Syllabus

Course Title:

Texas Government

Course Prefix & Number: 

GOVT2306

Section Number: 

331

Semester/Year:

Sum III

Semester Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

3

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 with SmartBook access
  • Examination Blue Book (12-page) should the student arrange a make up exam

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Julie Stowe Mathews, M.A.

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville Campus – Online

Telephone Number:

940.668.7731 - NCTC Gainesville Campus

E-mail Address:

jmathews@nctc.edu; students should contact me via Canvas Message

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 

Online

Online

Online

Online

Readily available via Canvas Messenger

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

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.

GRADING CRITERIA & COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Point Values

1

Pre-Test – Institutional Request

5 extra credit

5

Classroom Discussion Forums (@ 40 each)

200

14

'SmartBook' Chapter Reading (@ 21.43 each)

300

5

Written Assignments (@ 100 points each)

500

1

Course Research Paper Project

200

5

Exams (@ 100 points each)

500

1

Post-Test; Institutional Request

5 extra credit

 

Total point value available

1700

INSTRUCTOR’S CLASSROOM RULES

  • Make up exams are essay, arranged with the instructor, and the student is responsible to bring an Examination Blue Book (12-page).
  • The student's NCTC Canvas account and course contents as well as the student’s textbook publisher account are only for the student's use and will not be shared with other individuals.
  • No late assignments.

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)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is July 18, 2020.

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)

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

X         Government/Political Science

o         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

o         American History

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

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 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.

In Mathews' classes, students submit written assignments through VeriCite on Canvas and have an opportunity to review a VeriCite feedback report, correct potential plagiarism issues, and resubmit before the deadline. Those who submit assignments with non-original content are subject to a grade of zero (0) and further action as deemed necessary per the NCTC Academic Dishonesty policy.

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:

1500 North Corinth St, Corinth, TX 76208-5408

Telephone Number:

940-498-6464

E-mail Address:

bking@nctc.edu