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NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
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Course Title:
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Texas Government
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Course Prefix & Number:
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GOVT2306
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Section Number:
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398
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Sem/Year:
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Spring 2021
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Semester Credit Hours:
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3
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Lecture Hours:
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48
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Lab Hours:
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0
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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.
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Course Prerequisite(s): None
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Required Course Materials:
Mora, Sherri. The State of Texas. 4th edition. McGraw Hill Publishing.
ISBN 978-1264031993
NOTE: Students must purchase the McGraw-Hill Connect version of this textbook (required) and may optionally obtain any other form (as long as it's legal) to supplement learning.
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COURSE TIMES/LOCATION: Online
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Paul Coraccio
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Campus/Office Location:
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Adjunct/No permanent office.
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Telephone Number:
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940-280-1923
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E-mail Address:
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Please use the CANVAS email system.
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INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS*
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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By appointment
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By appointment
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By appointment
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By appointment
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By appointment
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* Office hours for this course signify the times that the Instructor is available on campus or online; additionally, meetings can be scheduled outside of these times and through official school email.
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO) (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)
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At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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SLO-1.
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Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
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SLO-2.
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Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.
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SLO-3.
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Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
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SLO-4.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.
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SLO-5.
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Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
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SLO-6.
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Analyze the state and local election process.
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SLO-7.
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Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens
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SLO-8.
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Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
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SLO-9.
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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
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# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements
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Point Values
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Total Point Values
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McGraw-Hill ‘Connect’ Assignments/Readings:
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0
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14
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Smartbook® (CONNECT) – 1 per chapter
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15 pts ea.
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210
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14
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Chapter Post Tests (Quizzes) (CONNECT) – 1 per chapter
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5 pts ea.
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70
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2
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Chapter Modules (CONNECT) – varies per chapter
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5 pts ea.
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10
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12
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Weekly Class Assignments – There will be roughly a class assignment per week/chapter/lesson; these are a variety of written papers, projects, worksheets, etc.
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15 pts ea.
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180
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4
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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” or in discussion boards may be included in an exam.
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50 pts ea.
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200
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1
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Writing Assignment / Research Paper – There will be one properly cited and formatted research paper demonstrating critical thinking on a course-relevant topic.
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100 pts
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100
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6
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Pre-Writing Assignment Components – The research paper is broken down into pre-writing steps (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--increasing the chances of a better-quality, college-worthy product.
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5-15 pts ea.
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50
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4
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Forum Discussions (online posts) – A minimum of three posts are due per discussion; one is your original reflection with citation(s) from the textbook and/or a reputable source(s) (due mid-week) and a response to at least two other student’s post (due end-of-week). It’s also expected that you answer other students’ replies to your initial post to carry on a meaningful discussion.
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25 pts ea.
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100
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1
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Class Participation Activities – These are special group activities conducted as a class, such as a class congress/legislature, class court, or other group activities. Students earn participation credit based on their genuine and meaningful participation.
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50 pts ea.
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50
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1
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Course Project – Throughout the course of the semester students will spend time working on a course project. The central theme of the overall project is for students to demonstrate and apply what they are learning by producing a workable "political" or "civic" decision-making guide useful to the student after course completion. There are ten (10) due dates to improve/enhance the product.
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10x
5 pts ea.
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50
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4
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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 to the class, take a quiz, or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of current events.
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10 pts ea.
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40
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1060
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Letter Grade Equivalents:†
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A
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B
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C
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D
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F
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90% or higher
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80-89.99%
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70-79.99%
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60-69.99%
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59.99% or less
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†Grades are not rounded up in this course--students will receive the grade earned. Your individual effort determines your grade in this course. It is your responsibility to complete the materials in this course, meet all deadlines, and contact the instructor if you have any questions during the course.
COURSE OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)
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Unit
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Week
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Assignments
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Points
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Due Dates
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I
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Government’s Foundational Basis (i.e., guiding principles)
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0
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1
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Course Introduction
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0
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-
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Discussion Forum #1: Student Introductions
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25
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21/23 Jan
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Smartbook® Ch 1: Intro to Texas History & Politics
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15
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22 Jan
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Assignment #1: Texas Political Culture
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15
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23 Jan
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Course Pre-Test
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0
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23 Jan
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Ch 1 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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23 Jan
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part I)
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5
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24 Jan
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2
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Smartbook® Ch 2: American Federal System & TX State Constitution
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15
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26 Jan
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Ch 2 Module #1: Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)
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5
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26 Jan
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Ch 2 Module #2: U.S. & Texas Constitutions
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5
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26 Jan
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Current Events Assignment #1
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10
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29 Jan
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Ch 2 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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30 Jan
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Assignment #2: Texas Constitution - Overview
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15
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30 Jan
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Research Paper: REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS
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5
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31 Jan
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3
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Texas Constitution, Continued
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0
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-
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Assignment #3: Texas Constitution - Articles
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15
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3 Feb
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Discussion Forum #2: Texas Constitution - Amendments
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25
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3/6 Feb
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part II)
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5
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7 Feb
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Unit I Exam (Chapters 1-2)
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50
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6 Feb
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II
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Government’s Structure, Institutions, Organization (i.e., rules of the game)
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0
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4
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Smartbook® Ch 3: The Texas Legislature
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15
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9 Feb
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Assignment #4: Texas Legislature Bill Review
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15
