NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Federal Government
Course Prefix & Number:		GOVT2305	Section Number:	0313	Semester/Year:	Summer I 2021
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
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.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required Course Materials: Patterson, Thomas E.  We the People. 13th edition. McGraw Hill. (E-book with Connect Plus Access) You must register with McGraw-Hill Connect.  You will be required to complete some of the work within the publisher’s Connect system.  This work will be graded and will be a component of the course grade.   Make sure your purchase of the textbook came with an access code to Connect.  My recommendation is that you purchase the loose-leaf copy of the textbook with the required Connect access code.  I permit the class to use the printed copy of the textbook during the quizzes and final exam.  You will NOT be permitted to use the e-book version of the textbook during the exam and quizzes.

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Peter G. Doas, B.S., I-M.B.A., M.A., Ed. D (ABD)
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth Campus
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:	pdoas@nctc.edu

 

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Online   9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)	Online   9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)	Online   9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)	Online   9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)	Online   9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)

 

 

Course Information:

1.  Federal Government

 

2. GOVT 2305-0313
3. Days/Time of Class:   Sunday-Saturday 24/7

COLLEGE COURSE

This is a college course.  You made a decision to register for the class.  NCTC requirements take precedence.  Any work schedules, extracurricular activities, etc. do not take precedence or priority in the class; this course’s requirements take precedence.  You will need to make decisions that meet your goals and take responsibility for those decisions. 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 

Every Chapter Smartbook Assignment, Chapter Quiz, Chapter Review Quiz, Discussion Topic, Video Analysis Assignment Quiz, Practice Quiz, Practice Essay, Final Exam, and Essay #1 Assignment was opened on the first day of the semester for students to complete.  This required work will shut down at a specific day and time during the semester.  Do not wait to complete the required work.  If you are participating in any personal, work, or college activity, make sure you complete the course work prior to that activity to avoid any issues.  The Pre-Test and Post-Test due dates were set by the college.

 

 

 

Attendance is mandatory.  You should access your course on a daily basis.  Although we are not in a classroom environment, by completing all required course work, you will fulfill the attendance requirements.  Attendance is based on the completion of this work.  By not completing the work you will be recorded as not attending for the day that work was required.  We will use Canvas as the primary site for the course to communicate with each other, to house the course, to have class discussions, to check for due dates, to complete course work, for evaluation purposes, and to check grades in the grade book. 

 

 

 Each student is expected to individually complete the assigned readings and the required work that corresponds with each reading.  I reserve the right to require exams and assignments to be completed at specific locations on campus.  If I discover information that questions the academic integrity of the course, that student(s) will be required to complete the work at a proctored room at the campus. 

 

Links to Course Work (Due dates for all course work can be found in the Course Outline section of the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section)    You will gain access to the required Chapter Smartbook Assignments by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Chapter Smartbook Assignments” to be taken to a Page that has links to all the Chapter Smartbook Assignments.  Choose the one you want to complete to be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Chapter Smartbook Assignments I created within the publisher’s Connect system.   You will gain access to the required Final Exam by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Final Exam” to be taken to the page I created that houses the final exam.    You will gain access to the resources for the required Essay #1 Assignment by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Essay #1 Assignment Upload Link” to be taken to the page I created that houses the resources for Essay #1 Assignment.    You will gain access to the resources for the required Practice Quiz and required Practice Essay by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Practice Quiz and Practice Essay Page” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Practice Quiz and the resources for the Practice Essay.    You will gain access to the required Discussion Topics by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Discussion Board Topics” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Discussion Topics.    You will gain access to the required Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Video Analysis Assignments” to be taken to the page I created that houses the necessary links to the Video Analysis Assignments.    You will gain access to the required course Chapter Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Course Chapter Quizzes” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Chapter Quizzes.   You will gain access to the required Pre-Test and Post-Test by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Pre-Test and Post-Test” to be taken to a Page that has a link to the Pre-Test and also a link to the Post-Test.  Select the provided link to the one you want to complete and you will be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Pre-Test and Post-Test within the publisher’s Connect system.   You will gain access to the optional course Review Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Optional Course Review Quizzes” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Review Quizzes.

 

 

Required Graded Course Work   Pre-test and Post-Test, Quiz #1, Quiz #2, Quiz #3, Quiz #4, Quiz #5, Quiz #6, Essay #1 Assignment OR Final Exam, Practice Quiz, Practice Essay, four (4) Discussion Topics, five (5) Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes, and sixteen (16) Chapter Smartbook Assignments CAUTION: You are not permitted to collaborate with anyone in any way in reference to the required course work.  Again, the graded course work will be completed on an individual basis.  You are not to partner with anyone when it comes to the completion of the graded course work.  These are not group projects.  Your grade must be based on your individual performance.  Any type of collaboration will lead to failing grades. (Due dates for all course work can be found in the Course Outline section of the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section)  The Pre-test and Post-Test, Quiz #1, Quiz #2, Quiz #3, Quiz #4, Quiz #5, Quiz #6, Essay #1 Assignment OR Final Exam, Practice Quiz, Practice Essay, the sixteen (16) Chapter Smartbook Assignments, the five (5) Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes, and the four (4) Discussion Topics must be completed by their due date and time.  I have made the material available on the first day of the semester for those who want to complete their exams and assignments early.  The Pre-Test and Post-Test dates were set by the college. I also provide review quizzes for Quiz #1, Quiz #2, Quiz #3, Quiz #4, Quiz #5, and Quiz #6.  The review quizzes are not required to be completed, but they are used as extra credit.  It is to your benefit to complete the review quizzes and to use them as study tools for the graded Quizzes.

