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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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0340
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Semester/Year:
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Fall 2021
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Semester Credit Hours:
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3
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Lecture Hours:
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3
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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:
Registration in the course gives you access to the e-book needed for GOVT2306. You do not need to purchase a separate textbook.
Inclusive Access is a partnership between NCTC and McGraw-Hill Education, to provide the best learning resources on the first day of class. Students can gain access to McGraw-Hill’s adaptive online platforms with the latest version of the eBook at a discount. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of the textbook, they can order a discounted loose-leaf version through the bookstore.
Students who drop before the add/drop date will have their book fees credited back to their student account, and students who remain in the course will be charged a materials fee by the school to have continued access of the online platforms. If you remain enrolled in the course but wish to opt-out of access to the book please email the NCTC Bookstore with your name and student number to 1263mgr@follett.com.
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Peter G. Doas, B.S., I-M.B.A., M.A., Ed. D (ABD)
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Campus/Office Location:
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Corinth Campus
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Telephone Number:
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E-mail Address:
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pdoas@nctc.edu
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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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Online
9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)
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Online
9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)
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Online
9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)
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Online
9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)
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Online
9:00 PM-10:30 PM (Online)
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Course Information:
1. Texas Government
- GOVT 2306-0340
- Days/Time of Class: Sunday-Saturday 24/7
COLLEGE COURSE
This is a college course. You made a decision to register for the class. NCTC requirements take precedence. Any work schedules, extracurricular activities, etc. do not take precedence or priority in the class; this course’s requirements take precedence. You will need to make decisions that meet your goals and take responsibility for those decisions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Every Exam, Chapter SmartBook Assignment, Video Analysis Assignment, Discussion Topic, and the Syllabus Quiz was opened on the first day of the semester for students to complete. Each Exam, Chapter SmartBook Assignment, Video Analysis Assignment, Discussion Topic, and Syllabus Quiz has a specific due date and time. Do not wait to complete the work. If you are participating in any personal, work, college activity, make sure you complete the course work prior to that activity to avoid any issues.
Attendance is mandatory. You should access your course on a daily basis. Although we are not in a classroom environment, by completing all required course work, you will fulfill the attendance requirements. Attendance is based on the completion of this work. By not completing the work you will be recorded as not attending for the day that work was required. We will use Canvas as the primary site for the course to communicate with each other, to house the course, to have class discussions, to check for due dates, to complete course work, for evaluation purposes, and to check grades in the grade book. We will also use the class shell I created in the publisher’s Connect website to access resources and to complete the Chapter SmartBook Assignments.
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)
Each student is expected to individually complete the assigned readings and the required work that corresponds with each reading. I reserve the right to require exams and assignments to be completed at specific locations on campus. If I discover information that questions the academic integrity of the course, that student(s) will be required to complete the work at a proctored room at the campus.
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Exams, Chapter SmartBook Assignments, Video Analysis Assignments, Syllabus Quiz, and Discussion Topics
(Due dates for all course work can be found in the Course Outline section of the syllabus, as well as other areas in the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section).
You can access the Syllabus Quiz from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the Syllabus Quiz from the "Syllabus Quiz” link.
You can access the Exams and the Final Exam from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the Exams from the "Course Exams" link.
You can access the Discussion Topics from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the Discussion Topics from the "Discussion Board Topics" link.
You can access the Video Analysis Assignments from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the Video Analysis Assignments from the "Video Analysis Assignments" link.
You can access the Chapter SmartBook Assignments from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the publisher’s Connect site by clicking “Chapter SmartBook Assignments”. You will follow the instructions provided by the publisher to register in the shell I created at the publisher’s website for our course. The access code that you purchased with the required book will allow you to register into this shell at the publisher’s website. You will complete the Chapter SmartBook Assignments at the shell I created in the publisher’s website.
You can access the Pre-test and the Post-test from the link on the Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments”. On the page that you will be taken, you will gain access to the publisher’s Connect site by clicking “Pre-test and Post-test”. You will follow the instructions provided by the publisher to register in the shell I created at the publisher’s website for our course. The access code that you purchased with the required book will allow you to register into this shell at the publisher’s website. You will complete the Pre-test and the Post-test at the shell I created in the publisher’s website. You only have to register once with the shell I created in the publisher’s website. You can do this from the “Pre-test and Post-test” link or the “Chapter SmartBook Assignments” link.
