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NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
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Course Title:
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Federal Government
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Course Prefix & Number:
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GOVT2305
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Section Number:
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970, 977
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Sem/Year:
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Fall 2021
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Semester Credit Hours:
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3
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Lecture Hours:
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48
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Lab Hours:
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0
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Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties, and civil rights.
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Course Prerequisite(s): None
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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. You will, however, need to register your name/email upon first access (e.g. accessing the pre-test); and you will not need any access or purchasing code.
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.
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COURSE TIMES/LOCATION: Mon/Wed @ 10:00 - 11:20am (16-Wk) / Bowie Rm 119 & Graham Rm B1 via Tandberg
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Paul Coraccio
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Campus/Office Location:
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Adjunct/No permanent office. Temp office Bowie: Rm 130; Graham: Rm C2
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Telephone Number:
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940-280-1923
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E-mail Address:
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CANVAS email system (primary) or pcoraccio@nctc.edu.
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INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS*
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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1:30 - 2:30 pm
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1:30 - 2:30 pm
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* Office hours for this course signify the times that the instructor is available on campus or online; additionally, meetings can be scheduled outside of these times and through official school email.
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO) (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)
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At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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LO-1.
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Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
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LO-2.
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Demonstrate an understanding of our federal system.
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LO-3.
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Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
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LO-4.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
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LO-5.
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Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
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LO-6.
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Analyze the election process.
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LO-7.
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Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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LO-8.
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Analyze issues and policies in U.S. Politics.
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GRADING CRITERIA
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# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements*
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Point Values
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Total Point Values
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McGraw-Hill ‘Connect’ Textbook Readings & Quizzes:
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0
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14
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Smartbook® (CONNECT) – 1 per chapter
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15 pts ea.
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210
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3
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Chapter Modules (CONNECT) – varies per chapter
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5 pts ea.
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15
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5
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Readings - varies per lesson
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5 pts ea.
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25
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4
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Unit Exams – There are four logical groupings of chapters/lessons (i.e., units). There is one exam per unit. Any discussions, debates, or issues presented “in class” or in discussion boards may be included in an exam. Exams are cumulative so prior information may be on any exam.
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50 pts ea.
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200
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1
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Writing Assignment (Research Paper) – There will be one properly cited and formatted research paper demonstrating critical thinking on a course-relevant topic. This paper is required to pass the course.
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100 pts
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100
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5
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Pre-Writing Assignment Components – These pre-writing steps are due prior to the final paper’s due date. This is done to incentivize working towards the final paper over many weeks--increasing the chances of a better-quality, college-worthy product.
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10-30 pts ea.
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100
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6
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Assignments – Course assignments augment learning by requiring students to reflect on the lesson by typically writing an essay on a relevant topic.
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20 pts ea.
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120
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1
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Course Project – Throughout the course, students will spend time working on a course project. The central theme of the overall project is for students to demonstrate and apply what they are learning by producing a workable "political" or "civic" decision-making guide useful to the student after course completion. There are various times throughout the course to improve/enhance the product.
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6x
15 pts ea.
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90
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2
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Current Events Assignments – Students are expected to stay informed on emerging issues/events relevant to the course, and will at various times be assigned to write, present to the class, take a quiz, or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of current events.
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20 pts ea.
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40
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1
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Class Participation Activities – These are special group activities conducted as a class, such as a class congress/legislature, class court, or other group activities. Students earn participation credit based on their genuine and meaningful participation.
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2x
25 pts ea.
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50
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2
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Forum Discussions (Discussion Boards) – A minimum of three posts are due per discussion; one is your original reflection with citation(s) from the textbook and/or a reputable source(s) (due mid-week) and a response to at least two other student’s post (due end-of-week). It’s also expected that you answer other students’ replies to your initial post to carry on a meaningful discussion.
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25 pts ea.
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50
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1000
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*There are no weighted assignment groups, so what you see is what you get--the overall point values effectively inform you of the "weight" of assignment(s), for example, 200 points for unit exams from about ~1000 points total for the entire course is about ~20% of overall course grade.
