Syllabus

GOVT 2305 0397 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Introduction

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title:	Federal Government
Course Prefix & #:		GOVT2305	Section Number:	0397	Semester/Year:	Fall 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: Registration in the course gives you access to the e-book needed for GOVT2305. You do not need to purchase a separate textbook. Inclusive Access is a partnership between NCTC and McGraw-Hill Education, to provide the best learning resources on the first day of class. Students can gain access to McGraw-Hill’s adaptive online platforms with the latest version of the eBook at a discount. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of the textbook, they can order a discounted loose-leaf version through the bookstore. Students who drop before the add/drop date will have their book fees credited back to their student account, and students who remain in the course will be charged a materials fee by the school to have continued access of the online platforms. If you remain enrolled in the course but wish to opt-out of access to the book please email the NCTC Bookstore with your name and student number to 1263mgr@follett.com.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Kathy Corley
Campus/Office Location:	Bowie/130
Telephone Number:	940-872-4002 ext. 5216 call if a problem
E-mail Address:	Use Canvas to email me. Then email here

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Online Office		Class
8:00-9:00 PM		8:00-9:20 AM

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 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 in the political system.
	Analyze the election process.
	Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
	Analyze issues and policies in U.S. Politics.

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Point Values
4	Smartbook Homework	100/400
4	Homework Quizzes	150/450
7	Short Papers	50/350
1	Paper	300
1	Written Final in class	100
	Total points for course	1600
	A=1700-1521.5; B=1521-1209.2; C=1208.5-1181.5
	D=1181-1011.5; F<1011.5

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Govt 2305 Class Schedle	Tuesdays	Office Hours	Wednesdays	Due on	Due at
Smartbooks open this day until Homework Quiz for those Smartbooks Homework	8/24/2021	8-10:00 pm	25-Aug
Issue Papers come from websites given due at 11:59 pm.	8/31/2021	8-10:00 pm	1-Sep	Issue Paper 1	11:59 PM
	9/7/2021	8-10:00 pm	8-Sep	Issue Paper 2	11:59 PM
	9/14/2021	8-10:00 pm	15-Sep	Issue Paper 3	11:59 PM
It does not matter it you are busy on Wednesday, homework or class work is due on that date.	9/21/2021	8-10:00 pm	22-Sep	Smartbooks Homework 1	9:00 PM
				Homework Quiz 1	11:59 PM
Do Your Work early and turn it in when you get it done. You can always resubmit it is you make and update.	9/28/2021	8-10:00 pm	29-Sep	Issue Paper 4	11:59 PM
	10/5/2021	8-10:00 pm	6-Oct	Issue Paper 5	11:59 PM
	10/12/2021	8-10:00 pm	13-Oct	Smartbooks Homework 2	9:00 PM
				Homework Quiz 2	11:59 PM
	10/19/2021	8-10:00 pm	20-Oct	Issue Paper 6	11:59 PM
	10/26/2021	8-10:00 pm	27-Oct	Format Paper	11:59 PM
	11/2/2021	8-10:00 pm	3-Nov	Free week
	11/9/2021	8-10:00 pm	10-Nov	Issue Paper 8	11:59 PM
	11/17/2021	8-10:00 pm	17-Nov	Smartbooks Homework 3	9:00 PM
				Homework Quiz 3	11:59 PM
Holiday	11/26/2021	Holiday	27-Nov	Holiday
Bring a blue Book or 5 pages of stapled white lined paper to class on December 1 with your name at the top to be used for Final on December 8.	11/30/2021	8-10:00 pm	1-Dec	Smartbooks Homework 4	9:00 PM
				Homework Quiz 4	11:59 PM
	12/7/2021	8-10:00 pm	8-Dec	Written Final in Class	8-10:00 AM

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is ____Nov. 5?___________.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

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

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

X Critical Thinking

X Communication

o Empirical and Quantitative

o Teamwork

X Personal Responsibility

X Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

o Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o WECM Course

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.

Plagiarism includes using others thoughts as your own. Make sure you use proper citations within the paper and list those at the end of your paper. I do grade for how you use APA style of writing. It is required.

If you are caught cheating on quizzes or exams. You will be reported and removed from this class, and or the college.

Specific Conduct Regulations/Restrictions as found in NCTC Catalog 2017-18, page 266-267

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct shall include aiding, abetting, conspiring, soliciting, inciting of, or attempting to commit the following:

1. Academic Dishonesty:

a. Cheating:

(1) Copying from or reviewing another student’s examination prior to or during the examination.

(2) Copying from another student’s paper, laboratory report, presentation, computer program, or other assignment.

(3) Using or possessing unauthorized notes, books, test materials, electronic devices, or other aids in any academic exercise or activity.

(4) Submitting the same paper, report, or other assignment for more than one course without the expressed permission of the faculty member.

(5) Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.

(6) Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a paper, another assignment, or test, whether it has been administered or not.

(7) The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of a test, whether it has been administered or not.

(8) Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.

(9) Bribing another person to obtain a test or information about a test, whether it has been administered or not.

b. Plagiarism:

(1) Appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it into one’s own written work.

(2) Copying or using the ideas, writings, paraphrases, data, reports, graphic designs, or computer codes of published or unpublished work of another person without appropriate citation or acknowledgments.

(3) Reproducing or using the ideas, materials, works, paraphrases, data, reports, graphic designs, or computer codes prepared by another person or agency without authorization, permission or acknowledgment.

c. Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements including a presentation, laboratory report, quiz, homework, take-home examination, project, or other work expected to be completed as an individual or independently.

d. Academic Falsification:

(1) Providing false, altered, or fabricated information or documentation in the context of an academic assignment, examination, or obligation, such as creating a false source for an assignment or citing a source one did not use.

(2) Altering grades on an assignment, examination, laboratory report, quiz, or other academic work and submitting such to a faculty member or College District employee.

(3) Using false or altered information, data, or identification in the context of an academic obligation.

e. Intellectual Property Dishonesty:

(1) Altering, removing, or defacing College District library or educational materials.

(2) Selling, electronically posting, publishing, or distributing course lecture notes, handouts, recordings, or other materials or information from the faculty member of the course without the expressed permission of the faculty member.

(3) Removing or intentionally damaging the academic property of a faculty member or another student, including projects, books, papers, notes, laboratory assignments, clinical forms, or electronic hardware or software.

(4) Obtaining or using the password of a faculty member or another student to access course hardware or software.

(5) Taking credit on a group assignment when one did not contribute toward completion of the assignment.

(6) Violating the ethical standards of practices in professional programs (i.e., health sciences, nursing, emergency medical assistance, and the like).

f. Academic Dishonesty Facilitation: Assisting any person in the commission of academic misconduct, including but not limited to:

(1) Aiding, abetting, or attempting to commit an academic misconduct violation.

(2) Allowing another student to copy or use one’s answers during an examination or in the completion of an assignment.

(3) Taking, completing, or attempting to take an examination or complete assignment for another student.

(4) Listing another student on a group assignment when the student did not contribute in any manner toward completion of the assignment.

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021Syllabi 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 July 27, 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 entity 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: In spring 2020, we 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 fall 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

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Donna Smith
Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 208
Telephone Number:	940-498-6266
E-mail Address:	dhooper@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Sara Flusche
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus, Room 1312
Telephone Number:	940-668-3321
E-mail Address:	sflusche@nctc.edu