NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students.
Course Title: Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Governments)
Prefix & Number: GOVT 2306 Section Number: 412
Term: Summer I 2017 Semester Credit Hours: 3 Lecture Hours: 3
Classroom: Corinth Campus #190 Class Meeting Hours: 9:30-11:50 am
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.
Meets Core Curriculum Requirement
3 credit hours
Course Name of Instructor: Kelly Waltman-Payne
Campus/Office Location: NCTC Corinth Campus #201
E-mail Address: kapayne@nctc.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00-9:30 and 11:50-12:15
Course Materials Required: Governing Texas, 2nd edition
Anthony Champagne (Author, University of Texas at Dallas), Edward J. Harpham (Author, University of Texas at Dallas)
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. Analyze the state and local election process.
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Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens. 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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Grading Criteria:
Course points:
4 tests – 100 points each 400 points
10 quizzes (out of 13 quizzes) 25 points each 250 points
4- What’s News in Texas Government – 25 points each 200 points
1 presentation – 75 points
1 paper 75 points
Total Points 1000 points
Additional points:
Attendance at every class meeting 20 points
Extra Credit Points 3 – 1 page documentary summaries 30 points
900 -1000 points = A
800 - 899 points = B
700 – 799 points = C
600 – 699 points = D
less than 600 points = F
Tests: There will be 4 tests. You will need a scantron with the min-essay portion attached. The tests will be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, and essay.
Quizzes: There will be a short (5 questions) timed quiz over each chapter’s reading. The quiz will start at the beginning of class (9:30) and must be completed by 9:50. There will be 13 quizzes. The 3 lowest quiz grades will be dropped. There will be no quizzes given after 9:50 am. No make-up quizzes will be given.
What’s News in Texas Government – 4 assignments – 50 points each. Watch the news or look up news on the internet. Write the “who,what,when,where,why” and the citation about one news story coming from the Texas Government (judicial, legislative, executive). Write the summary on a 5x7 index card. Write your name at the top. Be prepared to share the information. Card will be turned in for the 25 points.
1 presentation: Each student will complete a presentation over an assigned topic. See specific assignment requirements on Canvas under “presentation” heading.
1 Research paper: Students will write a 3-page research paper about a piece of legislation that is being considered during this 2017 legislative session in Austin. Students will examine the history and significance of the proposed bill and the role that Texas political culture plays with this issue. Students will use a minimum of 3 credible sources, APA formatting, title page, etc. More information on assignment can be found in Canvas under “Research Paper” heading.
Extra points available:
Attendance Policy: The only excused absence is a school -sponsored event. Students who are present for ALL classes for the entire class-time will receive 25 points toward the point total.
Extra Credit Points: Extra credit points are available. Details will be discussed in class.
Communication: Please email me at kapayne@nctc.edu to communicate. I check email daily. I will respond within 24 hours (business days). I can meet in person before or after class or by appointment. Please do not send messages through Canvas.
Last day to withdraw with a W: June 28
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. 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.
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
Required Course Components
X Critical Thinking
X Communication
o Empirical and Quantitative
o Teamwork
X Personal Responsibility
X Social Responsibility
Course Type
Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but
not in NCTC Core)
x Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
o WECM Course
Student Rights & Responsibilities NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. Scholastic Integrity Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Student Support Services and Disability Services: 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
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). Student Success The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. This program also links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. All students are invited to visit the Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus go to rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus go to rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound Campus go to room 111, on the Bowie Campus go to room 124.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Service: The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
Tobacco-Free Campuses: Beginning January 1, 2012, ALL campuses of North Central Texas College will be tobacco-free. NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco on campus property. Information on tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. Go to http://www.nctc.edu/TobaccoFree/index.html and click on "Tobacco Cessation Programs" for more information. For questions or concerns please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940.668.4240.
Course Calendar Reading HW/Quiz/Test
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June 5
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Introductions
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June 6
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Chapter 1
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Quiz: Chapter 1
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June 7
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Chapter 2
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Quiz: Chapter 2
Due: What’s New in Texas Government: 1
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June 8
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Chapter 3
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Quiz: Chapter 3
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June 12
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Chapters 1-3
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Test 1: Chapters 1-3
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June 13
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Chapter 4
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Quiz 4
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June 14
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Chapter 5
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Quiz: Chapter 5
Due: What’s New in Texas Government: 2
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June 15
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Chapter 6
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Quiz: Chapter 6
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June 19
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Chapters 4-6
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Test 2: Chapters 4-6
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June 20
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Chapter 7
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Quiz: Chapter 7
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June 21
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Chapter 8
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Quiz: Chapter 8
Due: What’s News in Texas Government?
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June 22
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Chapter 9
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Quiz: Chapter 9
Presentations
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June 26
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Chapters 7-9
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Test 3: Chapters 7-9
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June 27
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Chapter 10
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Quiz: Chapter 10
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June 28
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Chapter 11
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Quiz: Chapter 11
Due: What’s News in Texas Government?
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June 29
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Chapter 12
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Quiz: Chapter 12
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July 3
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Chapter 13
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Quiz: Chapter 13
Due: Research Paper via Canvas
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July 5
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Presentations
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July 6
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Chapters 10-13
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Final Exam: Chapters 10-13
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Syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified via Canvas announcements of any changes.