Syllabus

Course Title: American State & Local Government

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.

Course Prerequisite(s): None

Required Materials:

• Governing Texas by Champagne, Harpham & Casellas, Norton, 3nd edition, paperback w/ebook folder, ISBN: 978-0-393-28367-9, or
• Governing Texas by Champagne, Harpham & Casellas, Norton, 3nd edition, 3-hole punch w/ ebook folder, or
• Students can purchase the eBook at a lower price directly from Norton
  
• Scantron blanks for 4 exams
• If needed, make-up essay exams will require a Examination Blue Book (12-pages) 

Instructor Information:

Grading Criteria:

Final Course Points to Letter Grade:

• A = 850 to 749
  
• B = 750 to 649
  
• C = 650 to 549
  
• D = 550 to 449
  
• F = 498 or less
  

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.
• Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas
• 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

Instructor's Classroom Policy:

• Make-up exams are essay, arranged with the instructor and taken in the testing center. The testing center requires an appointment 24-hours in advance. Student must obtain an Examination Blue Book (12-page) available in the book store.
• Do not use electronics in class unless it is for notes or in-class directed research -- devices set on silent
• Do not bring food to eat during class -- respect NCTC's policy of 'No Food or Drink' in the classroom

Attendance Policy:

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Disability Services (OSD):

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville with an online point-of-contact available at http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/Student-Services/student-services.html

Core Curriculum Foundation Component Area:

Required Core Objectives:

Course Type:

Student Handbook:

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook available online at http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/index.html

Academic Dishonesty:

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.

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.

Updated on January 11, 2018; jsm