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11 Feb
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Ch 3 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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13 Feb
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Assignment #5a: Draft Bill for Class Legislature (Part I)
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5
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13 Feb
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part III)
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5
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14 Feb
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5
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Class Legislature (Group Activity): Committees & Floor "Debate"
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0
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-
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Assignment #5b: Draft Bill for Class Legislature (Part II)
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10
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15 Feb
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Class Legislature: Committees
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25
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17 Feb
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Class Legislature: Floor "Debate"
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25
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20 Feb
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part IV)
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5
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21 Feb
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6
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Smartbook® Ch 4: The Executive Branch & Governor's Office
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15
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23 Feb
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Ch 4 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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27 Feb
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Assignment #6: Executive Powers
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15
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27 Feb
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Research Paper: TOPIC ONLY
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5
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27 Feb
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part V)
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5
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28 Feb
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7
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Smartbook® Ch 5: The Court System
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15
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2 Mar
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Current Events Assignment #2
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10
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5 Mar
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Assignment # 7: Court System
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15
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6 Mar
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Ch 5 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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6 Mar
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Research Paper: THESIS STATEMENT
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5
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6 Mar
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8
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Smartbook® Ch 6: The Criminal Justice System
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15
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9 Mar
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Discussion Forum #3: Criminal Justice Topic
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25
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10/13 Mar
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Ch 6 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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13 Mar
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Assignment #8a: State/Local Representatives (Part I)
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7.5
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13 Mar
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Research Paper: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
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15
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13 Mar
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part VI)
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5
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14 Mar
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9
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NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK (March 15-21)
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0
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-
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10
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Smartbook® Ch 7: Local Governments
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15
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23 Mar
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Assignment # 8b: State/Local Representatives (Part II)
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7.5
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27 Mar
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Ch 7 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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27 Mar
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Research Paper: OUTLINE & REFUTATION
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5
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27 Mar
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Unit II Exam (Chapters 3-7)
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50
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27 Mar
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III
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Government's Influencers (i.e., the players)
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0
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11
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Smartbook® Ch 8: Public Opinion & the Media
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15
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30 Mar
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Ch 8 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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3 Apr
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Assignment #9: Public Opinion & Media Analysis
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15
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3 Apr
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Research Paper: DRAFT PAPER
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15
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3 Apr
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12
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Smartbook® Ch 9: Voting & Political Participation
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15
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6 Apr
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Ch 9 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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10 Apr
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part VII)
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5
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11 Apr
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13
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Smartbook® Ch 10: Campaigns & Elections
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15
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13 Apr
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Ch 10 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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17 Apr
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Research Paper: FINAL PAPER DUE
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100
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17 Apr
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14
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Smartbook® Ch 11 Political Parties in Texas
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15
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20 Apr
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Discussion Forum #4: Political Parties Topic
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25
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21/24 Apr
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Current Events Assignment #3
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10
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23 Apr
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Ch 11 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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24 Apr
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Assignment #10: State Policy Issue & Political Parties
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15
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24 Apr
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part VIII)
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5
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25 Apr
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15
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Smartbook® Ch 12: Interest Groups and Lobbying in TX
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15
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27 Apr
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Ch 12: Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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1 May
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Assignment #11: State Policy Issue & Interest Groups
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15
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1 May
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part IX)
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5
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1 May
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Unit III Exam (Chapters 8-12)
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50
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1 May
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IV
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Government's Impact & Results (i.e., public policy issues)
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0
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16
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Smartbook® Ch 13: Public Policy
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15
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4 May
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Current Events Assignment #4
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10
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7 May
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Ch 13 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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8 May
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Assignment #12: Public Policy & State Financing
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15
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8 May
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Project: Political Decision-Making Guide (Part X)
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5
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9 May
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17
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Smartbook® Ch 14: Financing State Govt
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15
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11 May
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Ch 14 Post Test (Quiz)
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5
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12 May
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Course Post-Test
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0
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14 May
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Course Evaluation
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0
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14 May
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Unit IV (Chapters 13-14) / Final Exam
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50
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14 May
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1060
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* Assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the respective DUE DATE (unless otherwise noted).
** Instructor may change this schedule and assignments to better the learning experience.
CANVAS ACCESS. Canvas is the NCTC online forum used by students and faculty. All students must have complete access to Canvas for the entire course. 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.
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. Students may obtain
Class Assignments. There will be roughly a class assignment per week/chapter/lesson; these are a variety of written papers, projects, worksheets, etc. At any time during the semester, other assignments may be given to augment learning objectives.
Late Work. Late assignments will not, as a rule, be accepted. 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 on time. 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.
Unit Exams. Exams will be online through McGraw-Hill Connect via Canvas. There will be no extra credit on the exams. Any discussions, debates, or issues presented “in class” may be included in an exam. Each module/unit exam's content is mostly limited to material within the respective module/unit, but there are some themes threaded throughout the entire course that students are expected to know and may be on any exam.
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; if an extra credit opportunity is given, it will be available to all students. Email the Instructor, via Canvas email, a picture of a tree before the end of the first day of class for an immediate extra credit point.
Electronics Policy. Students must secure access to technologies required to interact with the online course platform in order to be successful in this course. Additionally, students should maintain good computer hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading computer viruses and the like, this includes proactive viruses scans prior to submitting assignments, etc.
Communication. The Instructor answers emails during the week, usually 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.
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: None.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW. The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 5, 2021. Dropping 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)_______