Final Exam and Quiz Policy

Students are required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam when completing the Chapter Quizzes, Practice Quiz, Review Quizzes, and the Final Exam if they are completing the Final Exam rather than writing Essay #1 Assignment.  When completing the Practice Quiz, Final Exam, Chapter Quizzes, and Review Quizzes, you are permitted to use your loose-leaf (printed) copy of the textbook or any notes that you have written on paper or printed.  You are NOT permitted to use anything else.  You are not permitted to use the e-book version of the textbook.  You are not permitted to access any other websites when completing this work.  If you use any other resource or if you access any other Internet page while completing the work, it will lead to a failing grade, No Exceptions.  Respondus Lockdown Browser with webcam monitors and records the actions of students. 

• You must show a valid photo ID.
• You are not permitted to have other electronic devices near you when taking the quizzes, exams, tests, etc.
• You are not permitted to have access to your phone.
• You are not permitted to talk to anyone.
• You are not permitted to view content anywhere else in the room.
• You ARE permitted to use your loose-leaf (printed) copy of the required textbook.
• You are permitted to use any notes written on paper or printed on paper.
• The work must be completed in one sitting session.
• The webcam must be on at all times.

If the webcam is turned off or blocked, it will lead to a failing grade

• You must use the webcam on your device to show a 360-degree view of the desk/table you will be using to complete the chapter quizzes, review quizzes, and final exam.  The scan must clearly show the entire desk and immediate area around that desk.  Do this very slowly so that the monitor can view the area clearly and make sure it also shows the desk or area where you will be sitting and where your laptop will be placed.
• If the webscan of the desk/table is not conducted or if it does not clearly show everything on the desk/table and immediate area around that desk/table, the results will not be accepted and a zero will be inputted.
• I provided the class a video on how to properly conduct this scan.  Carefully watch the video.
• If a student does not have a webcam, the student must notify the instructor immediately and alternative chapter quizzes with essay questions and final exam with essay questions will be provided to the student to complete for the required chapter quizzes and final.

 

If any of these guidelines are violated, it will lead to a failing grade.

 

 

I created a Sample Quiz for you to complete to make sure you know how to use Respondus with a webcam.  I strongly suggest you complete this Sample Quiz.  The Sample Quiz is not worth any points.  Please complete the Sample Quiz ASAP to make sure you know how to use Respondus with a webcam.  Do not confuse the Sample Quiz with the Practice Quiz; they are two different quizzes.

 

• You will gain access to the Sample Quiz by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments.  Scroll down and select the Sample Quiz Using Respondus.

Evaluation:

 

 

1. Practice Essay Assignment (10 Points):  

You will gain access to the resources for the required Practice Essay by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Practice Quiz and Practice Essay Page” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Practice Essay.  On the page that you are directed, you will find the upload link for the practice essay and the Instruction Page and the Format Page for the essay.  The Practice Essay Assignment is worth 10 points.  The number of points you will earn is based on completing the essay as required in the Format Page and Instruction Page.

 

Please know that the Practice Essay must be written within a Microsoft Word file or a PDF file.  Google Docs and Pages files will not be accepted.

 

 

APPLE Devices

If you are using an Apple device, save the Practice Essay as a PDF file and upload the PDF file as required.

 

1. Practice Essay Assignment is due by 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021.  You must upload and submit your essay before 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021 within Canvas for the Practice Essay Assignment.  

 

Please make sure that you upload and submit the Practice Essay Assignment within your course in Canvas.  If I do not receive your Practice Essay Assignment Word file within Canvas by the required date and time, you will receive zero points on the assignment.   No Excuses and No Exceptions.  It will not matter if you are one, two, three, or thirty minutes late; zero points will be earned if I do not receive your Practice Essay Assignment Word file by the required date and time. 

 

•           If the Word file of the Practice Essay Assignment is attached within a mail tool and you submit the essay within a mail tool instead of your Canvas link as required, 5 points will be deducted for this error.  If I receive your essay as a mail attachment after the due date and time, it will not be accepted and zero points will be earned.

2. Practice Quiz (10 Points):  

This practice quiz consists of five questions based on material written in the course syllabus; each question is worth two points.  Make sure you carefully read the syllabus and make sure you understand all requirements related to the course before attempting the practice quiz.  You cannot open up the practice quiz and then decide to take it later.   You can only take the practice quiz once.  There are no retakes with the practice quiz.  Do Not Open The Practice Quiz Until You Are Ready To Take The Quiz.  Once you open the practice quiz, it must be completed.  Students have six minutes to complete the quiz once it is opened.  Once you open the quiz, you must complete it in one sitting and within six minutes.

 

To gain access to the Practice Quiz:You will gain access to the Practice Quiz by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Practice Quiz and Practice Essay Page” to be taken to the page I created that houses the link to the Practice Quiz.

 

• The Practice Quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021.  The Practice Quiz will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the practice quiz after 11:00 PM on 6/9/2021.  The questions are based on the requirements for the course.  Make sure you carefully read the syllabus and make sure you understand all requirements related to the course before attempting the practice quiz.  Students are required to complete the practice quiz using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

 

 

3. Sixteen Chapter Smartbook Assignments (20 Points per chapter for a total of 320 Points:

 

I created chapter assignments within the McGraw-Hill Connect system.  You are required to complete these sixteen (16) Chapter Smartbook Assignments.  The course consists of 16 required chapters and each required chapter has a Chapter Smartbook Assignment.  The Chapter Smartbook Assignments for each chapter are worth a total of 20 points for each chapter.  Since you must complete the Chapter Smartbook Assignments for the required chapters in the course, these Chapter Smartbook Assignments will be worth a total of 320 points (16 x 20=320).

 

The sixteen (16) Chapter Smartbook Assignments will be completed within McGraw-Hill Connect.  You will use the access code that came with the purchase of the new textbook to register with the publisher’s Connect system. 

