Fall 2026
Federal Government
Name of Department: GOVT
Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: Govt 2305– Federal Govt
Instructor Name: Azarria Tyson
Building/Office Number: AC Building 105.4
Office Hours: M/W 9:00-12:30 & T/TH 8:30-9:30
Virtual Hours: M/W 1-2pm & T/TH 3-4
Office Telephone: 409-883-7750
Email Address: atyson@lsco.edu
GOVT 2305 – Federal Government
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.
This course provides students with an understanding of the foundations, institutions, processes, and policies of the United States federal government. Students will examine the constitutional framework of American government, the relationship between citizens and government, political behavior and participation, and the role of governmental institutions in the development and implementation of public policy.
Emphasis will be placed on developing students' ability to critically evaluate governmental processes, understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and connect course concepts to contemporary issues in American government and politics.
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Students are expected to possess college-level reading, writing, critical-thinking, and basic computer literacy skills necessary to successfully complete course requirements.
Students should also have regular access to a reliable computer and internet connection to access Blackboard, course materials, assignments, examinations, announcements, and other required online resources.
Title: American Government 3e
Authors: Glen Krutz and Sylvie Waskiewicz
Publisher: OpenStax, Rice University
Edition: 3rd Edition
ISBN-13 (Digital): 978-1-951693-38-1
Cost: FREE online access
Status: REQUIRED
The required textbook for this course is American Government 3e, published by OpenStax. The textbook is available FREE online, and students are not required to purchase a physical textbook to participate in this course.
Students may access the textbook online through OpenStax. A link to the required textbook will also be provided in Blackboard.
Students who prefer a physical copy may choose to purchase one; however, purchasing a printed copy is not required as long as the student has reliable access to the online textbook.
In addition to the textbook, students must have regular access to:
Students are responsible for completing all assigned textbook readings and reviewing supplemental course materials associated with each unit.
Students should regularly check Blackboard and their LSCO student email for course announcements, assignments, deadlines, and updates.
Lack of access to a computer, internet service, Blackboard, or other required technology does not automatically excuse missed coursework or deadlines. Students experiencing legitimate technical difficulties should contact the instructor via email as soon as possible.
Required Textbook:
American Government 3e – OpenStax
Free Online Access: Available through OpenStax
Upon registration, LSCO students are automatically charged $25 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and e-books through the Gator Book Pack program. Physical materials may be picked up in Beaumont or shipped for an additional fee. Information and FAQs are available on the LSCO Gator Book Pack webpage. Students have until the second class day of the semester to opt out of the program.
Students are expected to have access to all required materials during the first week of class and are responsible for completing all assigned coursework. Students who do not have access to their materials during the first week should notify the instructor immediately for guidance.
Upon successful completion of GOVT 2305 – Federal Government, students will be able to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the following course learning outcomes:
Course Level Learning Outcomes (ACGM or WECM)Core Objectives Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
August 24 – October 11, 2026
This course is broken down into four units. Each unit consists of one Discussion Board and one Exam. You are also required to complete a Written Assignment, Midterm Exam, and Final Exam on or before the designated due dates.
Please pay close attention to all deadlines. Because this is an accelerated 8-week course, assignments will move quickly. Students are responsible for keeping track of all course deadlines.
August 24 – September 6
Discussion Board 1:
Due Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Exam 1:
Due Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM
September 7 – September 20
Discussion Board 2:
Due Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Exam 2:
Due Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM
The Midterm Exam will cover material from Units 1 and 2.
MIDTERM EXAM WILL OPEN:
Monday, September 21, 2026
MIDTERM EXAM WILL CLOSE:
Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Students will have the entire week to complete the Midterm Exam.
September 21 – October 4
Discussion Board 3:
Due Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Exam 3:
Due Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM
October 5 – October 10
Discussion Board 4:
Due Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Exam 4:
Due Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM
NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR UNIT FOUR.
The Written Assignment will be available during the semester so that students have adequate time to complete it.
Written Assignment Due:
Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Students are encouraged to begin working on the Written Assignment well before the due date.
The Final Exam will be available during the final days of the course.
FINAL EXAM OPENS:
Monday, October 5, 2026
FINAL EXAM CLOSES:
Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM
NO LATE FINAL EXAMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.
Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.
LSCO students are required to use their LSCO email account (Office 365 / Microsoft Outlook) for all electronic communication. In order to ensure the privacy and identity of the student communicating via electronic methods, LSCO faculty will direct students to use their LSCO email accounts rather than personal accounts. If a student has trouble accessing their LSCO email account, they should contact the LSCO Help Desk at (409) 882-3033 or helpdesk@lsco.edu.
