Course Title: TEXAS GOVERNMENT

Course Prefix & Number: GOVT 2306

Section Number: 403

Semester: 2017 SP

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

Name of Instructor:

Adam Ramsey

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth Campus, Room 331 … MWF 8 - 9 a.m.  &  10 - 11 a.m.

                                                      TR 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Gainesville Campus, Room 814 … TR 9:00 – 11 a.m.

Telephone Number:

817-999-5446

E-mail Address:

aramsey@nctc.edu

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.

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

4

Exams

40%

3

Research Project

30%

40 out of 62

Online Homework

15%

3

Texas Legislature Reports

15%

Grading Policy & Procedures

Exams will consist of 4 in-class exams at the end of each course module.  Each exam is weighted equally, and they amount to 40% of your final grade.

A Research Project will account for 30% of the final grade.  It will be completed in 3 stages, and each is detailed in the assignment guide.

Throughout the semester, a series of brief online homework assignments will be completed via the links in Canvas.  After dropping the lowest 1/3^rd of these assignment grades, the remaining will be averaged for 15% of your final grade.

Three short essays, called Texas Legislature Reports, will account for 15% of the overall final grade.

A detailed assignment guide for each of these graded components is provided on Canvas under the “Modules” tab.  Please review these files.

Tentative Course  Schedule

Other Pertinent Information

v Academic Dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.  You are not to give any person (which includes parents, spouses, friends, etc) access to your Canvas account at any time during the semester.  If you do, you are putting the integrity of the course work completed in question.  Do not ask someone to email me on your behalf in Canvas.  If you have an emergency and cannot contact me yourself, it is best to have an alternative person contact me on my NCTC email address: aramsey@nctc.edu.  Again, do not give anyone access to your Canvas account.  Any student who cheats on any course material (exams, assignment, post tests) will immediately fail the course and academic dishonesty papers will be filed with the Dean and VP of Instruction.

v Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 6, 2017.

Disability Services (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability.  A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

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  

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

Support Services

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

 Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services.

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.  http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx

EEOC Statement

  North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Donna Hooper

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