 

The Chapter Smartbook Assignment for each chapter must be completed by the required due date/time for each of the Chapter Smartbook Assignments and they can ONLY be completed within McGraw-Hill Connect.  The number of points earned for the Chapter Smartbook Assignment for each chapter will depend on the number of questions answered correctly for each Chapter Smartbook Assignment. 

 

Some of the questions in the Chapter Smartbook Assignments have many components.  All aspects of each question must be answered correctly to receive those points.  Partial credit for a question is not provided.  You must complete/submit all parts of each Chapter Smartbook Assignment before its due date/time to earn credit for that chapter assignment; no exceptions.

 

• Chapter 1 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/12/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 2 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/12/2021 to earn any points.  

 

• Chapter 3 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/12/2021 to earn any points to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 4 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/18/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 5 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/18/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 6 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/22/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 7 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/22/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 8 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/26/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 9 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/26/2021 to earn any points.  

 

• Chapter 10 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 6/26/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 11 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/2/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 13 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/2/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 14 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/2/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 12 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/9/2021 to earn any points. 

 

• Chapter 15 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/9/2021 to earn any points.

 

• Chapter 17 Smartbook Assignment must be completed in full by 11:00 PM on 7/9/2021 to earn any points.

 

 

To gain access to the Chapter Smartbook Assignments: You will gain access to the required Chapter Smartbook Assignments by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Chapter Smartbook Assignments” to be taken to a Page that has links to all the Chapter Smartbook Assignments.  Choose the one you want to complete to be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Chapter Smartbook Assignments I created within the publisher’s Connect system.

 

 

 

4. Six Course Chapter Quizzes (80 Points Each):        

All six Chapter Quizzes are open; however, they shut down on different dates/times in the semester; review the Tentative Schedule Section of the syllabus for all due dates.  You are required to complete six chapter quizzes during their availability period specified in the Tentative Schedule section of the syllabus.  Each quiz will consist of 40 questions.  Each quiz is worth 80 points.  You have 80 minutes to complete and submit a quiz.  Each quiz shuts down at 11:00 PM on the last day that it is due.  You cannot open up a quiz and then decide to take it later.   You can only take each Chapter Quiz once.  There are no retakes on any of the quizzes.  Students are required to complete the Chapter Quizzes using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

    The quiz questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook. 

 

If the 80 minutes expire before you complete the quiz, Canvas will shut down the quiz.  IF YOU GO BEYOND THE 80 MINUTES AND CANVAS SHUTS DOWN THE QUIZ, ANY QUESTIONS THAT WERE NOT ANSWERED AND SAVED WILL BE LOST.  Make sure you are ready to take each quiz when you open that quiz and complete it within the 80 minutes allowed and before its due date and time.  The quizzes must be completed in one sitting; you cannot open the quiz and decide to complete it later.

 

 

You are permitted to use the loose-leaf copy of the textbook and your hand-written or printed notes to complete the chapter quizzes; only the loose-leaf copy of the textbook and hand-written and printed notes.  You are not permitted to access any websites or anything online while taking the chapter quizzes.  You cannot have any other electronic devices near you when completing the quizzes.

 

     Do Not Open a Chapter Quiz Until You Are Ready To Take That Quiz.  Once you open a Chapter Quiz, it must be completed. 

 

     Due dates for each Chapter Quiz can be found in the Tentative Schedule section of the syllabus.  The textbook chapters for each quiz can be found in the Tentative Schedule section of the syllabus (scroll down to the bottom of this syllabus to view the Tentative Schedule section).  This information is also provided below.

 

                              

• Chapter Quiz #1 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021.  Quiz #1 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #1 will consist of questions from chapter 1, chapter 2, and chapter 3.  Students are required to complete Quiz #1 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.   

 

• Chapter Quiz #2 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021.  Quiz #2 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/16/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #2 will consist of questions from chapter 4 and chapter 5.  Students are required to complete Quiz #2 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions. 

 

• Chapter Quiz #3 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021.  Quiz #3 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #3 will consist of questions from chapter 6 and chapter 7.  Students are required to complete Quiz #3 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions. 

 

• Chapter Quiz #4 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021.  Quiz #4 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #4 will consist of questions from chapter 8, chapter 9, and chapter 10.  Students are required to complete Quiz #4 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.   

 

• Chapter Quiz #5 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021.  Quiz #5 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #5 will consist of questions from chapter 11, chapter 13, and chapter 14.  Students are required to complete Quiz #5 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.   

 

• Chapter Quiz #6 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021.  Quiz #6 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021 will be lost.  Quiz #6 will consist of questions from chapter 12, chapter 15, and chapter 17.  Students are required to complete Quiz #6 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

You are permitted to use the loose-leaf copy of the textbook and your hand-written or printed notes to complete the chapter quizzes; only the loose-leaf copy of the textbook and hand-written and printed notes.  You are not permitted to access any websites or anything online while taking the chapter quizzes.  You cannot have any other electronic devices near you when completing the quizzes.

 

Be aware that you are not permitted to access any websites when completing the Chapter Quizzes.  Anyone that attempts to access online resources while completing the quizzes will earn a failing grade; only the loose-leaf copy of the textbook is permitted or any printed notes or hand-written notes.  Collaboration is not permitted when completing the quizzes.  Anyone sharing information with others related to the quiz questions will earn failing grades for everyone involved.

 

To gain access to the Chapter Quizzes: You will gain access to the required course Chapter Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Course Chapter Quizzes” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Chapter Quizzes.   

