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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341
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Semester/Year:
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21 FA
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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:
Mora, Sherri. The State of Texas. 5th edition. McGraw Hill Publishing.
ISBN 978-1-260-24303-1 (e-version)
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Professor Benjamin Vail
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Campus/Office Location:
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1525 West California Street - 824,
Gainesville, TX 76240 (mail only)
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Telephone Number:
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940-668-7731 (no voicemail)
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E-mail Address:
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bvail@nctc.edu
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OFFICE HOURS: online - https://nctclions.webex.com/meet/bvail
I will not reply to messages after sunset on Friday.
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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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9-11am (online)
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By appt
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By appt
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By appt
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By appt
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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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% or Point Values
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1
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Lecture videos
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10%
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2
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Text Book Assignments
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10%
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3
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Midterm Exams (5 @ 10% / ea.)
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50%
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4
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Term Paper
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30%
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6
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Extra Credit - up to a letter grade
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10%
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FINAL COURSE GRADES
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90+
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A
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60-69.99
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D
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80-89.99
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B
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<60
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F
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70-79.99
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C
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
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Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.
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If I suspect a student of cheating, I will report that student. The student will have the opportunity to plead their case, and to appeal any decision I have made regarding academic dishonesty. The student has the right to have representation present during such pleas and/or any appeal process. I reserve the right to assign extra work, to adjust the score of a plagiarized assignment, or not accept work that is plagiarized, or to readjust the final grade in the class in the event of plagiarism. Moreover,
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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, Section II, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct” especially as regards to page 29-31 “Academic Dishonesty”: https://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdf
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COURSE POLICIES
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1
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All work must be your own. I take academic integrity very seriously.
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2
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All assignments must be completed by the due date, assignments will lose a letter grade (10%) each day they are late. After five days the maximum a student can earn for a late submission is 50%
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3
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The password to the syllabus exam is excelsior.
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4
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As this is class will be meeting online, be professional in all of your communications with your fellow classmates and with your professor, when we meet virtually in a conference, and in written communication with each other. Use your best “internet etiquette.” (mute your mic when you’re not talking, don’t have distracting things in the background, don’t flood the chat board with garbage, etc.) Be polite and respectful in online discussion boards, do not insult or attack your fellow classmates or your professor.
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5
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Above all, apply the golden rule: do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
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Ben Vail’s Absence Policy: Attendance and participation is mandatory. If you are sick, or have to care for a sick family member, don’t come to class. You should send me an email to let me know, stay home, and feel better.
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Ben Vail’s Online Participation Policy: You are required to have access to the class page on Canvas, https://nctc.instructure.com/, log in with your NCTC credentials via the OneLogin app, https://nctc.onelogin.com/. I will regularly post materials, and updates via the Canvas class page. If you are not logging in and not completing assignments I will assume that you have stopped “participating” in class, and I will drop you for non-attendance. The date of record for this class is JUNE 9, 2021 and the last day to withdraw is JUNE 8 without a grade of W.
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Official NCTC 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 (North Central Texas College 2019-2020 Catalog Vol. 83, p.98, “Attendance Regulation”): https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/all-catalogs/catalog-2019-2020.pdf
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Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is August 05, 2021.
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Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on June 2, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.
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Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.
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Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: We recently faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.
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Faculty will: Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.
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Students Should: Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.
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During the summer 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.
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Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html
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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:
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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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CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONS COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the “Core”)
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Communication
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X
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Government/Political Science
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Mathematics
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Life and Physical Science
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Component Area Option
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Language, Philosophy & Culture
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American History
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Creative Arts
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REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES
(For classes in the Core):
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X
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Critical Thinking
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X
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Communication
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Empirical and Quantitative
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Teamwork
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X
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Personal Responsibility
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X
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Social Responsibility
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COURSE TYPE
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Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)
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X
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Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
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WECM Course
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QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR COMPLAINTS
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Name of Chair/Coordinator:
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Donna (Hooper) Smith
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Office Location:
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Corinth Campus, Room 208
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Telephone Number:
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(940)498-6266
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E-mail Address:
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dhooper@nctc.edu
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Name of Instructional Dean:
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Sara Flusche
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Office Location:
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Gainesville Campus 1312
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Telephone Number:
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940-668-3321
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E-mail Address:
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sflusche@nctc.edu
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RESOURCES
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing free interactive online workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.
Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/index.html
First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized services.
http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/trio-student-support-services.html
Completion Center
The NCTC Completion Center is a comprehensive student engagement program that increases retention and completion rates of first-time, low income students. Services include:
Success coaching to address students’ academic and non-academic challenges and issues; Success Seminars, and a centralized career readiness and job placement program.
http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/completion-center/index.html
Career Services Center
The NCTC Career Services Center is the place you can go for educational and career planning. Services include: Career/Degree Exploration, Job Search Tools and Resources, Resume and Professional Portfolio Development, Interview Skills and Preparation. Our Career Advisors partner with you in making your educational journey an efficient process towards a rewarding career. http://www.nctc.edu/career-services/index.html
Counseling and Advising
Support Services, Counseling and Advising staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration) and much more. http://www.nctc.edu/counseling-advising/index.html
Testing Service Center
The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members. http://www.nctc.edu/testing-center/index.html
Early Alert and CARES
The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership!
The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. The CARES Team promotes a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff and is committed to taking a proactive approach in helping our students succeed by addressing the mental, emotional or psychological health and safety of the NCTC community. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu to get in touch with a member of the CARES Team directly. As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information. http://www.nctc.edu/financial-aid/index.html
Student Success
At NCTC, student success is progress towards collegiate goals, reached in an affordable and timely manner, under professional guidance, empowering students to serve skillfully in their chosen role within their community
Equity
NCTC defines equity as encompassing the practice of acknowledging individual differences and systemic disparities when developing new programs and resources for our campus community, which may sometimes challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, in order to ensure balanced educational opportunities toward completion.
Affinity Groups
Staff and faculty representing the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), along with academic advisors, counselors and success coaches, serve as mentors for NCTC’s student-centered Affinity Groups.
An Affinity Group is a population of students who have specific needs, barriers or systems they are needing to navigate not only within college, but within life. Providing mentorship, support and resources for identified Affinity Groups such as Black/African American students, veterans and active military, single parents, students with disabilities, adult learners, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, enables us to make more impactful, meaningful connections with students who are in dire need of equity and understanding.
COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)
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Week of:
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Subject
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Reading
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Assignments
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08/22-
09/05
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Unit 1
Lecture: “Why Government?”
Lecture: “Ideology”
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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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Pretest,
Syllabus Exam,
Plagiarism Certificate
Exam 1 09/11/21
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09/12-
09/26
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Unit 2
Lecture: “Political Culture”
Lecture: “Game Theory”
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Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
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Exam 2 10/02/21
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10/03-
10/17
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Unit 3
Lecture: “Public Policy Process”
Lecture: “On Justice”
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Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
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Exam 3 10/23/21
Rough Draft Due
10/30/21
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10/24-
11/07
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Unit 4
Lecture: “Gender and Politics Policy”
Lecture: “Energy and Environmental Policy
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Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
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Exam 4 11/13/21
Term Paper Due
11/20/21
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11/14-
11/28
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Unit 5
Lecture: “Education Policy”
Lecture: “Texas Budget Policy”
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Chapter 13
Chapter 14
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Post test,
Exam 5 12/04/21
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All extra credit and outstanding assignments due
(10% penalty per day late, max 50% penalty)
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12/05/21
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Dec 6-11
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Final Exams
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Event
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Summer 1 2022 5 Week Session
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Last Day of 100% Refund for Courses Dropped
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August 22
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Classes Begin
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August 23
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Labor Day Holiday
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September 6
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Official Date of Record
(First day for Withdrawals/Grade of W)
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September 6
September 7
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Thanksgiving Holiday
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November 24-28
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Last day to withdraw from a class with ‘W’
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November 1
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Final Exams (see final exam schedule)
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December 6-11
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Term Ends
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December 11
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Final Grades, Attendance Rosters & Grade Rolls due at Noon
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December 12
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