Course Title: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Course Prefix & Number: GOVT2305

Section Number:  313OL

Semester: Summer 2017

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: N/A

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

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. 48 lecture hours.

Course Prerequisite(s): None

Required Materials:

We the People (ebook with Connect Plus Access Card) by Thomas E. Patterson, McGraw Hill, 11th edition, ISBN: 9781259563614

   ** Students can order a full color loose leaf book for an additional $15 directly from McGraw Hill when registering Connect Access

Name of Instructor:

Joe Ialenti

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth, 331

Telephone Number:

940-498-6295

E-mail Address:

jialenti@nctc.edu

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.

Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.

Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.

Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.

Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties.

Analyze the election process.

Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.

Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English and basic computer skills.

Tentative Instructional Schedule

 (Subject to Change w/o Notice)

   Total Points: 740 + Pre/Post tests.  All due dates are firm.

Grading Policy & Procedures

·          By enrolling in this class, you acknowledge that you have internet access and that such access is stable and reliable.

·          It is totally your responsibility to read and understand the Syllabus.

·          It is your responsibility to know the Instructional Schedule

·          The Syllabus is the class’s control document. However, it is subject to changes made by the Instructor.

·          If you find any information which conflicts with the Syllabus, follow the Syllabus, but contact me immediately.

·          It is your responsibility to know how to navigate Canvas and Connect and any other software that is used in this class

·          It is your responsibility to access and study the textbook, Canvas, Connect and any other course material

·          It is your responsibility to frequently access class Announcements and e-mail.

·          It is your responsibility to frequently view your grades in the Grade Center.

Last day to drop is June 28, 2017.

You should check Announcements and e-mail each day.

Pre/Posts Tests

Ten (10) points will be added to your semester point total for each test that you submit.

Your Connect Modules

This course is made up of four (4) Modules each of which is specified in Canvas and illustrated by the Instructional Schedule (tentative) above. Each Module’s Canvas and Connect material as well as Discussion Forums, Quizzes, and Topic Papers is available to you from the first class day so that you can study and post ahead.

Make sure that you are aware of all due dates as stated in the Instructional Schedule.

All due dates are firm.

Topic Papers

There is a Topic Paper in this class for you to submit. The Paper’s subject and instructions are stated in Topic Papers in Canvas.

Discussion Forums

There will be several Discussion Forums located in the Discussion Forums module in Canvas. Each Forum will be open from the first day of class. However, each Forum has a due date. Participation in each requires that you post your comments about the topic (See About Discussion Forums under Start Here in Canvas.

Forum posts are due by 11PM on their respective due dates.

Each Forum will accept only a maximum post of 4,000 characters.

If you don’t post to a Forum, you receive 0 points for that Forum.

These Forums will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of their topics and class material. Each Forum is worth up to 50 points.   

Quizzes

There will be fourteen (14) quizzes in this course. You’ll find them under Chapter Quizzes in Canvas. All quizzes are now open, but have due dates. Each quiz is worth up to 10 points and consists of 10 questions. You’ll have 20 minutes to take each quiz.

Exams

There will be four (4) Exams. The exams are located in the Exams Module in Canvas.

You will have about 48 hours during which to access and submit each Exam and you’ll have 70 minutes to take each one. However, once you start an Exam you must complete it; you cannot start it, exit it, and then return to it. Each Exam is worth a maximum of 100 points. Exams are not comprehensive.  

Should you fail to take an exam when scheduled, you will be required to take a make-up exam probably at the Corinth Campus Testing Center if I okay it after you explain why and I accept that explanation. Make-up exam questions, number, and type may vary from the online exam you missed. It is your responsibility to learn from the Testing Center about its processes and procedures.

Unless otherwise stated and with the exception of Forums, all course requirements must be submitted by 11:59PM (Canvas’s clock) on their respective due dates.

All due dates are firm.

Grading

You have the opportunity to earn up to 740 points (+ Pre/Posts Tests) in this course.

To calculate your percentage grade at any point in the semester, simply divide the number of points have earned by the number of points you could have earned to that point in the semester.

90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D ; 0-59% = F

Grading Policy & Procedures

You have the opportunity to earn up to 740 points (+ Pre/Posts Tests) in this course.

To calculate your percentage grade at any point in the semester, simply divide the number of points have earned by the number of points you could have earned to that point in the semester.

90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D ; 0-59% = F

Other Pertinent Information

v  Academic Dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.  You are not to give any person (which includes parents, spouses, friends, etc) access to your Canvas account at any time during the semester.  If you do, you are putting the integrity of the course work completed in question.  Do not ask someone to email me on your behalf in Canvas.  If you have an emergency and cannot contact me yourself, it is best to have an alternative persona contact me on my office phone 940-498-6295 or my NCTC email address: jialenti@nctc.edu.  Again, do not give anyone access to your Canvas account.  Any student who cheats on any course material (exams, assignment, post tests) will immediately fail the course and academic dishonesty papers will be filed with the Dean and VP of Instruction.

v  Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 6, 2017.

Disability Services (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability.  A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx  

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

Support Services

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

 Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services.

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.  http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx

EEOC Statement

  North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Donna Hooper

Office Location:

Corinth 209

Telephone Number:

940-498-6266

E-mail Address:

dhooper@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Dr. Larry Gilbert

Office Location:

Corinth 305

Telephone Number:

940-498-6216

E-mail Address:

lgilbert@nctc.edu