Federal regulations require students who receive financial aid to have begun “attending” and participate substantially in each course for which they are enrolled on or before the official census reporting date outlined on the LSCO Academic Calendar. Students documented as “not attending” a course upon the census date are assumed (for financial aid purposes) to have not begun attendance for that course This negatively affects their financial aid eligibility and disbursement and requires the student to repay any financial aid funds that have already been disbursed . Attendance in an ONLINE course is verified by substantial participation in the course on or before the census date published in the LSCO Academic Calendar. Substantial participation in this online course is defined as logging in and completing/participating in at least one requirement of the course. Note: Simply logging in to your online course does not constitute attendance.
Hybrid classes are a mix of face-to-face and online environments. Students will be expected to attend class during the scheduled meeting time. (Include the policy on absences and tardiness.) In addition to classroom attendance, your weekly active participation in the online component (Blackboard and/or homework software) will be considered and expected.
Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) courses utilize a blended course design that allows students to choose how they will ATTEND their class sessions. Students can choose to attend sessions in-person or live online without attending class on campus. A watch later option is available to students taking a HyFlex course, however, students may utilize watch later sessions no more than three classes during an 8-week term or five classes during a 16-week term.
Students are expected to complete and submit all coursework by the deadlines listed in the course syllabus, course schedule, and Blackboard. It is the student's responsibility to remain aware of all Discussion Board, Exam, Midterm, Written Assignment, and Final Exam deadlines.
Make-up work and extensions are not automatically granted. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis for documented emergencies, illness, college-approved activities, or other extenuating circumstances.
Students who know they will be unable to meet a deadline should:
Contacting the instructor after an assignment has closed does not guarantee that the assignment will be reopened or that an extension will be granted.
If a make-up opportunity or extension is approved, the instructor will establish a new deadline. Students must complete the assignment within the timeframe provided. Failure to meet the approved deadline may result in a zero for the assignment.
The instructor may provide an alternative assignment or examination when appropriate.
The following will generally not be considered acceptable reasons for missing a deadline:
Students should not wait until the final hours before a deadline to submit coursework. If a legitimate Blackboard or technology issue occurs, the student must email the instructor immediately and provide documentation, such as a screenshot or error message, when possible.
Assignments or examinations specifically identified as “NO LATE SUBMISSIONS – NO EXCEPTIONS” must be submitted by the posted deadline. These assignments will not be reopened after the deadline except when required by college policy, an approved accommodation, or circumstances otherwise authorized by the instructor.
Students are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, begin coursework early, monitor Blackboard regularly, and communicate promptly when circumstances arise that may affect their ability to meet a course deadline.
• Face-to-Face - No food, drink, tobacco, cell phones, etc.
• Online - Since face-to-face meetings in the classroom may be replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
• Hybrid - When face-to-face meetings in the classroom are replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
• Hyflex - Whether attending in person or online (synchronously or asynchronously)—students are expected to engage respectfully and responsibly. Arrive prepared, minimize distractions, and participate actively using appropriate tools (e.g., microphones, chat, discussion boards). When joining remotely, keep your camera on when possible, mute your microphone when not speaking, and use the chat feature constructively. In the classroom, be mindful of peers who are joining online by speaking clearly and allowing space for all voices. All communication should remain professional.
Exams are a required component of GOVT 2305 – Federal Government and are designed to assess students' understanding and application of the concepts, readings, and materials presented throughout the course.
This course includes four Unit Exams, one Midterm Exam, and one Final Exam. Students are responsible for completing each examination within the designated testing window and by the deadline posted in the course syllabus, course schedule, and Blackboard.
Students who are unable to complete an exam because of a documented emergency, illness, college-approved activity, or other extenuating circumstance should contact the instructor via email as soon as possible.
Make-up exams are not automatically guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the course Make-up Work Policy.
Students who experience a legitimate technical problem while taking an exam must contact the instructor immediately via email. When possible, the student should provide documentation of the problem, such as a screenshot, error message, or other relevant information.
Waiting until after the examination deadline to report a technical issue may result in the request to reopen the exam being denied.
All examinations are subject to the college's Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating, sharing examination materials, receiving unauthorized assistance, using prohibited resources, or otherwise violating academic integrity requirements may result in a zero on the examination and/or additional disciplinary action in accordance with college policy.
The Midterm and Final Exam must be completed within their designated testing windows. Students are responsible for planning accordingly and ensuring that their examinations are successfully submitted before the posted deadlines.
No late Final Exam submissions will be accepted unless otherwise required by college policy, an approved accommodation, or circumstances specifically authorized by the instructor.
Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Students are responsible for adhering to LSCO's Academic Honesty policy found in the Catalog. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)
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. All Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as you would in the traditional, face-to-face class.
Grading Scale:
Exams 1-4: 30%
Midterm: 10%
Final: 10%
Written Assignment: 25%
Discussions: 25%
The instructor will respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. On weekends and holidays, the instructor will respond to emails from students within 24 hours of the first business day following the weekend or holiday.
