Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

Texas Government

Course Prefix & Number: 

GOVT2306

Section Number: 

101

Sem/Year:

Spring 2020

Semester Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

48

Lab Hours:

0

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 Course Materials:

Mora, Sherri.  The State of Texas.  4th edition. McGraw Hill Publishing.

ISBN 978-1264031993

             

 

COURSE TIMES/LOCATION:   Gainesville (GNV) Campus / Room 811

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

9:30 AM – 10:50 AM

 

9:30 AM – 10:50 AM

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Paul Coraccio

Campus/Office Location:

Online (via email) or at Gainesville campus

Telephone Number:

940-280-1923

E-mail Address:

Please use the CANVAS email system

 

INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS*

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

 

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

 

*Office hours for this course signify the times that the Instructor is available on campus; however, meetings can be scheduled outside of these times and through official school email/online. 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO) (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

LO-1.

Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.

LO-2.

Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.

LO-3.

Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.

LO-4.

Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.

LO-5.

Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.

LO-6.

Analyze the state and local election process.

LO-7.

Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens

LO-8.

Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.

LO-9.

Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English and basic computer skills.

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Point Values

Total Point Values

 

McGraw-Hill ‘Connect’ Assignments/Readings:

 

0

14

Smartbook® (CONNECT) – 1 per chapter

15 pts ea.

210

14

Chapter Post Tests (Quizzes) (CONNECT) – 1 per chapter

5 pts ea.

70

2

Chapter Modules (CONNECT) – varies per chapter

5 pts ea.

10

12

Weekly Class Assignments – There will be roughly a class assignment per week/chapter/lesson; these are a mixture of written papers, projects, worksheets, etc. 

15 pts ea.

180

4

Unit Exams – There are four logical groupings of chapters/lessons (i.e. units).  There is one exam per unit. Any discussions, debates, or issues presented “in class” may be included in an exam.

50 pts ea.

200

1

Writing Assignment – There will be one properly cited and formatted research paper demonstrating critical thinking on a course-relevant topic. 

70 pts

70

6

Writing Assignment Components – The research paper is broken down into sub-parts (mini-assignments) due at various weeks prior to the final paper’s due date.  This is done to incentivize working towards the final paper over many weeks.

5 pts ea.

30

5

In-Class Participation Projects/Activities – These are special group activities conducted in class such as a class congress/legislature, class court, or other group projects. 

10 pts ea.

50

4

Current Events Assignments – Students are expected to stay informed on emerging issues/events relevant to the course, and will at various times be assigned to write, present in class, or take a quiz on current events. 

10 pts ea.

40

1

Forum Discussions (online posts) – Three posts due per discussion: one is your original reflection with citations from the textbook or a reputable online source (due mid-week) and a response to at least two other student’s post (due end-of-week). 

10 pts ea.

10

 

 

 

870

Letter Grade Equivalents:†

A

B

C

D

F

90% or higher

80-89.99%

70-79.99%

60-69.99%

59.99% or less

†Grades are not rounded up in this course--students will receive the grade earned. 

 

COURSE OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Unit

Week

Class Dates

Assignments

Points

Due Dates

I

 

 

Government’s Foundational Basis (i.e. guiding principles)

0

 

1

21 Jan

Course Introduction

0

-

 

 

Discussion Forum #1:  Student Introductions

10

22/25 Jan

 

 

Course Pre Test

0

25 Jan

 

 

Assignment #1:  Texas Political Culture

15

25 Jan

 

23 Jan

Smartbook® Ch 1:  Intro to Texas History & Politics

15

22 Jan

 

 

Ch 1 Post Test (Quiz)

5

25 Jan

2

28 Jan

Smartbook® Ch 2:  American Federal System & TX State Constitution

15

27 Jan

 

 

Ch Module #1:  Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)

5

29 Jan

 

 

Ch Module #2:  Texas Constitution

5

29 Jan

 

 

Ch 2 Post Test (Quiz)

5

1 Feb

 

 

Assignment #2:  Texas Constitution Review (prep to present)

15

1 Feb

 

30 Jan

Ch 2 TX Constitution, cont.

0

 -

3

4 Feb

Texas Constitution:  Student Presentations

10

In-Class

 

 

Assignment #3:  Texas Constitutional Amendments

15

8 Feb

 

 

Current Events Assignment #1

10

8 Feb

 

6 Feb

Texas Constitution:  Student Presentations, cont.

10

In-Class

 

 

Research Paper:  REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS

0

8 Feb

 

 

Unit I Exam (Chapters 1-2)

50

8 Feb

II

 

 

Government’s Structure, Institutions, Organization (i.e. rules of the game)

0

 

4

11 Feb

Smartbook® Ch 3:  The Texas Legislature

15

10 Feb

 

 

Ch 3 Post Test (Quiz)

5

15 Feb

 

 

Assignment # 4:  Texas Legislature Bill Review

15

15 Feb

 

13 Feb

Ch 3:  The Texas Legislature, cont.