Please do not use mobile devices when completing the work for the course. Use a laptop or desktop with the necessary resources.
My Responses to the Class: When I answer any questions in your messages, I will quote the section of the syllabus where I acquired the information. The reason I quote the syllabus is so that you can go back to the syllabus and review the issue further.
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Required Graded Course Work
Syllabus Quiz, Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, Exam 4, Final Exam, Thirteen Chapter SmartBook Assignments, Twelve (12) Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes, Pre-test, Post-test, and four (4) Discussion Topics,
CAUTION: You are not permitted to collaborate with anyone in any way in reference to the course work. Again, the graded course work will be completed on an individual basis. You are not to partner with anyone else in the class when it comes to the completion of the graded course work. These are not group projects. Your grade must be based on your individual performance. Any type of collaboration will lead to failing grades.
(Due dates for all course work can be found in the Course Outline section of the syllabus, as well as on other pages in the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section)
Canvas gives faculty the ability to monitor all actions students take within the course. I will be able to monitor any attempts of collaboration if it takes place. These are not group projects. Complete the work individually.
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Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam: Please be aware that you MUST use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, Exam 4, Final Exam, and the Review Exams. No Exceptions to the requirement. Before you start answering the questions in the exams with Respondus, you must use your webcam to scan the desk and area surrounding the desk. Please watch the Class Please Start Here Video for more instructions. Please watch the How to Scan Room Video as well.
The last page in this Syllabus provides instructions related to Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam. Carefully read the instructions.
If your computer cannot use Respondus with a webcam to complete the work as required, you will complete alternative Essay Exams for Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, Exam 4, and the Final Exam. If your computer does not have a working webcam, you will complete alternative Essay Exams for Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, Exam 4, and the Final Exam. If your webcam scan of the desk and surrounding area is not thorough or if other electronic devices are near you during that time, the results will not be accepted and you will complete alternative Essay Exams for Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, Exam 4, and the Final Exam.
I created a Sample Quiz for you to complete to make sure you know how to use Respondus with a webcam. I strongly suggest you complete this Sample Quiz. The Sample Quiz is not worth any points. Please complete the Sample Quiz ASAP to make sure you know how to use Respondus with a webcam.
- You will gain access to the Sample Quiz by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Course Assignments.” Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments. Scroll down and select the Sample Quiz Using Respondus.
Evaluation:
- Pre-Test (5 Points): This test is worth 5 points. You can access the test from the “Pre-Test and Post-Test” link located on the Course Home Page of your Canvas class. The test consists of 10 questions. Makeups will not be provided if you miss the Pre-Test, no exceptions.
The Pre-test is available on 8/23/2021 and must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 8/29/2021. Any work not completed and saved and submitted before 11:00 PM on 8/29/2021 will be lost. You will not be able to take the pre-test after 11:00 PM on 8/29/2021.
To gain access to the Pre-Test: You will gain access to the required Pre-Test by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.” Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Pre-Test and Post-Test”” to be taken to a Page that has a link to the Pre-Test. Select the Pre-test link and you will be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Pre-Test within the publisher’s Connect system.
Late work is not accepted with the Pre-test; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Pre-test.
- Post-Test (5 Points): This test is worth 5 points. You can access the test from the “Pre-Test and Post-Test Link” located on the Course Home Page of your Canvas class. The test consists of 10 questions. Makeups will not be provided if you miss the Post-Test, no exceptions.
The Post-test is available starting on 12/2/2021 and must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 12/9/2021. Any work not completed and saved and submitted before 11:00 PM on 12/9/2021 will be lost. You will not be able to take the post-test after 11:00 PM on 12/9/2021.
Late work is not accepted with the Post-test; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Post-test.
To gain access to the Post-Test: You will gain access to the required Post-Test by using the link on the Canvas Homepage titled “Links to the Graded Course Assignments.” Once you access that link, you will be taken to the page that has links to all course assignments and you will select the option titled “Pre-Test and Post-Test”” to be taken to a Page that has a link to the Post-Test. Select the Post-Test link and you will be taken to the publisher’s Connect System to complete the Pre-Test within the publisher’s Connect system.
