GOVT 2306 0340 - TEXAS GOVERNMENT

Introduction

Syllabus

 

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Course title: Texas Government

Course prefix, number, and section number: GOVT2306 340
Semester/Year of course: Fall 2023
Semester start and end dates: August 28, 2023 to Decenber 16, 2023
Modality (Face to face/Synchronous or Asynchronous online/Hybrid): Asychronous
Class meeting location, days, and times:
Lab meeting location, days, and times:
Semester credit hours: 3
Course description: Origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of
state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation,
the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.
Course prerequisites: none
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 nctc@texasbook.com
 
 
Name of instructor: Terri Houchin
Office location:
Telephone number: 317-626-2235
E-mail address: thouchin@nctc.edu
Office hours for students: Tuesday/Thursday 7:00-9:00 AM
SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER
The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the
best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced
as soon as possible in person and/or writing.
SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
List of graded assignments: 
14 Connect chapter assignments
14 Connect chapter quizzes
Unit 1 Exam, Unit 2 Exam, Unit 3 Exam and Unit 4 Exam (Final)
4 Discussion Boards
4 Assignments
Research Assignment
Final grade scale: 50% Exams and 50% Assignments
Late work policy: I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK. All assignments are open from the first day
of class so you may work ahead at your own pace.
SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF
GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity Policy: Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating,
plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty
facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student
who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student
Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.
Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for
which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student
is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student
responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by
the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a
student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the
absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility
for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed
due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is
compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if
possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the
Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably
absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.
Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause
for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC
(LOCAL)
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s
responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.
Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is: November 6, 2023.
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:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship
with the federal government.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in
Texas.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
6. Analyze the state and local election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
Core Objectives: Critical thinking, Communication, Personal Responsibility, Social Responsibility
COLLEGE POLICIES
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.
ADA STATEMENT
NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with
respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is
the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange
appropriate accommodations. See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.
STUDENT SERVICES
NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students. See the Student
Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS
The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints
specific to the class. If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student
may contact the chair or coordinator of the division. If the student remains unsatisfied, the
student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.
Name of Chair/Coordinator: Donna Smith
Office location: Corinth Campus, Room 209
Telephone number: 940-498-6266
E-mail address: dhooper@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean: Crystal Wright
Office location: FSB Exchange/Denton Campus, Room 204
Telephone number: 940-380-2504
E-mail address: cwright@nctc.edu

Syllabus File(s)

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