0

 -

 

 

Class Legislature Instructions & Prep

0

 -

 

 

Assignment #5:  Draft Bill for Class Legislature

15

17 Feb

5

18 Feb

Class Congress:  Committees & Floor Debate

10

In-Class

 

 

Current Events Assignment #2

10

22 Feb

 

20 Feb

Class Congress:  Committees & Floor Debate, cont.

10

In-Class

6

25 Feb

Smartbook® Ch 4:  The Executive Branch

15

24 Feb

 

 

Ch 4 Post Test (Quiz)

5

29 Feb

 

 

Assignment #6:  Executive Powers

15

29 Feb

 

 

Research Paper:  TOPIC ONLY

5

29 Feb

 

27 Feb

Ch 4:  The Executive Branch, cont.

0

 -

7

3 Mar

Smartbook® Ch 5:  The Court System

15

2 Mar

 

 

Assignment # 7:  Court System

15

7 Mar

 

 

Ch 5 Post Test (Quiz)

5

7 Mar

 

 

Research Paper:  WORKING THESIS

5

7 Mar

 

5 Mar

Ch 5:  The Court System, cont.

0

 -

8

10 Mar

Smartbook® Ch 6:  The Criminal Justice System

15

9 Mar

 

 

Ch 6 Post Test (Quiz)

5

14 Mar

 

 

Assignment #8a:  State/Local Representatives (Part I)

7.5

14 Mar

 

 

Research Paper:  ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

5

14 Mar

 

12 Mar

Ch 6:  The Criminal Justice System, cont.

0

 -

 

 

Criminal Justice Activity

10

In-Class

9

17 Mar

NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

0

 -

 

19 Mar

NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

0

 -

10

24 Mar

Smartbook® Ch 7:  Local Governments

15

23 Mar

 

 

Assignment # 8b:  State/Local Representatives (Part II)

7.5

25 Mar

 

 

Ch 7 Post Test (Quiz)

5

28 Mar

 

 

Research Paper:  UPDATED THESIS & BIBLIOGRAPHY

5

28 Mar

 

26 Mar

Unit II Exam (Chapters 3-7)

50

28 Mar

III

 

 

Government's Influencers (i.e. the players)

0

 

11

31 Mar

Smartbook® Ch 8:  Public Opinion & the Media

15

30 Mar

 

 

Ch 8 Post Test (Quiz)

5

4 Apr

 

 

Assignment #9:  Public Opinion & Media Analysis

15

4 Apr

 

 

Research Paper:  OUTLINE

5

4 Apr

 

2 Apr

Ch 8:  Public Opinion & the Media, cont.

0

 -

12

7 Apr

Smartbook® Ch 9: Voting & Political Participation

15

6 Apr

 

 

Ch 9 Post Test (Quiz)

5

11 Apr

 

 

Research Paper:  DRAFT  PAPER

5

11 Apr

 

9 Apr

Ch 9: Voting & Political Participation, cont.

0

 -

13

14 Apr

Smartbook® Ch 10:  Campaigns & Elections

15

13 Apr

 

 

Ch 10 Post Test (Quiz)

5

18 Apr

 

 

Research Paper:  FINAL PAPER DUE

70

18 Apr

 

16 Apr

Ch 10:  Campaigns & Elections, cont.

0

 -

14

21 Apr

Smartbook® Ch 11 Political Parties in Texas

15

20 Apr

 

 

Current Events Assignment #3

10

22 Apr

 

 

Ch 11 Post Test (Quiz)

5

25 Apr

 

 

Assignment #10:  State Policy Issue & Political Parties

15

25 Apr

 

23 Apr

Ch 11 Political Parties in Texas, cont.

0

 -

15

28 Apr

Smartbook® Ch 12: Interest Groups and Lobbying in TX

15

27 Apr

 

 

Ch 12:  Post Test (Quiz)

5

2 May

 

 

Assignment #11:  State Policy Issue & Interest Groups

15

2 May

 

30 Apr

Unit III Exam (Chapters 8-12)

50

2 May

IV

 

 

Government's Impact & Results (i.e. public policy issues)

0

 

16

5 May

Smartbook® Ch 13:  Public Policy

15

4 May

 

 

Ch 13 Post Test (Quiz)

5

9 May

 

 

Assignment #12:  Public Policy & State Financing

15

9 May

 

 

Current Events Assignment #4

10

6 May

 

7 May

Smartbook® Ch 14:  Financing State Govt

15

6 May

 

 

Ch 14 Post Test (Quiz)

5

9 May

17

12 May

Ch 13 & 14:  Public Policy & State Financing, cont.

0

 -

 

 

Course Post Test

0

13 May

 

 

Student Outbrief (Survey)

0

13 May

 

 

Course Evaluation

0

13 May

 

14 May

Unit IV (Chapters 13-14) / Final Exam

50

14 May

       

870

 

* Assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the respective DUE DATE.