 

 

Grace Period Policy for Chapter Quizzes

 

• This Grace Period Policy applies only to the following Chapter Quizzes: Chapter Quiz #1, Chapter Quiz #2, Chapter Quiz #3, Chapter Quiz #4, Chapter Quiz #5, and Chapter Quiz #6

 

• If a student does not complete Chapter Quiz #1, Chapter Quiz #2, Chapter Quiz #3, Chapter Quiz #4, Chapter Quiz #5, or Chapter Quiz #6 by the required due date and time, I will open these Quizzes up once again at 12:30 AM on 7/12/2021 and you will have until 11:00 PM on 7/12/2021 to complete a Quiz that you did not complete by its required due date and time.  This Grace Period Policy ONLY applies to Chapter Quiz #1, Chapter Quiz #2, Chapter Quiz #3, Chapter Quiz #4, Chapter Quiz #5, and Chapter Quiz #6.

 

• If you start a chapter quiz close to the due date and time and Canvas shuts you off at 11:00 PM of that due date and time, you will not be provided access to that chapter quiz during this grace period.

 

• There will be a penalty of 20 points for taking a Chapter Quiz during this grace period.  This means that if you do not complete a Chapter Quiz by its required due date and time and you complete it during this grace period, your grade on the Chapter Quiz completed during the grace period we be reduced by 20 points.  Let’s assume you did not take Chapter Quiz #1 by the required due date and time and you completed it during this grace period and earned a grade of 70.  This grade will be changed to a 50; No Exceptions to this penalty.

 

• The best thing for you to do is to make sure you complete Chapter Quiz #1, Chapter Quiz #2, Chapter Quiz #3, Chapter Quiz #4, Chapter Quiz #5, and Chapter Quiz #6 by their required due date and time.

 

• If you complete a Chapter Quiz on its due date and time and earn a low grade, do not ask if you can retake the Chapter Quiz during this Grace Period.

 

• A GRACE PERIOD IS NOT PROVIDED FOR ANY OTHER WORK IN THE CLASS.  THE GRACE PERIOD IS ONLY PROVIDED FOR THE CHAPTER QUIZZES: CHAPTER QUIZ #1, CHAPTER QUIZ #2, CHAPTER QUIZ #3, CHAPTER QUIZ #4, CHAPTER QUIZ #5, AND CHAPTER QUIZ #6.  ALL OTHER WORK MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE REQUIRED DUE DATE AND TIME; NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

 

 

5. Four Discussion Topics (30 Points Each): You are required to provide responses to four discussion topics during their availability period specified in the syllabus.  Each discussion topic is worth 30 points.  The number of points earned per discussion topic will depend on the quality of the responses you provide. 

 

For each discussion topic, you must provide a response to the topic AND a response/feedback to the response of one other student.  Before you can respond to someone else’s feedback, you must first post your own thread within the discussion topic.   If you only submit a response to the topic without providing feedback to what was written by one other student, the most that you will be able to earn for that topic will be twenty (20) points. 

 

Your responses in the discussion topics should exhibit careful thought and logical reasoning and provide evidence for your position. Each response should be at least three to four well-developed paragraphs (approximately 20 sentences or more). Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The discussions must be completed by the due dates and time specified in the syllabus. 

 

Your follow-up response to the other student (also approximately 20 sentences or more) should offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions.  I encourage friendly debate and disagreement, but ask that it be courteous and respectful. Do not be afraid to speak your mind, but remember that yours is only one opinion.

 

• Your response to each discussion topic must be thorough and must add to the discussion of that topic.  Do not just repeat what was written by others or what you wrote in your original post.
• Your feedback to your classmate for each discussion topic must expand the debate.  Do not just write down “…good comment…” or “…I agree/disagree to what you said…”.  This type of feedback will earn zero points.
• If you plagiarize what was written by others, it will lead to zero points.  Any form of plagiarism will lead to zero points.
• The discussion topics are your opportunity to deliberate ideas; however, be respectful of what you write.
• Any material that you use from the book or other sources must be properly cited and referenced.

 

• Discussion Topic #1: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #1 before 11:00 PM on 6/11/2021.  Read the following chapters from the textbook to complete this Discussion; Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.

 

• Discussion Topic #2: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #2 before 11:00 PM on 6/17/2021.  Read the following chapter from the textbook to complete this Discussion; Chapter 4.

 

• Discussion Topic #3: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #3 before 11:00 PM on 6/25/2021.  Read the following chapter from the textbook to complete this Discussion; Chapter 9.

 

• Discussion Topic #4: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #4 before 11:00 PM on 7/8/2021.  Read the following chapter from the textbook to complete this Discussion; Chapter 12 and Chapter 17.

 

 

Late Discussion Posts will not be accepted.  If you submit your Discussion Topic response within the wrong Topic folder, zero points will be earned.  For example, if you provide your response to Discussion Topic #1 within the folder of Discussion Topic #2, zero points will be earned for Topic #1.

 

If a Discussion post is not submitted by its required day and time, it will not be recorded within the system and zero points will be earned.  Do not wait until the last hour to try to complete and submit a Discussion post.

 

 

To gain access to the Discussions: You will gain access to the required Discussion Topics by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Discussion Board Topics” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Discussion Topics.   

 

 

6.    Pre-Test (5 Points):  This test is worth 5 points.Makeups will not be provided if you miss the Pre-Test, no exceptions.

 

The pre-test is a general knowledge test created by NCTC on Texas Government.

 

• The Pre-test must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 6/10/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted before 11:00 PM on 6/10/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the pre-test after 11:00 PM on 6/10/2021. 

 

  

To gain access to the Pre-Test: You will gain access to the required Pre-Test by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Pre-Test and Post-Test” to be taken to a Page that has a link to the Pre-Test.  Select the Pre-Test link and you will be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Pre-Test within the publisher’s Connect system.

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7. Post-Test (5 Points):  This test is worth 5 points.  Makeups will not be provided if you miss the Post-Test, no exceptions.

 

The post-test is a general knowledge test created by NCTC on Texas Government.

 

 

• The Post-test is available starting on 7/8/2021 and must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted before 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the post-test after 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021. 