Letter Grade Equivalents:†
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A
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B
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C
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D
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F
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90% or higher
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80-89.99%
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70-79.99%
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60-69.99%
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59.99% or less
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†Grades are not rounded up in this course--students will receive the grade earned. Your individual effort determines your grade in this course. It is your responsibility to complete assignments, meet deadlines, and contact the instructor if you have any questions. No assignments or low scores are dropped. Minor grade adjustments may be made at the instructor's discretion (e.g. from a 79% to 80%) but, if considered, would take a student's course "standing" into account (e.g. attendance, participation, level of effort, number of missed assignments, etc.).
COURSE OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)
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Unit
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Week
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Class Dates
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Assignments
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Points
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Due Dates
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0
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Course Introduction & Orientation
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0
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1
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23 Aug
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Course Introduction & Orientation
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0
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-
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Introduction to Government
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0
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23 Aug
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Discussion Forum #1: Student Introductions
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25
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26 Aug
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Course Pre-Test
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0
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28 Aug
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Course Introduction Quiz
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0
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28 Aug
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I
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Government’s Foundational Basis (i.e., guiding principles)
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0
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1
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25 Aug
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Lesson: American History, Culture, & Politics
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0
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-
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cont
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Smartbook® Ch 1: Political Thinking and Political Culture
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15
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25 Aug
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Class Material: American History, Culture, & Politics (Slides)
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0
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25 Aug
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Assignment #1: American Political Culture (Essay)
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20
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28 Aug
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2
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30 Aug
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Lesson: American Constitutional Republic and Self-Government
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 2: Constitutional “Democracy” And Self-Govt
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15
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30 Aug
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Ch 2 Module: Social Contract Theory
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5
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30 Aug
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READING #1: Declaration of Independence (1776)
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5
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31 Aug
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READING #2: U.S. Constitution
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5
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31 Aug
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1 Sep
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Class Material: American Constitutionalism & Self-Govt (Slides)
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0
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31 Aug
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Assignment #2: Constitutional Analysis
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20
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4 Sep
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3
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6 Sep
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NO CLASS--LABOR DAY (Sep 6)
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0
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-
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8 Sep
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American Constitutional Republic, Cont.
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0
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-
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Class Material: American Constitutionalism (Slides)
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0
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8 Sep
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Current Events Assignment #1
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20
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10 Sep
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Research Paper: REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS
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10
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11 Sep
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part I)
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15
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11 Sep
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4
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13 Sep
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Lesson: American Federalism & Limited Government
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 3: Federalism
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15
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13 Sep
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Class Material: American Federalism & Limited Government (Slides)
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0
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13 Sep
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15 Sep
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Lesson: Civil Liberties and Unalienable Rights
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 4: Civil Liberties
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15
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15 Sep
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Class Material: Civil Liberties and Unalienable Rights (Slides)
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15 Sep
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Assignment #3: Limited Government (Essay)
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20
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18 Sep
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5
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20 Sep
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Lesson: Civil Liberties and Unalienable Rights, Cont.