** Instructor may change this schedule and assignments to better the learning experience.

 

Unit Exams.  Exams will be online through McGraw-Hill Connect via Canvas.  There will be no extra credit on the exam and no make-up test dates.  Any discussions, debates, or issues presented “in class” may be included in an exam.

 

Class Assignments.  At any time during the semester, in-class assignments may be given.  Students who are absent will not have the opportunity to make up these assignments/points. 

 

Late Work.  Late assignments will not, as a rule, be accepted.  Most assignments and tests are submitted online, so even when a student cannot make it to class, assignments can still be submitted on time.  Please manage your time wisely and leave enough time to deal with any computer problems that might prevent you from completing, and submitting, your course work as required.  Students must communicate as early as possible with the Instructor to receive consideration for adjusting due dates, if circumstances warrant such. 

 

Chapter Quizzes (i.e. Post Tests).  Students will complete a post test for each chapter, which is designed as a study tool, for the exams.  All quizzes must be completed on or before the due date, but students have unlimited attempts until the due date.  Post tests will not be reopened for any reason.  Students are free to use the book/notes/assignments information to complete the post tests.

 

Extra Credit.  From time to time, students may have a chance to earn extra credit points. Each properly completed extra credit is worth one or more points, which will be added to the course grade; however, no student’s final course grade may exceed 100%.  Extra credit opportunities are at the Instructor’s discretion and will be announced in class and/or posted on Canvas.  If an extra credit opportunity is given, it will be given to all students. 

 

Textbook.  It is the student’s responsibility to secure a licensed copy of the textbook in a timely manner because assignments become due immediately.  See the Required Course Materials section at top of this syllabus for details on textbook and edition. 

 

CANVAS ACCESS.  Canvas is the NCTC online forum used by students and faculty.  All students must have complete access to Canvas for the entire semester.  It is the student’s responsibility to have access to the Internet and all needed programs to complete assignments.  Students are not to give any other person access to his/her Canvas account.  Students can be removed from the course immediately if found to be in violation of this rule.  Once a student has given another person access to his Canvas account, the credibility of all completed work becomes questionable. 

 

MCGRAW-HILL CONNECT ACCESS.  The textbook, Smartbook®, and Connect activities are all maintained within the McGraw Hill Connect System. Students MUST be enrolled immediately in Connect, which can be purchased at the bookstore or online directly from McGraw Hill.  McGraw Hill does offer a 14-day free courtesy period so that all students can start their coursework as scheduled.  PLEASE NOTE: The ability to sign up for a courtesy period is only available within the first week of classes.  Students should be enrolled by the end of day 1 as assignments are given immediately.  Students who do not properly enroll in Connect will be given a warning by email and then dropped from the Course if the required materials are not purchased.

 

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)

Additional Instructor-Specific Absence Policy:

Attendance Policy.  Please make every effort to attend and actively participate in each class meeting. However, if circumstances warrant missing a class, realize that you are responsible for classes you miss.  Attendance will be taken during each class to ensure an accurate record is maintained.  Students will be considered absent if he/she is not in class when attendance is taken.  If a student comes in late, it is his/her responsibility to stay at the end of class and request to be changed from ‘absent’ to ‘late’.  Students who miss more than half the class period will be considered absent.  Attendance is not calculated in a student’s GPA for this class; however, there are numerous in-class activities and discussions that are testable and cannot be re-accomplished.

Regular attendance significantly increases a student’s chance of overall course success. 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW.   The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 3, 2020Dropping the course is the sole responsibility of the student. 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

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.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______             

 

 

              Communication

              Mathematics                         

              Life and Physical Science

              Language, Philosophy & Culture

              Creative Arts

 

X              Government/Political Science

              Social and Behavioral Sciences

              Component Area Option

              American History

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

X              Critical Thinking

X              Communication

              Empirical and Quantitative

 

              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

              WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

Electronics PolicyStudents are permitted to use electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, etc. for class purposes only, which includes accessing Canvas, note-taking, or class participation assignments.  In short, use whatever resources you need to be successful in this class. If this is misused and becomes a persistent distraction, a more restrictive policy may be put in place.

 

Communication.  The instructor answers emails during the week within 24 hours of receiving them.  The Instructor will not discuss specific grade questions by phone or email, nor discuss grade issues with anyone other than the student.  Please be aware that FERPA (Federal Privacy Laws) prevents the Instructor from discussing a student’s enrollment, grades, attendance, etc. with anyone but that student.  The Instructor will not speak with parents, spouses, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. regarding enrollment and/or performance in this course.

 

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)]”. 

 

CAMPUS INFORMATION

 

Tobacco-Free Campus:  NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.

 

Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at http://www.nctc.edu/campus-safety/campus-carry.html

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Crystal R.M. Wright

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus, Room 824

Telephone Number:

940-668-7731, ext. 4320

E-mail Address:

cwright@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Dr. Bruce King

Office Location:

Denton Exchange Campus

Telephone Number:

(940) 251-0701, ext. 6464

E-mail Address:

bking@nctc.edu

 

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