 

 

To gain access to the Post-Test: You will gain access to the required Post-Test by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Pre-Test and Post-Test” to be taken to a Page that has a link to the Post-Test.  Select the Post-Test link and you will be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Pre-Test within the publisher’s Connect system.

 

 

 

H.        Video Analysis Assignments (24 Points Each): 

 

You are required to complete during their availability period five (5) Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes specified in the Tentative Schedule section of the Syllabus.  Each Video Analysis Assignment will consist of a video the class is required to watch related to concepts within the textbook chapters and a corresponding Video Analysis Assignment Quiz.  After reading the textbook chapters and watching and contemplating the content in the video, students will complete a short quiz related to the information provided in the video and chapters.  Each video quiz will consist of three questions and each question is worth eight (8) points, therefore, each video analysis assignment quiz is worth twenty-four (24) points.  The type of questions within each quiz can be multiple-choice questions, true or false questions, or short answer questions.  Watch the provided video as often as you want prior to taking the corresponding quiz on that video.  Once you are comfortable with the information provided in the video and the textbook chapters, open its corresponding quiz and complete that quiz.  You have five (5) minutes to complete and submit the quiz.  You must complete and submit the quiz before its five minutes are over or else you will lose the points on that quiz.  Each quiz shuts down at 11:00 PM on the last day that it is due.  You cannot open a quiz and then decide to take it later.   You can only take each quiz once.  There are no retakes on any of the quizzes. All five Video Analysis Assignments are open; however, they shut down on different dates/times in the semester.  Please review the Tentative Schedule Section of the Syllabus for all due dates.

 

The video quiz questions were created from concepts in their corresponding video that you are required to watch and the textbook chapter readings associated with those concepts.

 

Do Not Open a Video Quiz Until You Are Ready To Take That Video Quiz.  Once you open a Video Quiz, it must be completed.

 

Due dates for each video quiz can be found in the Tentative Schedule section of the Syllabus.  This information is also provided below.

 

• Video Analysis Assignment #1 Quiz

The assignment quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/11/2021.  Video Analysis Assignment #1 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/11/2021.  If the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment is not completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/11/2021, the points will be lost.  You will not be able to take the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment after 11:00 PM on 6/11/2021.  This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz is based on information that can be found within its corresponding video.  This Video Analysis Assignment is associated with concepts discussed in chapters 1, 2, and 3.

 

• Video Analysis Assignment #2 Quiz

The assignment quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/17/2021.  Video Analysis Assignment #2 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/17/2021.  If the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment is not completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/17/2021, the points will be lost.  You will not be able to take the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment after 11:00 PM on 6/17/2021.  This Video Analysis Assignment quiz is based on information that can be found within its corresponding video.  This Video Analysis Assignment is associated with concepts discussed in chapters 4 and 5.

 

• Video Analysis Assignment #3 Quiz

The assignment quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/21/2021.  Video Analysis Assignment #3 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/21/2021.  If the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment is not completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/21/2021, the points will be lost.  You will not be able to take the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment after 11:00 PM on 6/21/2021.  This Video Analysis Assignment quiz is based on information that can be found within its corresponding video.  This Video Analysis Assignment is associated with concepts discussed in chapter 7.

 

• Video Analysis Assignment #4 Quiz

The assignment quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/25/2021.  Video Analysis Assignment #4 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/25/2021.  If the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment is not completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/25/2021, the points will be lost.  You will not be able to take the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment after 11:00 PM on 6/25/2021.  This Video Analysis Assignment quiz is based on information that can be found within its corresponding video.  This Video Analysis Assignment is associated with concepts discussed in chapters 8, 9, and 10.

 

• Video Analysis Assignment #5 Quiz

The assignment quiz must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/1/2021.  Video Analysis Assignment #5 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/1/2021.  If the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment is not completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/1/2021, the points will be lost.  You will not be able to take the quiz associated with this Video Analysis Assignment after 11:00 PM on 7/1/2021.  This Video Analysis Assignment quiz is based on information that can be found within its corresponding video.  This Video Analysis Assignment is associated with concepts discussed in chapters 11 and 13.

 

 

To gain access to the Video Analysis Assignments: You will gain access to the required Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Video Analysis Assignments” to be taken to the page I created that houses the necessary links to the Video Analysis Assignments.

 

 

 

8. Essay #1 Assignment (100 Points) OR Final Exam (100 Points)

 

• You have the option of completing a comprehensive final exam OR Essay #1 Assignment.

 

• • You MUST complete one of the two; you must complete the final exam OR Essay #1 Assignment.    
  • If you choose to complete Essay #1 Assignment, you will not be permitted to complete the final exam.  If you do not complete Essay #1 Assignment, you must complete the final exam.  You will need to decide between the two.
  • I set the Gradebook in Canvas to use one of the two (Final Exam or Essay #1 Assignment) towards the calculation of the course grade.
  • If you decide not to complete Essay #1 Assignment, I will input a zero in the Gradebook for the essay.  This zero will indicate that Essay #1 Assignment was not completed.  The zero will not impact the course grade.
  • If you complete Essay #1 Assignment, I will input a grade for the essay in the gradebook which will be used in the calculation of the course grade.  If you do complete Essay #1 Assignment, you will not be permitted to complete the final exam.  Since a grade will be inputted with Essay #1 Assignment, a zero will be inputted for the final exam in the gradebook.  In this scenario, the zero that I input for the final exam will not impact the course grade because a grade for Essay #1 Assignment was inputted.
  • You must complete one OR the other; Essay #1 Assignment or the Final Exam.  If you skip both, your decision to skip both will have a significant impact on the course grade and a zero grade will be inputted for both.
  • Do not ask if you can complete both.  It will be one or the other.  No exceptions to this requirement.  Do not ask for any other options related to the Final Exam and Essay #1.