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 5: Equal Rights
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15
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20 Sep
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Class Material: Civil Liberties and Unalienable Rights (Slides)
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0
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20 Sep
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22 Sep
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part II)
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15
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24 Sep
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Unit I Exam (Chapters 1-5)
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50
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25 Sep
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II
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Government’s Institutions & Organization (i.e., rules of the game)
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0
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6
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27 Sep
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Lesson: The U.S. Congress
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 11: Congress
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15
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27 Sep
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Class Material: The U.S. Congress (Slides)
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0
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27 Sep
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READING #3: Federalist Paper #51
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5
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27 Sep
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29 Sep
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Class Congress: Preparations & Instructions
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0
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29 Sep
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Assignment #4: Draft Bill for Class Congress
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20
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2 Oct
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7
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4 Oct
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Class Congress (Group Activity): Committees & Floor "Debate"
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0
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-
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Discussion Forum #2: Post Bill for Class Congress
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25
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4 Oct
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Class Congress: Committees
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25
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4 Oct
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6 Oct
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Class Congress: Floor "Debate"
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25
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6 Oct
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part III)
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15
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9 Oct
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8
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11 Oct
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Lesson: The U.S. Presidency
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 12: The Presidency
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15
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11 Oct
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13 Oct
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Class Material: The U.S. Presidency (Slides)
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0
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11 Oct
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part IV)
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15
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15 Oct
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Assignment #5: Executive Powers
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20
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16 Oct
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Research Paper: THESIS STATEMENT
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10
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16 Oct
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9
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18 Oct
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Lesson: Federal Bureaucracy
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 13: The Federal Bureaucracy
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15
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18 Oct
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Ch 13 Module: The Bureaucracy
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5
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18 Oct
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Class Material: Federal Bureaucracy (Slides)
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0
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18 Oct
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20 Oct
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Research Paper: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
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30
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23 Oct
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10
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25 Oct
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Lesson: Federal Justice System
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 14: The Federal Judicial System
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15
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25 Oct
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Class Material: Justice System in the U.S. (Slides)
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0
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25 Oct
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27 Oct
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Research Paper: REFUTATION & OUTLINE
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20
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29 Oct
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Unit II Exam (Chapters 11-14)
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50
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30 Oct
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III
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Government's Influencers (i.e., the players)
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0
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11
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1 Nov
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Lesson: Public Opinion & The Media
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 6: Public Opinion and Political Socialization
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15
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1 Nov
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Ch 6 Module: Public Opinion
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5
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1 Nov
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Class Material: Public Opinion & the Media (Slides)
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0
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1 Nov
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3 Nov
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Smartbook® Ch 10: The News Media and the Internet
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15
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3 Nov
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Class Material: Public Opinion & the Media, cont.
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0
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3 Nov
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Research Paper: DRAFT PAPER
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30
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6 Nov
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12
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8 Nov
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Lesson: Voting & Political Participation
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 7: Political Participation
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15
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8 Nov
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Class Material: Voting & Political Participation (Slides)
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0
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8 Nov
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10 Nov
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Lesson: Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 8: Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns
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15
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10 Nov
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Research Paper: FINAL PAPER DUE
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100
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13 Nov
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13
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15 Nov
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Lesson: Interest Groups
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0
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-
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Smartbook® Ch 9: Interest Groups
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15
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15 Nov
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Class Material: Interest Groups (Slides)
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0
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15 Nov
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part V)
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15
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19 Nov
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17 Nov
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Unit III Exam (Chapters 6-10)
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50
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20 Nov
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IV
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Government's Impact & Results (i.e., public policy issues)
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0
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14
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22 Nov
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Lesson: Public Policy: Economics, Income, Welfare, Education, Etc.
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0
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-
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Class Material: Public Policy (Slides)
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0
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22 Nov
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READING #4: The Road to Serfdom - Great Utopia [Excerpt]
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5
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22 Nov
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24 Nov
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NO CLASS -THANKSGIVING BREAK (Nov 24-28)
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0
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-
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15
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29 Nov
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Lesson: Public Policy: Economics, Income, Welfare, Education, cont.
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0
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-
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1 Dec
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Lesson: Public Policy: Economics, Income, Welfare, Education, cont.
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0
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1 Dec
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Current Events Assignment #2
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20
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3 Dec
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Assignment #6: Public Policy: Wasteful Spending
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20
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4 Dec
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16
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6 Dec
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Lesson: American Foreign Policy
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0
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-
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READING #5: George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)
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5
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6 Dec
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Class Material: American Foreign Policy (Slides)
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0
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6 Dec
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Project: Political Decision-Making (Part VI)
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15
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7 Dec
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Unit IV / Final Exam
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50
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8 Dec
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8 Dec
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Course Conclusion & Wrap-up
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0
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-
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Course Post-Test
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0
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10 Dec
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Course Evaluation
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0
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10 Dec
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1000
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* Assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the respective DUE DATE (unless otherwise noted).
