NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
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Course Title: American National Government
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Course Prefix & Number: GOVT2305
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Section Number: 351
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Term Code: Fall 2020
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Semester Credit Hours: 3
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Lecture Hours: 3
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Lab Hours: 0
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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.
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Course Prerequisite(s): None
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Course Type:
o - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)
X- Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
o - WECM Course
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Name of Instructor:
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Dr. David Smith
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Campus/Office Location:
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Online, no physical office
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Telephone Number:
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940-668-3350 (Division Admin: Pam Strong)
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E-mail Address:
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dsmith@nctc.edu or via Canvas
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Division Chair:
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Adam Ramsey
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Office Location:
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Gainesville Campus, 814
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Telephone Number:
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940-668-7731 x:4925
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E-mail Address:
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aramsey@nctc.edu
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Instructional Dean:
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Dr. Bruce King
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Office Location:
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316 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
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Telephone Number:
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940-380-2504
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E-mail Address:
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bking@nctc.edu
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REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
We The People. Thomas Patterson 13th Edition. Connect Access Card with e-Book, available via the NCTC bookstore. There is an option to purchase the physical textbook as well.
GRADING CRITERIA
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GRADING CRITERIA
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# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements
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Percentage or Points Values
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16
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Online Quizzes
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160 points
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11
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Homework Assignments (random pts)
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155 points
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4
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Exams (One for Each Module) 100 pts per exam
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400 points
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14
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Chapter LearnSmart Activities
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300 points
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3
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Discussion Boards
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75 points
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Total Points Possible in the Course
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1,100 points
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Grading Scale:
A: 90 - 100%
B: 80 - 89.99999%
C: 70 - 79.99999%
D: 60 - 69.99999%
F: 0 - 59.99999%
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Student Learning Outcome
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At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
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Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
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Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties.
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Analyze the election process.
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Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
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Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English and basic computer skills.
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CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________
o Communication
o Mathematics
o Life and Physical Science
o Language, Philosophy & Culture
o Creative Arts
o American History
X Government/Political Science
o Social and Behavioral Sciences
o Component Area Option
REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES
X Critical Thinking
X Communication
o Empirical and Quantitative
o Teamwork
X Personal Responsibility
X Social Responsibility
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Last day to Withdraw
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The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is October 30, 2020.
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Module #1 (Chapters: 1, 2, 3, and 4) Dates: August 24th - September 21st.
Each Chapter has one quiz, one assignment and one SmartBook.
Exam #1: September 22nd - September 23rd.
Module #2 (Chapters: 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) Dates: September 24th - October 22nd.
Each Chapter has one quiz, one assignment and one SmartBook.
Exam #2: October 23rd - October 24th.
Module #3 (Chapters: 11, 12, 13, and 14) Dates: October 26th - November 17th.
Each Chapter has one quiz, one assignment and one SmartBook.
Exam #3: November 18th - November 19th.
Module #4 (Chapters: 15, 16, and 17) Dates: November 20th - December 9th.
Each Chapter has one quiz, one assignment, one SmartBook.
Exam #4: December 10th - December 11th (by 8pm).
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Student Rights & Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.
Scholastic Integrity (Canvas Integrity Continued Below)
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See the Student Handbook for more information.
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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
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Disability Services (OSD)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.
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 (Links to an external site.)
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring in the evening. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing students free interactive workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center (Links to an external site.).
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Canvas Conduct and Academic Dishonesty Continued 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 person contact me via Pam Strong (Division Admin) (940) 668-3350 or via my NCTC email address: dsmith@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.
The Professor reserves the right to adjust the syllabus as necessary.
Because this course is 100% ONLINE, Email will be considered your official correspondence for the course. I am including a few notes regarding email and the proper use of it for the course.
1 Please consider email as official correspondence
2 Efforts will be made to respond to address your email within 24-48 hours. If you do not receive an email response within 48 hours, please send a follow-up email.
3 No email correspondence on weekends.
4 Emails should be in regards to class business. It is NOT the place for summaries of lectures, discussions or readings.
5 PLEASE use the subject line in a way that indicates the content of the message. Please use professional language and include your full name, section number, and a complete inquiry in the body of the email. Unprofessional emails will result in a non-response.
6 DO NOT use your external (personal) accounts. They are filtered to my junk mail and will not be reviewed. Please use your University provided (NCTC Email) address in order to communicate with your faculty.
Covid Related Information for Face-to-Face Classes: Please be aware of the following NCTC Policies for Fall 2020.
Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.
Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.
Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.
Faculty will:
- Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.
Students should:
- Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
- Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
- Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
- Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
- Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
- Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
- Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.
During this period, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.
Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html