 

 

• In reference to Essay #1 Assignment and the Final Exam, I am letting you make the choice.  You must either complete Essay #1 Assignment OR the Final Exam.  This is the only area where you can choose.  Do not ask to substitute Essay #1 Assignment or the Final Exam for any other missed work in the class or for any other grade in the class. 

 

 

Below are your Options for Essay #1 Assignment and the Final Exam:

 

1. Option 1: ESSAY #1 ASSIGNMENTS (100 Points):  You can choose to complete Essay #1 Assignment.  If you do not choose to complete Essay #1 Assignment, you must complete the Final Exam. 

 

The Essay #1 Assignment page in Canvas includes the upload link for the essay, the Essay #1 Assignment Format Page, the Essay #1 Assignment Instruction Page, and the PDF article titled What Went Wrong in Iraq? that is associated with Essay #1 Assignment.  The essay assignment will be worth a maximum of 100 points.  Please review the Essay #1 Assignment Format Page and the Essay #1 Assignment Instruction Page before completing Essay #1 Assignment.  Your response must be equivalent to a minimum 5 pages in Microsoft Word; you can write more than the 5 pages and a thorough essay should be more than 5 pages.  The heading is not calculated as part of the 5-page minimum requirement.  Review what a five-page paper in Microsoft Word file encompasses.   The essay assignment requires a detailed response.   The essay assignment must be in an essay/paragraph format and must include an introduction before answering what has been asked (Please review Essay #1 Assignment Format Page and Essay #1 Assignment Instruction Page).  Essay #1 Assignment is worth 100 points; you cannot expect to earn ANY POINTS if you provide a one-page response, etc.  If you choose this option, students must provide their response to the essay assignment before its due date and time expires.  Students must thoroughly answer all aspects of the essay assignment to receive the maximum amount of points.  You have until 11:00 PM of the last day of the essay's availability period to upload and submit your essay.  Essay #1 Assignment will shut down at 11:00 PM on the last day of its availability period.  If I do not receive your essay within Canvas by 11:00 PM of the essay’s availability period, you will be required to take the Final Exam.  No Excuses and No Exceptions.  It will not matter if you are one, two, three, or thirty minutes late; if I do not receive your essay by 11:00 PM of the essay’s availability period, I will not be able to accept the essay and you must complete the Final Exam.  If you chose to complete Essay #1 Assignment, you are provided plenty of time to complete Essay #1 Assignment.  Do not wait until the last few days.  If you wait until the last few days to submit your response, it will not allow you to deal with emergencies.

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• Essay #1 Assignment is due by 11:00 PM on 7/11/2021.  You must upload and submit your essay before 11:00 PM on 7/11/2021.    
•  To be able to successfully complete Essay #1 Assignment, make sure you read the Essay #1 Assignment Format Page, the Essay #1 Assignment Instruction Page, and the PDF file titled What Went Wrong in Iraq?  You should also have read Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, and Chapter 17 from the Textbook.  These are the only resources you are permitted to use to complete Essay #1 Assignment.

 

  

 

COMPLETE ESSAY #1 ASSIGNMENT USING INFORMATION FROM THE TEXTBOOK AND THE ARTICLE WHAT WENT WRONG IN IRAQ? YOU ARE REQUIRED TO READ.  DO NOT USE OTHER ARTICLES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS OR OTHER SUCH SOURCES.  If you use anything more than the required TEXTBOOK and the What Went Wrong in Iraq? file I provided you, zero points will be earned. 

 

 

You must show originality when providing your responses to the essay assignment.  You cannot just paraphrase what is in the book or in the What Went Wrong in Iraq? article.  I read every essay thoroughly.   

 

 

The Plagiarism program in Canvas will provide me what is known as an originality score.  This originality score measures how much of the essay came from references and sources and how much is your own individual content within the essay.  For example, if the score is 20%, it means that 80% of what was submitted was the student’s individual content and understanding and 20% came from sources/references.

 

 

Your essay must be primarily your understanding of the material and your own work.  The content of your essay must be 80% or more of your individual work and 20% or less material from the textbook and the article titled What Went Wrong in Iraq?  The material from the What Went Wrong in Iraq? Article and textbook is intended to support your positions.  Essays that consist of material from sources that is greater than 20% from those sources will lose a significant amount of the essay points.

 

 

IMPORTANT: You are not permitted to use other resources in completing Essay #1.  You can only use information from the TEXTBOOK and the PDF file titled What Went Wrong in Iraq?  This is an analysis paper not a research paper.

 

 

APPLE Devices

If you are using an Apple device, save the essay as a PDF file and upload the PDF file as required.  

 

Google Docs or Pages files will not be accepted and will lead to zero points.

 

• If your file is a Google Docs file or Pages file, I will not be able to open the file and a zero will be recorded for the assignment.

 

•If the Word or PDF file is attached within the Mail tool and you submit an essay within the Mail tool instead of the "Essay #1 Assignment" tool, 25 points will be deducted for this error.  If I receive your essay as a mail attachment after the due date and time, it will not be accepted and zero points will be earned.

 

 

 

MLA Format:  When citing the textbook and required article that I provided, please use MLA.  I provide a link on the Course Resource Page of your course in Canvas titled “MLA Format Instructions” for assistance.  Please review the provided information.

 

 

To gain access to the Essay #1 Assignment: You will gain access to the resources for the required Essay #1 Assignment by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Essay #1 Assignment Upload Link” to be taken to the page I created that houses the resources for Essay #1 Assignment.

 

 

2. Option 2: Final Exam (100 Points):  If you choose not to complete Essay #1 Assignment, you MUST complete the Final Exam.  If you do complete Essay #1 Assignment, you cannot complete the Final Exam.

