NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: TEXAS GOVERNMENT
Course Prefix & Number: GOVT2306
Section Number: 200
Semester: 164T
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: N/A
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
Origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas. 48 lecture hours.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required Materials:
v Governing Texas by Champagne & Harpham, Norton, 2nd edition, paperback w/ebook folder, ISBN: 978-0-393-28731-8
v Governing Texas by Champagne & Harpham, Norton, 2nd edition, 3-hole punch w/ ebook folder, ISBN: 978-0-393-28752-3
v Students can also purchase the ebook at a lower price directly from Norton using the link within the course module
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name of Instructor:
Donna (Hooper) Smith
Campus/Office Location:
COR 209
Office Phone
940-498-6266
E-mail Address:
dhooper@nctc.edu (prefer students to email in Canvas)
GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded Course Elements
Graded Course Elements
Percentage or Point Values
3
Exams (3 X70 points)
210 pts
8
Class Assignments
280 pts
12
Chapter Post Tests
120 pts
***In class assignments can be given at anytime during the semester. Points will be increased accordingly
TOTAL
610 PTS
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
Describe the state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal
government.
Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in
Texas.
Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
government.
Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups and political parties in Texas. Analyze the state and local election process.
Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
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.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Tentative Course Schedule: This is the proposed semester schedule. However, changes can be made at the instructors discretion. Therefore it is very important for students to keep current with the course and calendar for any changes.
Unit I
** Student Intro Essay (20 pts)
Chapter 1: The Political Culture, People, & Economy of Texas
**Census Assignment (50 pts)
Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution
Chapter 3: Texas and the Nation
**State Representatives Assign (30 pts)
Chapter 4: Political Parties in Texas
**Party Platform Assign (20 pts)
Chapter 5: Elections in Texas
Unit II
Chapter 6: Interest Groups and Lobbying
Chapter 7: The Texas Legislature
** Texas State Legislator Assign (30 pts)
Chapter 8: The Texas Executive Branch
**State Constitutional Comp (30 pts)
Chapter 11: Public Finance in Texas
Unit III
Chapter 9: The Texas Judiciary
Chapter 10: Local Government in Texas
**Local Reps Assign (30 pts)
Chapter 12: Public Policy in Texas
Chapter 13: Crime & Corrections Policy in Texas
** Exoneration Assign (20 pts)
*Each chapter has a Chapter Post Test
*** Class participation assignments will be made throughout the semester which will increase the over
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is May 23, 2017.
DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112). http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________
o Communication
o Mathematics
o Life and Physical Science
o Language, Philosophy & Culture
o Creative Arts
o American History
X Government/Political Science
o Social and Behavioral Sciences
o Component Area Option
REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES
X Critical Thinking
X Communication
o Empirical and Quantitative
o Teamwork
X Personal Responsibility
X Social Responsibility
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. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Donna (Hooper) Smith
Office Location:
Corinth 209
Telephone Number:
940-498-6266
E-mail Address:
dhooper@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:
Dr. Larry Gilbert
Office Location:
Corinth 305
Telephone Number:
940-498-6216
E-mail Address:
lgilbert@nctc.edu