Weekly participation and engagement in the courses are critical for student success. Assignments should be completed by the due date. Students should also refer to the instructor’s attendance policy for additional information. (See LSCO Catalog, Class Attendance.)
Students are responsible for regularly monitoring their grades in Blackboard throughout the semester. Exam grades will be posted after grading has been completed and/or according to the settings established for each examination.
If a student has a question or concern regarding an Exam, Midterm, or Final Exam grade, the student should contact the instructor via email only.
Requests to review an examination grade should be made within seven (7) calendar days of the grade being posted in Blackboard.
When requesting a grade review, students should:
A request for a grade review does not guarantee that the grade will be changed. The instructor will review the student's concern and determine whether a grading error occurred or whether an adjustment is warranted.
To protect the integrity of course examinations, students may not copy, photograph, screenshot, download, reproduce, post, distribute, or share examination questions or answers with other individuals or on websites, social media, group chats, artificial intelligence platforms, or other electronic services.
Students who wish to discuss specific examination questions should contact the instructor directly.
Students are strongly encouraged to review their grades regularly rather than waiting until the end of the semester. Any suspected grading or submission errors should be reported as soon as possible.
Requests to reconsider multiple grades at the end of the semester that were not questioned within the established review period may not be considered.
The purpose of reviewing examination grades is to help students understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for future assessments.
This syllabus contains information, policies, and procedures for a specific course. By enrolling, the student agrees to read, understand, and abide by the rules, policies, regulations, and ethical standards of Lamar State College Orange as those contained in the current LSCO Catalog and schedule of classes.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if deemed necessary. All changes will be provided to the students orally or in writing before the implementation of the change.
TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform that is available 24/7 for all non-dual credit enrolled LSCO students. There is no cost to eligible students for this service. TimelyCare providers offer emotional support, mental health counseling, health coaching, psychiatry, and basic needs support. Non-Dual Credit students enrolled in classes can log in to the TimelyCare website or app available at timelycare.com/LSCO.
Any student who faces challenges securing their food, housing, transportation, or childcare for minor dependents and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the student care office (studentcare@lsco.edu)for guidance on how to access possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate against any person regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, student activities or employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Director of Student Care and Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu.
LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Rebecca Gentry rebecca.gentry@lsco.edu.
LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password. For help in identifying your NetID/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/userinfo1.asp.
Students needing help learning how to navigate Blackboard are encouraged to reach out to LearningTechnology@lsco.edu. Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.
Lamar State College Orange provides career advising services to all students and alumni through Career Coach, an online career planning tool. Career Coach assists students through all phases of developing, initiating, and implementing career plans.
Information regarding employment opportunities and career options are provided along with access to live local job postings. Full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships, are available through Career Coach. Access https://www.lsco.edu/advising/career-planning.asp for more details on how to use LSCO’s Career Coach to plan for and learn more about your future career.
Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students support for daycare and/or transportation costs on a first come first serve basis as funding allows.
Access https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.
Students needing course content or study skills support are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring and academic support services. Our series of student success seminars, named Lifesavers, are available Face-to-face, online, and self-paced throughout the semester. Reach out to OASIS@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support. Visit https://www.lsco.edu/student-life/library/lifesavers.php for more information about Lifesavers.
Students are encouraged to visit library.lsco.edu to find the library’s current operating hours, access the catalog to locate print materials, and access GatorSearch to explore the vast electronic collection. The library provides over 77 electronic database collections that include eBooks, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and streaming video. The physical library contains a specialized collection of research materials specifically chosen to support the degrees and courses offered. Additionally, Students with research questions or questions about library services are encouraged visit the library in person, call 409-882-3352, access the chat on the library webpage, or to email their question to lscolibrary@lsco.edu.
Under the Texas State System, Lamar State College Orange complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pertaining to the provision of reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with disability. We strive to provide reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to students who request and require them.
Students who believe they have a disability requiring an academic adjustment/auxiliary aid are encouraged to contact the Director of Student Care & Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu. Students are encouraged to apply before the start of the semester when at all possible. The Accommodation Request Form and details regarding the appropriate documentation needed can be found here: https://www.lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp. Once approved, the signed accommodation form provided by the Director of Student Care & Accessibility must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.
Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students with access to online tutoring through a partnership with Upswing, an online tutoring platform. Tutors are available 24/7 online in almost every subject.
Access https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.
In the event of an emergency campus closure in excess of three class days, Lamar State College Orange’s classes will continue via the use of Blackboard. In such an instance, the college website, www.lsco.edu, will have information concerning the event and anticipated re-opening plans.
Please be considerate of other classmates’ feelings, ethnic background, cultural differences, situations, and level of maturity. Students will be asked to leave the course if disruptive or inappropriate behavior is exhibited in any of the course requirements. If your instructor feels that you have not contributed appropriately to course requirements, your final course grade may be reduced accordingly.