- Syllabus Quiz (12 Points): This quiz consists of four questions based on material written in the Syllabus. Each quiz question is worth three points. Make sure you carefully read the Syllabus and make sure you understand all requirements related to the course before attempting the Syllabus quiz. Once you open the quiz, it must be completed within six (6) minutes. You cannot open the quiz and then decide to take it later. You can only take the quiz once. There are no retakes with the quiz. Do Not Open The Syllabus Quiz Until You Are Ready To Take The Quiz. Once you open the Syllabus quiz, it must be completed. Late work is not accepted with the Syllabus Quiz.
The Syllabus Quiz Due Date:
The Syllabus Quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 8/31/2021. The questions are based on information in the Syllabus. Make sure you carefully read the Syllabus and make sure you understand all requirements related to the course before attempting the Syllabus quiz.
No Backtracking with the Syllabus Quiz: Please be aware that backtracking is not allowed with the syllabus quiz. You MUST answer each question, save that answer, and move to the next question. You are not allowed to move back to a previous question. If you do not answer a question or skip a question and go to the next question, you will not be able to go back and answer that skipped question. While taking the syllabus quiz, you will not be permitted to go back to any previous questions. If you do not understand what backtracking means, please let me know.
Late work is not accepted with the Syllabus Quiz; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Syllabus Quiz.
- Four Exams (100 Points Each): You are required to complete four exams during their availability period specified in the Course Outline section of the syllabus. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice and/or true-false and/or short answer questions. Each exam is worth 100 points. Once you open up an exam, it must be completed within 80 minutes and each answer SAVED before submitting the Exam. You cannot open up an exam and then decide to take it later. Make sure you are ready to take each exam when you open that exam and complete it within the 80 minutes allowed. You can only take each exam once. There are no retakes on any of the exams.
Please be aware that the exams shut down at 11:00 PM on the last day of their availability period. Let’s assume that you start an exam at 10:30 PM on the last day of its availability period, you will be shut down at 11:00 PM of that day. Do not wait until the last day that an exam is due to attempt to complete the exam.
Once you open an exam, it must be completed in one sitting. You cannot exit the exam and come back later to take the exam. Once the exam is opened, the timer will start and the exam must be completed in that sitting. If you have questions, please let me know. Late work is not accepted with the exams.
The exam questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook.
Late work is not accepted with the Exams; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Exams.
- Exam 1 must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/22/2021. Exam 1 will consist of questions from chapter 1, chapter 2, and chapter 3. Thoroughly read the chapters. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the exam.
- Exam 2 must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/13/2021. Exam 2 will consist of questions from chapter 4, chapter 5, and chapter 6. Thoroughly read the chapters. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the exam.
- Exam 3 must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/10/2021. Exam 3 will consist of questions from chapter 9, chapter 10, chapter 11, and chapter 12. Thoroughly read the chapters. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the exam.
- Exam 4 must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 12/1/2021. Exam 4 will consist of questions from chapter 7, chapter 13, and chapter 14. Thoroughly read the chapters. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the exam.
Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam: Please be aware that you MUST use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, and Exam 4. No Exceptions to the requirement. Before you start an exam with Respondus, you must use your webcam to scan the desk and area surrounding the desk. Please watch the Class Please Start Here Video for more instructions.
The last page in this Syllabus provides instructions related to Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam. Carefully read the instructions.
You are NOT permitted to have other electronic devices near you when completing these exams. If any other type of electronic device (phone, iPad, iPod, notebook, laptop, tablet, etc.) is near you when completing the exams, the results will not be accepted. Any form of collaboration in completing the exams will lead to a failing grade for all involved.
You are permitted to use your handwritten notes or printed notes during the exams. You are also permitted to use the printed copy of the textbook.
I also provided my video lectures for the required chapters. Although this is the latest edition of the textbook from the publisher, it is still somewhat outdated with the statistics that it provides. My video lectures are up to date with current statistics. The Exam questions were created from the chapters in the textbook. Since I permit you to use the printed copy of the book on the exams, all exam questions were created from the information in the chapters within the textbook and you are required to use the information in the textbook to answer exam questions. My lectures are to be used as supplemental material to make material more understandable.
