GOVT-2305 United States Government

Lisa Perez-Nichols

Credit Fall 2025

Section(s)

GOVT-2305-001 (21487)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

GOVT-2305-008 (21494)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

GOVT-2305-022 (21506)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Course Requirements

Complete the required Online Orientation, the Video Assignments, Packbacks and Exams

Readings

American Government by OpenStax

https://openstax.org/details/books/american-government-3e

The textbook for this class is available online for free! The book comes in "web view" or PDF format. The web view uses a responsive design to display properly on almost any smart device. Downloading a PDF version will allow you to have access to your text anywhere, anytime OR to print a hard copy.

 

Course Subjects

COURSE SUBJECTS

Founding / Constitution / Federalism                                                      

Chapters 1, 2, and 3     

Linkage Institutions
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10

Institutions of Government
Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 15 (Omit 14)
   
Civil Liberties / Civil Rights / Domestic & Foreign Policy
Chapters 4, 5, 16 and 17

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

PROGRAM LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Politics: Evaluate the interrelationships among political theory, political culture, politics and policy.

2. Perspectives: Analyze and critique competing perspectives in a democratic society.

3. Institutions: Analyze the political structures and processes in the United States and TX political systems and their impact on policy making.

 

COURSE LEVEL OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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.


COURSE OBJECTIVES

The student will analyze the foundations, development, and features of the U.S. Constitution. The student will also analyze how mass media, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting, campaigns, and elections function with respect to American Government. The student will also analyze the structure, functions, and operations of the institutions (or branches) of U.S. government. The student will also analyze how civil liberties and civil rights protect both the individual and categories of people. The student will analyze the development and implementation of both foreign and domestic policies. As a student of government, you will acquire the skills to interpret and analyze contemporary political events.

 

Office Hours

M W 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Hays Campus, 2nd Floor, 1204.25

NOTE I’ll be holding my office hours on campus on MW 9:30-10:30 a.m. & Noon-1:30 p.m. My office is located on the Second Floor in office 1204.25. (Go through the glass doors to find me!) Office hours are also available by appointment. Email me to arrange an appointment via Zoom. Just ask! Please note that my goal is to respond to my emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends).

Office Hours

M W 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Hays Campus, 2nd Floor, 1204.25

NOTE I’ll be holding my office hours on campus on MW 9:30-10:30 a.m. & Noon-1:30 p.m. My office is located on the Second Floor in office 1204.25. (Go through the glass doors to find me!) Office hours are also available by appointment. Email me to arrange an appointment via Zoom. Just ask! Please note that my goal is to respond to my emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends).

Published: 05/29/2025 16:01:20