Syllabus

Course Title: Texas 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., 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 an Examination Blue Book (12-pages) 

Instructor Information:

Grading Criteria:

Final Course Points to Letter Grade:

• A = 1000 to 900
• B = 899 to 800
• C = 799 to 700
• D = 699 to 600
• F = 599 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.
• Demonstrate an understanding of 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.

Instructor's Classroom Policy:

• Make-up exams are essay, arranged with the instructor and taken in the NCTC Testing Center. The center requires an appointment 24-hours in advance. Reach the center by calling (940) 498-6435 or email at corinthtesting@nctc.edu Student must obtain an Examination Blue Book (12-page) available in the book store for make-up exams.
• 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 as per 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, 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.

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 and published online.

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)]”.

Questions, Concerns, or Complaints:

Updated on January 4, 2019; jsm