During the semester, if you come across concepts in the book that you would like further explanation, watch my lectures as well. If you would like further expansion of the topic, please let me know and I will record a small lecture specific for that topic.
- Final Exam (100 Points): You are required to complete a comprehensive final exam. The Final Exam will consist of 80 multiple choice and/or true-false and/or short answer questions. The Final Exam is worth 100 points. Once you open up the Final Exam, it must be completed within 120 minutes and each answer SAVED before submitting the Exam. You cannot open up the Final Exam and then decide to take it later. Make sure you are ready to take the Final Exam when you open that Exam and complete it within the 120 minutes allowed. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser to complete the exam. You can only take the final exam once. There are no retakes with the final exam.
Please be aware that the final exam will shut down at 11:00 PM on the last day of its availability period. Let’s assume that you start the final exam at 10:30 PM on the last day of its availability period, you will be shut down at 11:00 PM of that day. Do not wait until the last day it is due to attempt to complete the exam. Late work is not accepted with the final exam.
Once you open the final exam, it must be completed in one sitting. You cannot exit the final exam and come back later to take the exam. Once the final exam is opened, the timer will start and the exam must be completed in that sitting. If you have questions, please let me know.
The Final Exam questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook.
Do Not Open the Final Exam Until You Are Ready To Take That Exam. Once you open the Final Exam, it must be completed. I cannot reopen the exam for you so be very careful as you navigate the course.
- The Final Exam must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 12/8/2021. The Final Exam will shut down at 11:00 PM on 12/8/2021. The Final Exam will consist of questions from chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, chapter 9, chapter 10, chapter 11, chapter 12, chapter 13, and chapter 14. You must use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the exam.
Late work is not accepted with the Final Exam; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Final Exam.
A tool that can be used to help prepare for the final exam are the previous exams completed in the class. Please go back and review the questions on the graded exams and review exams you completed during the semester.
Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam: Please be aware that you MUST use Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam to complete the Final Exam. No Exceptions to the requirement. Before you start the final exam with Respondus, you must use your webcam to scan the desk and area surrounding the desk. Please watch the Class Please Start Here Video for more instructions.
The last page in this Syllabus provides instructions related to Respondus Lockdown Browser with a webcam. Carefully read the instructions.
You are NOT permitted to have other electronic devices near you when completing the final exam. If any other type of electronic device (phone, iPad, iPod, notebook, laptop, tablet, etc.) is near you when completing the final exam, the results will not be accepted. Any form of collaboration in completing the final exam will lead to a failing grade for all involved.
You are permitted to use your handwritten notes or printed notes during the final exam. You are also permitted to use the printed copy of the textbook.
The Exam questions were created from the chapters in the textbook. Since I permit you to use the printed copy of the book on the exams, all exam questions were created from the information in the chapters within the textbook and you are required to use the information in the textbook to answer exam questions.
- Thirteen Chapter SmartBook Assignments (20 Points per chapter for a total of 260 Points):
You are required to complete the Chapter SmartBook Assignments for each required chapter in the textbook. The course consists of 13 chapters and you will complete the Chapter SmartBook Assignments for each of the required chapters. The Chapter SmartBook Assignments are worth 20 points for each chapter. Since you must complete the Chapter SmartBook Assignments for each chapter, these are worth a total of 260 points (13 x 20=260).
The number of points earned for each chapter will depend on the number of the questions you answer correctly for each Chapter SmartBook Assignment.
Late work is not accepted with the Chapter SmartBook Assignments; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Chapter SmartBook Assignment.
- Chapter 1 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/7/2021.
- Chapter 2 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/7/2021.
- Chapter 3 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/7/2021.
- Chapter 4 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/28/2021.
- Chapter 5 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/28/2021.
- Chapter 6 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/28/2021.
- Chapter 9 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/26/2021.
- Chapter 10 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/26/2021.
- Chapter 11 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/26/2021.
- Chapter 12 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/26/2021.
- Chapter 7 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/16/2021.
- Chapter 13 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/16/2021.