The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. Rude correspondence (discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way) in e-mails, telephone calls, in person, or comments made to other class members, the instructor, or the office staff.
Students should develop a backup plan should their computer system or their Internet provider fail. Computer or internet connectivity issues are not valid excuses for missing a deadline. The College provides many opportunities for using computer equipment, as do many public libraries. Refer to the LSCO website for operational hours of the Library and OASIS.
Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.
LSCO awards some certificates and degrees in which a criminal history MAY disqualify candidates from becoming licensed, certified, and/or employed upon degree/certificate completion. Students with a criminal background enrolling in courses leading to a degree/certificate in Criminal Justice, Barber, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, HVAC, Electrician, Plumbing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN), Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, or Teacher Preparation program are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to discuss the certification and/or licensing regulations of the program with the program director listed in order to learn more about the current guidelines related to criminal history as well as the right of individuals to request a criminal history evaluation letter.
Never attending or ceasing to attend classes DOES NOT constitute a drop or withdrawal. You remain registered until you request a drop from the instructor. Failure to act in a timely manner will result in an "F" grade for the course. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the LSCO advising office to ensure that all drops/withdrawals are processed as desired.
The grade of "I" may be given when any requirement of the course, including the final examination, is not completed. Students seeking an incomplete should have completed 75% of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time of the request. Arrangements to complete deficiencies in a course should be made in advance of the end of the semester with the instructor. The instructor will process the Incomplete form online, and a confirmation will be sent to the student’s LSCO email.
Incomplete work must be finished during the next long semester. If not, the Office of Admission and Records must change the "I" grade to the grade of "F." The course must then be repeated if credit is desired. An "I" grade also automatically becomes an "F" if the student registers for the course prior to removing the deficiencies and receiving a grade change. The instructor may record the grade of "F" for a student who is absent from the final examination and is not passing the course.
Grade determination and awarding of grades in a course are the responsibility of the instructor and should be calculated according to college policy, procedures, and written details provided in the course syllabus. NOTE: Final grades are available to students within 48 hours of the instructor posting the grade in Banner. Students may view final grades by logging into MyGator and then accessing Gator Self-Service.
An academic appeal process is afforded to students who desire to dispute a grade or any decision that affects the student’s ability to complete and earn a grade for the course provided it is not related to a violation outlined in the LSCO Student Code of Conduct. If an informal conference with the faculty member regarding an academic complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by the student, the student may initiate the formal process. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.
Refer to the current catalog or for details on the formal grade appeal process.
Lamar State College Orange has identified seven educational goals to specify the knowledge and skills that students should gain from completing academic and technical programs with the College. These goals are:
• Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
• Communication (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
• Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.
• Teamwork (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
• Social responsibility (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to recognize and acquire a sense of intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities.
• Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
• Professional competency (Technical) – Students will be able to recognize or demonstrate skills that depict professional values and employability. If the career has licensure or certification requirements, students may prepare for the licensure and certification in a capstone course and sit for the licensure or certificate at the end of the program.
Current students will access many LSCO applications through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password.
Students can set a password here: https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/
IMPORTANT: It is a violation of College policy, state laws, and federal laws for anyone to gain or help others gain unauthorized access to MyGator or any LSCO application or service. All accounts shall be for use by a single individual – the person for whom the account was approved or assigned. This includes Blackboard accounts as well as any application within MyGator. Sharing or loaning accounts is strictly prohibited, can be construed as a form of cheating, and violates College policy, state laws, and federal laws.
LSCO adheres to the policies and procedures established in the Texas Education Code, Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, LSCO Faculty Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.
No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. It is inappropriate for minor children to be on campus due to the potential liability to the College, the risk of harm to the children, and decreased employee productivity due to distractions and disruptions.
LSCO believes that all matters involving a staff member (non-instructor) OR an instructor are best resolved directly with the employee. Should it not be resolved at that level, access and complete the Student Complaint Intake form within five (5) business days from the date of the offense. The Student Complaint Intake Form can be found in any of these locations:
After a student completes the Student Complaint Intake Form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee unrelated to the offense and provided guidance on how to proceed with the Complaint process.
Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process.
Student-Staff and Student-Instructor Complaint Process involving Safety, Harassment, or Title IX:
Students who have experienced a safety, harassment, or title IX event should access and complete the Title IX/Clery: Anonymous Reporting Form found in any of these locations:
After a student completes the intake form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee and provided guidance on how to proceed.
Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process.
The privacy of all students, including Distance Education students, is protected through strict adherence to the rules of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. LSCO’s statement regarding the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act can be found in LSCO’s Catalog. Additional information regarding privacy for Distance Education students can be found in the Distance Education Handbook, appendix D.