 

If you choose to complete the Final Exam rather than complete Essay #1 Assignment, you must complete the Final Exam during its availability period specified in the syllabus.  The Final Exam will consist of 50 multiple choice and/or true-false and/or short answer questions.  The Final Exam is worth 100 points.  Once you open up the Final Exam, it must be completed within 120 minutes and each answer SAVED before submitting the Exam.  You cannot open up the Final Exam and then decide to take it later.  If the 120 minutes expire before you complete the Exam, Canvas will terminate the Exam.  IF YOU GO BEYOND THE 120 MINUTES AND CANVAS TERMINATES THE EXAM, ANY QUESTIONS THAT WERE NOT COMPLETED AND SAVED WILL BE LOST.  Make sure you are ready to take the Final Exam when you open the Final Exam and complete it within the 120 minutes allowed.  You can only take the Final Exam once.  There are no retakes with the Final Exam.

 

     The Final Exam questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook.  The PowerPoints are outlines of the chapters; exam questions were not created from the PowerPoints.

 

    Do Not Open the Final Exam Until You Are Ready To Take That Exam.  Once you open the Final Exam, it must be completed.  I cannot reopen the exam for you so be very careful as you navigate the course.

                                                           

                          

• The Final Exam must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021.  The Final Exam will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Final Exam after 11:00 PM on 7/13/2021.  The Final Exam will consist of questions from chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, chapter 8, chapter 9, chapter 10, chapter 11, chapter 12, chapter 13, chapter 14, chapter 15, and chapter 17.  Thoroughly read the chapters.  Students are required to complete the Final Exam using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

   

 

•   Again, in reference to Essay #1 and the Final Exam, I am letting you make the choice.  You must either complete Essay #1 OR the Final Exam.  This is the only area where you have the ability to choose.  You will either choose to complete Essay #1 Assignment OR the Final Exam.  Do not ask to substitute Essay #1 or the Final Exam for any other missed work in the class.

 

A good source to review before taking the Final Exam is the completed Quizzes and Review Quizzes.  You cannot access these quizzes and you cannot use them while completing the exam.  Only the loose-leaf (printed) textbook or notes written on paper or printed can be used.

   

 

 

 

9. Review Quizzes (Extra Credit):  I provide review quizzes for Quiz #1, Quiz #2, Quiz #3, Quiz #4, Quiz #5, and Quiz #6.  The review quizzes are NOT required to be completed.  It is to your benefit to complete the review quizzes and to use them as study tools for the required Quizzes.  Many of the questions in the review quizzes are also in the required Quizzes.  Although the review quizzes are NOT required to be completed, they are used as extra credit.     

 

Each review quiz will consist of 40 multiple choice and/or true-false and/or short answer questions.  Each review Quiz is worth 10 points.  The number of points earned will depend on the number of questions you answered correctly.  Once you open a review quiz, it must be completed within 80 minutes and each answer SAVED before submitting the review quiz.  You cannot open a review quiz and then decide to take it later.  If the 80 minutes expire before you complete the review quiz, Canvas will shut down the review quiz.  IF YOU GO BEYOND THE 80 MINUTES AND CANVAS SHUTS DOWN THE REVIEW QUIZ, ANY QUESTIONS THAT WERE NOT ANSWERED AND SAVED WILL BE LOST.  Make sure you are ready to take each review quiz when you open that review quiz and complete it within the 80 minutes allowed.  You can only take each review quiz once.  There are no retakes on any of the review quizzes.

 

 

Be aware that you are not permitted to access any websites when completing the Review Quizzes.  Anyone that attempts to access online resources while completing the review quizzes will earn a failing grade; only the loose-leaf copy of the textbook is permitted or any printed notes or hand-written notes.  Collaboration is not permitted when completing the review quizzes.  Anyone sharing information with others related to the quiz questions will earn failing grades for everyone involved.

 

To gain access to the Review Quizzes: You will gain access to the optional course Review Quizzes by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.”  Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Optional Course Review Quizzes” to be taken to the page I created that houses the Review Quizzes.   

 

 

• Review Quiz #1 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021.  Review Quiz 1 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 6/14/2021.  Review Quiz 1 will consist of questions from chapter 1, chapter 2, and chapter 3.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #1 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

• Review Quiz #2 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021.  Review Quiz 2 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 6/19/2021.  Review Quiz 2 will consist of questions from chapter 4 and chapter 5.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #2 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

• Review Quiz #3 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021.  Review Quiz 3 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 6/23/2021.  Review Quiz 3 will consist of questions from chapter 6 and chapter 7.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #3 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

• Review Quiz #4 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021.  Review Quiz 4 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 6/28/2021.  Review Quiz 4 will consist of questions from chapter 8, chapter 9, and chapter 10.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #4 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

• Review Quiz #5 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021.  Review Quiz 5 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 7/3/2021.  Review Quiz 5 will consist of questions from chapter 11, chapter 13, and chapter 14.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #5 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

• Review Quiz #6 must be completed and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021.  Review Quiz 6 will shut down at 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021.  Any work not completed and saved and submitted by 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021 will be lost.  You will not be able to take the Quiz after 11:00 PM on 7/10/2021.  Review Quiz 6 will consist of questions from chapter 12, chapter 15, and chapter 17.  Thoroughly read all these chapters.  Students are required to complete Review Quiz #6 using Respondus Lockdown Browser; No Exceptions.

 

 

 

If you complete a review quiz, any points earned will be added to its corresponding Quiz.  For example, let’s assume you completed Quiz #1 and earned 60 points and you also completed Review Quiz #1 and earned 6 points.  Shortly after the due date and time ends for Quiz #1, I will go into the system and add the points earned on Review Quiz #1 to the points earned on Quiz #1.    

 

 

The review quiz questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook.  The PowerPoints are outlines of the chapters; the review quiz questions were not created from the PowerPoints.

 

      Do not open a review quiz until you are ready to take that review quiz.  Once you open a review quiz, it must be completed.  I cannot reopen the review quiz for you so be very careful as you navigate the course.