- Chapter 14 SmartBook Assignment must be answered and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/16/2021.
- Four Discussion Topics (30 Points Each): You are required to provide responses to four discussion topics during their availability period specified in the Course Outline section of the syllabus. Each discussion topic is worth 30 points. The number of points earned per discussion topic will depend on the quality of the responses you provide.
For each discussion topic, you must provide an initial response to the topic and a follow-up response/feedback to at least one response of another student. Before you can respond to someone else’s feedback, you must first post your own thread within the discussion topic. If you only submit your initial response to the topic without providing a follow-up response to what was written by at least one other student, the most that you will be able to earn for that topic will be 15 points.
Your responses in the discussion topics should exhibit careful thought and logical reasoning and provide evidence for your position. Each response must be at least two well-developed paragraphs (at least 20 sentences or more). Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The discussions must be completed before the due dates/time specified in the course outline section of the syllabus. Each and every follow-up response to others in the class must also be at least two well-developed paragraphs (at least 20 sentences or more).
Please remember that you are also required to read and reply to at least one other student for each discussion topic. Your replies must offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful expansion of the discussion (at least 20 sentences or more). I encourage friendly debate and disagreement but ask that it be courteous and respectful. Do not be afraid to speak your mind but remember that yours is only one opinion.
- Your response to each discussion topic must be thorough and must add to the discussion of that topic. Do not just repeat what was written by others in the follow-up posts.
- Your feedback to your classmate(s) for each discussion topic must expand the debate. Do not just write down “…good comment…” or “…I agree/disagree to what you said…”. This type of feedback will earn zero points. Do not repeat what you wrote in your original response within the follow-up response to the other students.
- If you plagiarize what was written by others, it will lead to zero points.
- The discussion topics are your opportunity to deliberate ideas; however, be respectful of what you write.
- Discussion Topic #1: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #1 before 11:00 PM on 9/21/2021. You will not be able to submit any responses after 10:59 PM on 9/21/2021. Discussion Topic #1 is associated with chapter 1 and Chapter 2 from the textbook.
- Discussion Topic #2: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #2 before 11:00 PM on 10/12/2021. You will not be able to submit any responses after 10:59 PM on 10/12/2021. Discussion Topic #2 is associated with chapter 4 from the textbook.
- Discussion Topic #3: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #3 before 11:00 PM on 11/9/2021. You will not be able to submit any responses after 10:59 PM on 11/9/2021. Discussion Topic #3 is associated with chapter 9, chapter 10, chapter 11, and chapter 12 from the textbook.
- Discussion Topic #4: You must complete and submit your responses to Discussion Topic #4 before 11:00 PM on 11/30/2021. You will not be able to submit any responses after 10:59 PM on 11/30/2021. Discussion Topic #4 is associated with chapter 13 and chapter 14 from the textbook.
Late Discussion Posts will not be accepted. If you submit your Discussion Topic response within the wrong Topic folder, zero points will be earned. For example, if you provide your response to Discussion Topic #1 within the folder of Discussion Topic #2, zero points will be earned for Topic #1.
Your responses for the Discussion Topics must be based on your own ideas/thoughts and the material in the required textbook. If you are using material from the textbook, it must be properly cited and referenced using MLA format.
Make sure you submit your Discussion Topic response before you access the responses of others. Periodically, some students have submitted a blank response to a Topic to be able to access the responses of others in the class prior to submitting their own. In such a situation regardless of the reason, zero points will be earned.
The first response you provide will be used as your initial response to the Topic. You will not be permitted to add more as part of your initial response after your initial response submission.
Late work is not accepted with the Discussion Topics; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Discussion Topics.
- Twelve Video Analysis Assignments (24 Points Each):
You are required to complete Twelve (12) Video Analysis Assignments. Each Video Analysis Assignment will consist of a video the class is required to watch and a video quiz. After reading the required textbook chapters and watching and contemplating the content in the video, students will complete a short quiz related to the information provided in the video and corresponding textbook chapters. Each video quiz will consist of three questions and each question is worth eight (8) points, therefore, each video analysis assignment quiz is worth twenty-four (24) points. The type of questions within each quiz can be multiple-choice questions, true or false questions, or short answer questions. Watch the provided video as often as you want prior to taking the corresponding quiz on that video and corresponding textbook chapters. Once you are comfortable with the information provided in the video and textbook chapters, open its corresponding quiz and complete that quiz. You have five (5) minutes to complete and submit the quiz. You must complete and submit the quiz before its five minutes are over. You cannot open a quiz and then decide to take it later. You can only take each quiz once. There are no retakes on any of the quizzes.
