Course Syllabus-- State Mandated
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NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
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Course Title: TEXAS GOVERNMENT
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Course Prefix & Number: GOVT2306
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Section Number: 331
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Semester: Summer III (2017)
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Semester Credit Hours: 3
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Lecture Hours: 3
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Lab Hours: N/A
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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.
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Course Prerequisite(s): None
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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
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Donna Hooper
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Campus/Office Location:
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COR 209
Online Office Hours: TBD (class survey will be done during the first week)
Appts can be made to meet face to face at the Corinth Campus
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Office Phone
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940-498-6266
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E-mail Address:
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Please use Canvas to email, in cases of Canvas not working use : dhooper@nctc.edu
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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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Percentage or Point Values
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3
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Exams (3 X70 each—4 exams, lowest grade dropped)
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210 pts
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12
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Class Assignments
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245 pts
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13
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Chapter Post Tests
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130 pts
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2
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Discussion Boards (40pts)
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80 pts
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TOTAL
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665 PTS
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
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At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
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Describe the state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal
government.
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Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in
Texas.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
government.
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Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups and political parties in Texas.
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Analyze the state and local election process.
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Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
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Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English and basic computer skills.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
At a minimum, students must login once per week and complete a minimum of one assignment. Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. Late work and make up work is not permitted, there are no excused absences other than those supported by the NCTC catalog. While the instructor always has the right to drop a student for excessive absences, dropping a course is the student's responsibility. See Attendance Regulations in the North Central Texas College Catalog.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (June 5 - August 10)
DUE 6/7: *Intro to the Course Unit/Quiz (10 pts)
Unit I
DUE 6/11 *Student Intro Essay (20 pts)
Chapter 1: The Political Culture, People, & Economy of Texas
DUE 6/11: *TX Population Assignments (4.5 pts)
*CH 1 Post Test (10 pts)
Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution
Due 6/18: CH 2 Post Test (10 pts)
Original Post Due 6/23: *Discussion Board: Texas Bill of Rights
Chapter 3: Texas and the Nation
Due 6/25: *Federal funds Assign (6pts)
*CH 3 Post Test (10pts)
Due 6/26: *State Representatives Assign (30 pts)
Chapter 4: Political Parties in Texas
Due 6/25: CH 4 Post Test (10pts)
Due 7/2: *Party Platform Assign (30pts)
Chapter 5: Elections in Texas
Due 6/25: *Voting In Texas (10pts)
CH 5 Post Test (10pts)
Due 6/26: **Exam I (70pts)
Unit II
Chapter 6: Interest Groups and Lobbying
Due 7/2: CH 6 Post Test (10pts)
Original Post Due 7/14: * Discussion Board: Campaigns, Lobbyists, Ethics (40pts)
Chapter 7: The Texas Legislature
Due 7/9: CH 7 Post Test (10pts)
Due 7/17: *State Legislator Assign (30pts)
Chapter 8: The Texas Executive Branch
Due 7/18: CH 8 Post Test (10pts)
Due 7/23: *State Constitutional Comparison (30pts)
Chapter 9: The Texas Judiciary
Due 7/16: * Civil Cases Disposed of by Texas Courts (3pts)
CH 9 Post Test (10pts)
Due 7/17: Exam II
Unit III
Chapter 10: Local Government in Texas
Due 7/23: *Local Reps (30 pts)
CH 10 Post Test (10pts)
Chapter 11: Public Finance in Texas
Due 7/30: *Taxes in Texas (4.5pts)
CH 11 Post Test (10pts)
Chapter 12: Public Policy in Texas
Due 8/6: CH 12 Post Test (10pts)
Chapter 13: Crime & Corrections Policy in Texas
Due 8/8: CH 13 Post Test
Due 8/9: * Exoneration Assign (40pts)
Due 8/9: Exam III
Due 8/10: Final Exam (optional to replace lowest test grade)
**Tentative schedule is subject to change as needed**
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is August 2, 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
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Name of Instructional Dean:
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Dr. Larry Gilbert
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Office Location:
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Corinth 305
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Telephone Number:
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940-498-6216
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E-mail Address:
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lgilbert@nctc.edu
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