 

You will have access to the results of the review quizzes immediately after it is submitted.

 

Grading:

 

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DUE DATES/TIMES AND GUIDELINES IN THE SYLLABUS.  You are provided a number of days to complete the course work. The way I view this is as follows: You need to complete your course work early.  Do not wait until the last few days of their availability period. Waiting to complete the course work does not allow any leeway to deal with personal, work, family, technology, Canvas going down for a day, or any other potential emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Availability of Grades for the Required Course Work:

 

Chapter Quizzes-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the Chapter Quiz ends.

 

Review Quizzes-Students will have access to their results immediately after the Review Quiz is completed and submitted.

 

Chapter Smartbook Assignments-Grades are provided after completion of the assignment and due date/time expires.

 

Essay #1 Assignment Grade-If you choose to complete Essay #1 Assignment rather than the Final Exam, it will take me a few days to verify and grade the essay assignment.  Students will have access to their essay assignment grade about three days after the availability period for the assignment ends.

 

Final Exam-If you choose to complete the Final Exam rather than Essay #1 Assignment, students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the Final Exam ends.

 

Discussion Topic Grade-It will take me a few days to verify and grade each discussion topic.  Students will have access to their discussion topic grades about three days after the availability period ends for each discussion topic.

 

Practice Quiz and Practice Essay-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the practice quiz ends and about three days after the availability period for the practice essay ends.

 

Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the Video Analysis Assignment Quiz ends.

 

 

The graded course work that is required to be completed in the class is as follows:

 

Chapter Quiz #1, Chapter Quiz #2, Chapter Quiz #3, Chapter Quiz #4, Chapter Quiz #5, Chapter Quiz #6, Essay #1 Assignment OR the Final Exam, the Pre-test and the Post-test, Practice Quiz, Practice Essay, five (5) Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes, sixteen (16) Chapter Smartbook Assignments, and the four (4) Discussion Topics are required to be completed.  The maximum possible points that you can receive in the course are 1,170 points.  This number is based on the following:

 

Practice Quiz-------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Points

Practice Essay------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Points

Pre-test----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Points

Post-test---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Points

Sixteen Chapter Smartbook Assignments (16 X 20 points per assignment) -----320 Points

Five Video Analysis Quizzes (5 X 24 points per quiz)------------------------------120 Points

Essay #1 Assignment OR Final Exam-------------------------------------------------100 Points  

Four Discussion Topics (4 X 30 points per topic) -----------------------------------120 Points

Six Chapter Quizzes (6 X 80 points per Quiz) ---------------------------------------480 Points    

Maximum Possible Points-----------------------------------------------1,170 Points 

 

 

Final Course Letter Grade

 

Your letter grade for the course will be based on the following point breakdown:

 

Course Grade

(90% to 100%)  = A

(80% to 89.9999%)  = B

(70% to 79.9999%)  = C

(60% to 69.9999%) = D

Anything below 60% =F

 

Practice Quiz and Practice Essay=1.71% of course grade.

Pre-Test and Post-Post Test=0.85% of course grade.

Chapter Smartbook Assignments=27.35% of course grade.

Essay #1 OR Final Exam=8.56% of course grade.

Discussion Topics=10.25% of course grade.

Video Analysis Assignments=10.25% of course grade.

Course Chapter Quizzes= 41.03%.

 

 

Canvas will provide you a percentage grade as work is being completed during the semester.  You can keep track of your progress during the semester by viewing the provided percentage grade in Canvas.     

 

 

Due dates for all required graded course work can also be found in the Course Outline section of the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section. 

 

 

Other assignments:  During the semester, depending on current events in government, I will give other brief assignments. These assignments will not be graded and will not be worth any points; however, they MUST BE COMPLETED TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.

 

 

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the last day permitted to drop.   The last day to drop this course is 6/29/2021.  If a student wants to drop from the course, it is the student’s responsibility to follow through with the proper procedures.  Do not ask the instructor to “take care of this” for you.  Please contact NCTC to verify when the last day to drop is for this semester.

 

 

 

CENTRAL STANDARD TIME

 

The time requirement for coursework is Central Standard Time.  If you are living in other time zones or traveling in other time zones, it is your responsibility to be aware that the work must be completed by the required date and time associated with Central Standard Time.

 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDLY ADVICE:

• “Attend” class regularly.
• Keep up with the reading assignments.
• Pay close attention to the DUE DATES/TIMES.
• ASK QUESTIONS!

 

 

Policy on Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please make certain that all assignments and examinations are completed individually.  If I find evidence of academic dishonesty, students will be given a failing grade.  Collaboration with others in the class is not permitted.  If a student works with others in the completion of the coursework, a failing grade will be given to all those that collaborated.  Plagiarism is also considered academic dishonesty.

 

 Changes to the Syllabus

Although I will do my best to keep to the schedule, changes in the syllabus and/or schedule may be made at any time during the term. A revised syllabus may be issued at my discretion. 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY ISSUES

Make sure that you have contingency plans for completing your work in case you develop problems with your technology. 

 

Canvas Clock

Go by the clock in Canvas.  All timed coursework follows the time within Canvas.  Please take this into consideration in dealing with any time constraints.  Do not go by the time on your cell phones or watches.  Do not wait until the last day to complete exams and assignments.

 

IF YOU ARE COMPLETING THE WORK OUT OF STATE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT EVERYTHING IS BASED ON CENTRAL STANDARD TIME.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

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 an understanding of our 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 in the political system.
	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.

 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______

o        Communication

o        Mathematics             

o        Life and Physical Science

o        Language, Philosophy & Culture

o        Creative Arts

 

X         Government/Political Science

o        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o        Component Area Option

o        American History

X             Critical Thinking

X            Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           Teamwork

X             Personal Responsibility

X             Social Responsibility