The Video Analysis Assignment Quiz questions were created from material in their corresponding video that you are required to watch and corresponding textbook chapters.
Do Not Open a Video Analysis Assignment Quiz Until You Are Ready To Take That Video Quiz. Once you open a Video Analysis Assignment Quiz, it must be completed.
Due dates for each video quiz can be found in the Tentative Schedule section of the syllabus. This information is also provided below.
Late work is not accepted with the Discussion Topics; No Exceptions. Make-up work is not accepted with the Discussion Topics.
- Video Analysis Assignment #1 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/14/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 1 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #2 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/14/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 1 and 2 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #3 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 9/14/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 3 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #4 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/5/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 4 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #5 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/5/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 5 and 6 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #6 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 10/5/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 5 and 6 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #7 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/2/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 9 and chapter 10 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #8 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/2/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 11 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #9 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/2/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 12 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #10 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/23/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 7 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #11 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/23/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 13 and chapter 14 from the textbook.
- Video Analysis Assignment #12 Quiz
This video analysis assignment quiz must be completed and submitted before 11:00 PM on 11/23/2021. This Video Analysis Assignment Quiz will be based on information that can be found within its corresponding video and is associated with chapter 13 and chapter 14 from the textbook.
No Backtracking with the Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes: Please be aware that backtracking is not allowed with the Video Analysis Quizzes. You MUST answer each question, save that answer, and move to the next question. You are not allowed to move back to a previous question. If you do not answer a question or skip a question and go to the next question, you will not be able to go back and answer that skipped question. While taking these Video Analysis Quizzes, you will not be permitted to go back to any previous questions. If you do not understand what backtracking means, please let me know.
Review Exams: I provide review exams for Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, and Exam 4. The review exams are NOT required to be completed. The review exams are NOT worth any points. It is to your benefit to complete the review exams and to use them as study tools for the graded exams. Some of the questions in the review exams are also in the graded exams.
Each review exam will consist of 50 multiple choice and/or true-false and/or short answer questions. Once you open up a review exam, it must be completed within 80 minutes and each answer SAVED before submitting the review exam.
You can only take each review exam once.
The review exam questions were created from material in the chapters within the required textbook.
Grading:
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DUE DATES/TIMES AND GUIDELINES IN THE SYLLABUS. You are provided a number of days to complete the course work. The way I view this is as follows: You need to complete your course work early. Do not wait until the last few days of their availability period. Waiting to complete the course work does not allow any leeway to deal with personal, work, family, technology, Canvas going down for a day, or any other potential emergencies.
Availability of Results for the Course Work:
Exams and Final Exam-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the exam ends.
Video Analysis Assignment Quizzes-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the quiz ends.
SmartBook Assignments- Grades are provided after completion of the assignment and due date/time expires.
Pre-test and Post-test- Grades are provided after completion of the assignment and due date/time expires..
Syllabus Quiz-Students will have access to their results 24 hours after the availability period of the quiz ends.
Discussion Topic Grade-It will take me three days to verify and grade each discussion topic. Students will have access to their discussion topic grades three days after the availability period ends for each discussion topic.
Review Exams-Students will have access to their results after the exam is completed and submitted.
The graded course work that is required to be completed in the class is as follows:
Syllabus Quiz------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Points
Pre-test---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Points
Post-test--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Points
Thirteen Chapter SmartBook Assignments (13 X 20 points per assignment) ---260 Points
Twelve Video Analysis Quizzes (12 X 24 points per quiz)------------------------288 Points
Final Exam--------------------------------------------------------------------------------100 Points
Four Discussion Topics (4 X 30 points per topic) ----------------------------------120 Points
Four Exam (4 X 100 points per Exam) -----------------------------------------------400 Points
Final Course Letter Grade
Your letter grade for the course will be based on the following point breakdown:
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Course Grade
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(90% to 100%) = A
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(80% to 89.9999%) = B
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(70% to 79.9999%) = C
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(60% to 69.9999%) = D
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Anything below 60% =F
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Pre-Test and Post-Post Test=0.84% of course grade.
