NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: TEXAS GOVERNMENT
Course Prefix & Number: GOVT	Section Number:  2306	Semester: Spring 2017
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:	Holly Bell
Campus/Office Location:	331
Telephone Number:	940-498-6293
E-mail Address:	hbell@nctc.edu

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
3	Exams	100
1	Research Project	100
10	Quizzes/Chapter Assignments	100

 

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

Week 1:          Intro PowerPoint

Week 2:          Pre-Test

Week 3:          Ch 1 The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas &

                        Ch 12 Public Policy in Texas

Week 4:          Ch 1 The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas &

Ch 12 Public Policy in Texas

Week 5:          Ch2 Texas Constitution

Week 6:          Ch 3 Texas in the Federal System

_______________________Exam 1

Week 7:          Ch 4 Political Parties in Texas

Week 8:          Ch 5 Elections in Texas

Week 9:          SPRING BREAK

Week 10:        Ch 6 Interest Groups and Lobbying

_______________________Exam 2

Week 11:        Ch 7 The Texas Legislature

Week 12:        Ch 7 The Texas Legislature

Week 13:        Ch 8 The Texas Executive Branch

Week 14:        Ch 9 The Texas Judiciary &

                        Ch 13 Crime and Corrections Policy in Texas

Week 15:        Ch 9 The Texas Judiciary &

                        Ch 13 Crime and Corrections Policy in Texas

Week 16:        Ch 9 The Texas Judiciary &

                        Ch 13 Crime and Corrections Policy in Texas

_______________________Exam 3 (Final)

 

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. 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

 

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
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