GOVT 2305 0314 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
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Course Syllabus
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SECTION 331 Summer 1 2021
SYLLABUS
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Course Prefix & Number: GOVT 2305
Section Number: 331
Semester: Summer 2021
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:
Optional ** Students can order a full color loose leaf book for an additional $15 directly from McGraw Hill when registering Connect Access
Web Address for Book:
https://connect.mheducation.com/class/k-stewart-govt-2305-master---14th
CANVAS/CONNECT ACCESS: All students must have complete access to Canvas for the entire semester. It is the student’s responsibility to have access to the internet at all times, as well as having all needed programs to complete an online course. Students are not to give any other person access to his/her Canvas account. Students can be removed from the online course immediately up violating this rule. Once a student has given another person access to his/her canvas account, the credibility of any work completed becomes questionable.
Connect Access- The textbook, Learn Smart, and Connect activities are all maintained within the McGraw Hill Connect System. Students need to be enrolled immediately in Connect, which can be purchased at the bookstore, or online directly from McGraw Hill from Canvas. Temporary access can be used directly from Connect McGraw Hill for 14 days from the first day of class. Students must be enrolled by the end of day 5, as assignments are due immediately.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name of Instructor: Karen Stewart
Campus/Office Location: Online Instructor No Campus Office
Telephone Number: 940-498-6295 Campus
E-mail Address: kstewart@nctc.edu
COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Summer 2021
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 or other health related crisis, 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 June 2, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions 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 are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.
Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: We recently faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to 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 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 the summer 2021 semester, 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
GRADING CRITERIA # of Graded Course Elements- 6
1
Chapter Quiz’s.. There will be a total of 10 chapter quiz’s each worth 10 points
100 Points
2
EXAM: There will be a final exam worth 100 Points
100 Points
3
Professional paper
Students will choose from various topic over national government and discuss in an extensive research paper
100 Points
- Political Cartoons
Students will research the history of political cartoons and choose examples
50 Points
5. Weekly discussions
There will be weekly discussions over articles for reading over the subjects in class
4 Weekly 25 Points Each
100 Points Total
6. Various Worksheets
Worksheets over various topics
50 Points
6 Graded Elements for a 500 Point Total
Please allow 5 days turnaround for grading
Late assignments will be deducted at 10 % per day!
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
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.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. Absence does not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Dropping a course is the student's responsibility, but you MAY be dropped for excessive absence. See Attendance Regulations in the North Central Texas College Catalog.
Online class attendance is mandatory based on a regular log-in basis daily. In an online environment it is the students responsibility to keep up with the readings and assigned work. Internet connectivity issues is not an excuse for missing assignments and due dates.
If a student fails to login to canvas at least once a week, after 2 weeks their grade will be reduced by 10 points
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
NO LATE QUIZES WILL BE ACCEPTED!!
All Assignments are due by Midnight Unless specified
____________________________________________________________________________
June 7-13th Week 1
Chapter 1. Alien Population Political Thinking
Chapter 2. Constitution
Chapter 3 Federalism
Discussion Constitutional Amendments 25 Points Due June 13th
Chapter 1 Quiz Online in Book 15 Points Due June 1
Professional Paper 1 100 Points Due July 5th
____________________________________________________________________________
June 14th-20th Week 2
Chapter 3 Federalism
Chapter 4 Tinker v. Des Moines
Chapter 5 Brown v. Board of Education
Civil Rights Anthology 25 Points Due June 19
Chapter 4 Quiz 10 Points Due June 19th
Chapter 5 Quiz 15 Points Due June 19th
Discussion Current Civil Rights Issues 25 Points Due June 19th
______________________________________________________________________________
June 28-July 4th Week 3
Chapter 6. Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping the People’s Voice
Chapter 7. Political Participation: Activating the Popular Will
Chapter 8. Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns: Defining the Voter's Choice
Chapter 9. Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence
Chapter 9 Quiz 10 Points Due July 4th
Chapter 7 Quiz 10 Points Due July 4th
Chapter 6 Quiz 15 Points Due July 4th
Discussion: Interest Group 25 Points Due July 4th
_____________________________________________________________________________
July 5-11th Week 5
Chapter 10. The News Media: Communicating Political Images
Chapter 11. Congress: Balancing National Goals And Local Interests
Chapter 12. The Presidency: Leading the Nation
Chapter 13. The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government
Chapter 10 Quiz 15 Points Due July 11th
Chapter 13 Quiz 10 Points Due July 11th
Discussion: News Media 25 Points Due July 11th
Professional Paper Due July 5th
___________________________________________________________________________
July 12-13th Week 1/2
Chapter 15. Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity
Chapter 16. Welfare and Education Policy: Providing for Personal Security and Need
Final Exam 100 Points Due July 13th
___________________________________________________________________________
Grades are based on the following grading criteria
500-450=A 449-399=B 398-348=C 347-297=D 296- Below
THERE IS A 10% DEDUCTION FOR EVERY DAY AN ASSIGNMENT IS LATE