Syllabus Quiz=1.01% of course grade.
All of the Exams (Four Exams plus Final Exam)=42.02% of course grade
Chapter SmartBook Assignments=21.85% of course grade.
Discussion Topics=10.08% of course grade.
Video Analysis Assignments=24.20% of course grade.
As a means of assisting you in earning a high grade, I drop one of the five exam grades (You complete a total of five exams: four Exams and the Final Exam make up the five exams). Only four of the five exam grades are used towards the calculation of your course grade. The Gradebook in Canvas has been configured to drop one of the five exam grades when it calculates your course percentage grade. The exam grade that is dropped in the calculation of your course percentage grade will be the one exam with the lowest grade that you earned.
As a means of assisting you in earning a high grade, I drop two of the Twelve Video Analysis Assignment Quiz grades. Only ten of the twelve video analysis assignment quiz grades are used towards the calculation of your course grade. The Gradebook in Canvas has been configured to drop two of the twelve video analysis assignment quiz grades when it calculates your course percentage grade. The video analysis assignment quiz grades that are dropped in the calculation of your course percentage grade will be the two lowest video analysis assignment quiz grades that you earned.
As a means of assisting you in earning a high grade, I drop two of the Thirteen Chapter SmartBook Assignment grades. Only eleven of the Thirteen Chapter Smartbook Assignment grades are used towards the calculation of your course grade. The Gradebook in Canvas has been configured to drop two of the Thirteen Chapter SmartBook Assignment grades when it calculates your course percentage grade. The Chapter SmartBook Assignment grades that are dropped in the calculation of your course percentage grade will be the two lowest Chapter SmartBook Assignment quiz grades that you earned.
Canvas will provide you a percentage grade as work is being completed during the semester. You can keep track of your progress during the semester by viewing the provided percentage grade in Canvas. Extra credit work is not provided. Please do not ask for extra credit work.
Due dates for all required graded course work can also be found within the body of the syllabus and in the Course Outline section of the syllabus; please scroll down this syllabus to view the Course Outline section.
Other assignments: During the semester, depending on current events in government, I will give other brief assignments. These assignments will not be graded and will not be worth any points; however, they MUST BE COMPLETED TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is 11/1/2021. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the last day. If a student wants to withdraw from the course, it is the student’s responsibility to follow through with the proper procedures. Do not ask the instructor to “take care of this” for you. Please contact NCTC for more information.
CENTRAL STANDARD TIME
The time requirement for coursework is Central Standard Time. If you are living in other time zones or traveling in other time zones, it is your responsibility to be aware that the work must be completed by the required date and time associated with Central Standard Time.
FRIENDLY ADVICE:
- “Attend” class regularly.
- Keep up with the reading assignments.
- Pay close attention to the DUE DATES/TIMES.
- ASK QUESTIONS!
Policy on Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please make certain that all assignments and examinations are completed individually. If I find evidence of academic dishonesty, students will be given a failing grade. Collaboration with others in the class is not permitted. If a student works with others in the completion of the coursework, a failing grade will be given to all those that collaborated. Plagiarism is also considered academic dishonesty.
Changes to the Syllabus
Although I will do my best to keep to the schedule, changes in the syllabus and/or schedule may be made at any time during the term. A revised syllabus may be issued at my discretion.
TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
Make sure that you have contingency plans for completing your work in case you develop problems with your technology.
Canvas Clock
Go by the clock in Canvas. All timed coursework follows the time within Canvas. Please take this into consideration in dealing with any time constraints. Do not go by the time on your cell phones or watches. Do not wait until the last day to complete exams and assignments.
IF YOU ARE COMPLETING THE WORK OUT OF STATE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT EVERYTHING IS BASED ON CENTRAL STANDARD TIME.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (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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Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
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Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.
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Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
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Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.
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Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
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Analyze the state and local election process.
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Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
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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)_______