Syllabus

Course Syllabus-- State Mandated

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: TEXAS GOVERNMENT

Course Prefix & Number: GOVT2306

Section Number:  407

Semester: 162S

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

Campus/Office Location:

COR 209

Office Hours:  Tue/Tnur 9:30am-2:30pm

                     *** or by appointment

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

4

Exams (4 X70 points)

280 pts

6

Class Assignments

240 pts

12

Chapter Post Tests

120 pts

 

 ***In class assignments can be given at anytime during the semester.  Points will be increased accordingly

 

 

TOTAL

640 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

Chapter 1: The Political Culture, People, & Economy of Texas

**Census Assignment

Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution

Chapter 3: Texas and the Nation

**State Representatives Assignment

Chapter 4: Political Parties in Texas

**Party Platform Analysis

Chapter 5: Elections in Texas

Unit II

Chapter 6: Interest Groups and Lobbying

Chapter 7: The Texas Legislature

Chapter 8: The Texas Executive Branch

**State Constitutional Comparison

Chapter 11: Public Finance in Texas

Unit III

Chapter 9: The Texas Judiciary

Chapter 10: Local Government in Texas

**Local Reps Assign

Chapter 12: Public Policy in Texas

Chapter 13: Crime & Corrections Policy in Texas

** Exoneration Assign

*Each chapter has a Chapter Post Test

**Class Assignments/Activities

 

 Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 3, 2016.

 

 

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.)

 

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