose, function, and necessity of administrative agencies.
6) Define basic political viewpoints and schools of thought (liberal, conservative, moderate).

Professor

Professor

Jeff Huth earned his Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and his J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. As a practicing attorney, he has briefed and argued cases in the Ohio Supreme Court, the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and numerous Ohio Courts of Appeals. He currently practices as a sole practitioner with a general civil practice, with an emphasis on consumer bankruptcy and Social Security disability work, while also teaching legal courses and working in educational administration and compliance. He lives in Medina, Ohio with his wife of 31 years. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing, and camping with his grandchildren. He also reads whenever he can find the time, primarily non-fiction American history.

Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation

Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation:

All members of the Lakewood University community who use the University’s computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewood.edu

Books and Resources

Books and Resources

Sidlow, Edward, and Beth Henschen. Govt: Student Edition, 8thed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2017.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation Method

Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary

5 assignments worth 10 points each (50)

8 discussion forums worth 10 points each (80)

Final exam worth 50 points (50)

Total Points - 180

 

Grading Scale

Grading Scale

Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods. The maximum number of points a student may earn is 190. To determine the final grade, the student's earned points are divided by 190.

Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:

A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
D = (60% - 69%)
F < (Below 60%)

Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism

Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism:

Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.

I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.

Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.

The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.

Disability Accommodations

Disability Accommodations

Students who may have a disability meriting an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must complete a form and provide documentation of the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator. Any accommodations for disabilities must be re-certified each year by the Disability Services Coordinator before course adjustments are made by individual instructors. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.

Supplemental Texts

Supplemental Texts

You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation. 

American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf

The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html

Library

Library

 

Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University

She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730

You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020

She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.

Support

Support

Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.

Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.

1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu

Career Services

Career Services

Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.

1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu

Objectives

Objectives

1) Explain the concept of Federalism, and distinguish between Federal, State, and Local government functions.
2) Explain the concepts of Separation of Powers and checks and balances and the differing roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of Government.
3) Identify Constitutional civil rights and liberties and their sources.
4) Identify some players (media, interest groups, pollsters, lobbyists, etc.) involved in the political process in the United States and the influence of each. 
5) Explain the purpose, function, and necessity of administrative agencies.
6) Define basic political viewpoints and schools of thought (liberal, conservative, moderate).

Lessons

Lessons
Title
Lesson #1
Course Topic
  • America in the Twenty-First Century
  • The Constitution
Readings/Assignments

Study Course Syllabus
Read Chapters 1 & 2
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 1

Due
Assignment 1 upon completion of the lesson
Title
Lesson #2
Course Topic
  • Federalism
  • Civil Liberties
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 3 & 4
Review PowerPoints
Participate in Discussion Forum 2

Due
Title
Lesson #3
Course Topic
  • Civil Rights
  • Interest Groups
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 5 & 6
Review PowerPoints
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 2

Due
Assignment 2 upon completion of the lesson
Title
Lesson #4
Course Topic
  • Political Parties
  • Public Opinion and Voting 
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 7 & 8
Review PowerPoints
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Writing Assignment

Due

Writing Assignment upon completion of the lesson

Title
Lesson #5
Course Topic
  • Campaigns and Elections
  • Politics and the Media 
  • Congress
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 9, 10, 11
Review PowerPoints
Participate in Discussion Forum

Due
Title
Lesson #6
Course Topic
  • The Presidency
  • The Bureaucracy
  • The Judiciary
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 12, 13, 14
Review PowerPoints
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 3

Due
Assignment 3 upon completion of the lesson
Title
Lesson #7
Course Topic
  • Domestic Policy
  • Foreign Policy
Readings/Assignments

Read Chapters 15 & 16
Review PowerPoints
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 4

Due
Assignment 4 upon completion of the lesson
Title
Lesson #8
Course Topic
Readings/Assignments

Review the PowerPoint
Complete the Final Exam
Request the Next Course
Course Evaluation
THANKS FOR A GREAT CLASS

Due
Final exam upon completion of the lesson

Overview

Course

Course

Contact Information

Contact Information

E-mail: jhuth@lakewood.edu
Cell Phone:  800-517-0857 X 733