** Instructor may change this schedule and assignments at any time to better the learning experience.
CANVAS. Canvas is the online learning management system used by students and faculty. All students must have access to Canvas for the entire course. It is the student’s responsibility to have access to the Internet and all needed programs to complete assignments. Students are not to give any other person access to their Canvas account. Students can be removed from the course immediately if found to be in violation of this rule. Once a student has given another person access to his Canvas account, the credibility of all completed work becomes questionable.
Assignments & Due Dates. Students are expected to plan ahead to effectively manage all assignments and due dates. Many assignments will be due on the same day to give students as much liberty to manage personal schedules as possible. Assignments may be added or modified to augment learning objectives at any time during the semester.
Writing Assignment/Research Paper. There is one major writing assignment/research paper that is required for the course. As one of the course's major student learning outcomes, all students must submit the writing assignment/research paper to pass the course.
Unit Exams. Exams will be online through McGraw-Hill Connect via Canvas. In addition to readings and assignments, any discussions, presentations, debates, announcement, or topics presented “in class” may be included in an exam. Exams are cumulative, although mostly limited to material within the respective unit/module. There are concepts threaded throughout the entire course that students are expected to know and may be on any exam, including current events questions. There will be no extra credit on exams.
Late Work. Late assignments will not, as a rule, be accepted. Please manage your time wisely and leave enough time to deal with any computer problems that might prevent you from completing, and submitting, your course work on time. Students must communicate as early as possible with the Instructor to receive consideration for adjusting due dates, if circumstances warrant such. If late work is accepted, points may be deducted.
Extra Credit. From time to time, students may have a chance to earn extra credit points. Each properly completed extra credit is worth one or more points, which will be added to the course grade; however, no student’s final course grade may exceed 100%. Extra credit opportunities are at the Instructor’s discretion. Only students in good standing will have extra credit applied to their final course grade.
Course "Standing." Students will be considered in good standing in this course if the student:
- Confirmed reading and agreeing to the course syllabus.
- Has not missed submitting more than three major graded course elements (i.e. 10+ point assignments).
- Participates in discussion forums, group activities and projects, to include submitting a bill for, and participating in, the Class Legislature.
- Completes all non-graded course materials, such as the pre- and post-tests.
Electronics Policy. Students are permitted to use electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, etc. for class purposes only, which includes accessing Canvas, note-taking, or class participation assignments. In short, use whatever resources you need to be successful in this class. If this allowance is misused and becomes a persistent distraction, a more restrictive policy may be put in place. Additionally, students should maintain good computer hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading computer viruses and the like, this includes proactive viruses scans prior to submitting assignments.
Communication. The Instructor answers emails during the week, usually within 24 hours of receiving them. Students may request a "conference" at any time to ask questions or discuss their progress. Please be aware that FERPA (Federal Privacy Laws) limits the Instructor from discussing a student’s enrollment, grades, attendance, etc. with anyone but that student.
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: Regular attendance significantly increases a student’s chance of overall course success. However, if circumstances warrant missing a class, realize that you are responsible for all class material missed. Attendance will be taken during each class to ensure an accurate record is maintained. Students will be considered absent if he/she is not in class when attendance is taken. If a student comes in late, it is his/her responsibility to stay at the end of class and request to be changed from ‘absent’ to ‘late’. Students who miss more than half the class period will be considered absent. Attendance is not calculated in a student’s GPA for this class; however, there are numerous in-class activities and discussions that are testable and cannot be re-accomplished. For two additional credits, email the Instructor, via Canvas email, a favored food recipe. Please make every effort to attend and actively participate in each class meeting.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW. The last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is November 1, 2021. Please consider discussing any thoughts of withdrawing with the instructor first. Dropping the course is the sole responsibility of the student. If circumstances warrant it, a student may be eligible to receive an Incomplete (“I”) in this course, if the student is in good standing in the course through the last day to drop (NCTC Student Handbook, "Incomplete Grades", p. 25).
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)_______