Fall 2013
DRAFT Class Syllabus HCC Northeast College, Government 2306:
Texas Constitution, Institutions of Texas Government, & Related Topics
Calendar: 8/26/2013- 12/15/2013
Instructor retains the option to alter this syllabus and schedule as needed.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Monday
Calendar: Regular
8/26/13
9/2/13
9/2 Mon. Labor Day Holiday
9/9/13
date of record
9/16/13
TEST
9/23/13
9/30/13
10/7/13
10/14/13
Mid Term TEST
Term, Fall 2013, 8/26/13 to 12/15/13
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
10/21/13
10/28/13
11/4/13
11//11/13
11/18/13
11/25/13
12/2/13
12/9/13
11/1 Fri. Drop Date
11/5 Tues. Election Day
TEST
Paper/Project due
11/28 Thanksgiving Day
12/8 Last day of face classes
Finals week
Instructor contact:
Max.Beauregard@hccs.edu
832/892-2123 cell
Learning web address:
http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/max.beauregard
SPECIAL NOTE ON THIS COURSE CURRICULUM: The state of Texas has forced HCC to change its
government curriculum this fall. Instead of offering GOVT 2301 and 2302, we are substituting GOVT 2305
(American government) and 2306 (Texas government). The material is the same, but it is organized
differently.
Course Description. Government 2306, is one of two courses (with 2306) designed to give students a
required, general overview of government, agencies, policy making procedures, and the people who lead them in
both the US and Texas. The course is 3 credit hours and fully transferable to other colleges and universities in
Texas.
Course Objectives. Government 2306 is one of two courses designed to introduce students to the study of the
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. This particular survey of the Texas state system of government includes the fundamental principles of
political science, the study of the Texas state constitution, the Texas Legislature, Governor, and Texas Judiciary
(court structure, county jails, and state prison). It also includes local governments (cities, counties, METRO, and
regional planning councils), methods of participation, and analysis of contemporary policies. This course is fully
transferable to all Texas state colleges and universities.
The course goals are to develop an understanding of the institutions and political processes of the American
political system; encourage critical thinking about political events; and introduce students to the discipline of
political science; and how political scientists study politics scientifically. This course is fully transferable to all
Texas State colleges and universities.
These topics are studied and synchronized within the calendar of actual current events, so students can connect
to them in a real world environment, rather than mere abstract concepts from the book without contemporary
context.
This class is very focused on current events and local affairs, so any effort that you use to plug into the news will
help you succeed in this class. This course is focused on real-world examples and practical applications of
government as they are occurring. Part of your grade (16%) is based on class participation to watch the news and
summarize it.
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 1
Preparation and Study Tips:
a) Bookmark the learning web address and create a subdirectory on your harddrive to download and
store the course materials and your notes.
b) Get a file folder or notebook to keep all handouts in class
c) Come to class daily, be prepared, and participate in the discussion.
d) This course will follow the standard Carnegie Unit of college credit. This means that for each hour
spent in the classroom, you will likely spend two hours outside the classroom. For a three-hour
course, this translates into an average of about six hours a week for class readings, studying,
videos, and other assignments. Failure to meet the minimum attendance standards makes you
subject to drop without notice. Many of the assignments are videos or watching TV news.
Watching TV is not the same as intense reading and study, so do not whine about video
homework.
e) It is helpful if you must have a reliable computer and Internet connection (ISP) throughout the
course to access the PDFs online, but there are computers in the Learning Labs and libraries of
all 33 HCC facilities. Generic software is available FREE on the Learning Web if you do not have
the Microsoft Office Suite.
f) Plan a regular, weekly study time for this course. You must schedule a regular time and
pattern for weekly studies to insure that you complete the work. Most students work and have
competing activities for their time. There are many distractions that will arise over the 16-week
semester and without a patterned, weekly routine for study, your success will be
compromised.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
6. Analyze the election process.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
Basic Intellectual Competencies that are required and result from the HCC Core Curriculum. This course
is part of the Core Curriculum as recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As such, this
course will address the following intellectual competencies in the following ways:
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Reading- Students will be asked to read, analyze, and interpret written materials in their textbook and online
materials provided on the Learning Web. Tutors to help you are available at no cost in the Learning Labs
for all academic disciplines, especially English and language impaired, PLUS technology training.
Writing- Students will be expected to produce clear, grammatically correct, and coherent prose in their quizzes,
tests, research paper(S), and/or project.
Speaking and Listening- Students are required to participate in class discussions resulting from the readings
and videos. Development of oral and interpersonal communication skills is a high priority so students can
express themselves concisely and persuasively to their peers or in public settings.
Observing and Listening- Online interactive assignments and videos will require students to listen to pod casts
and other recording materials so to analyze and interpret these assignments for class discussions and quizzes.
Critical Thinking-Interactive assignments online via mypoliscilab.com will force students to role-play, and thus
problem-solve the concepts in this course.
Computer Literacy — All materials in this course require access to a reliable internet connection, use of a
multimedia computer, command of word processing software, email communications, and web browsing
techniques. If you do not have your own PC (laptop, or tablet); then computers with the Microsoft Office Suite
software are available in Learning Labs and libraries. Phones are not acceptable substitutes for a PC or
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 2
access to the internet for study purposes. Generic software is available FREE on my Learning Web site. If
you do not have basic PC skills, please mention it so remedial help can be provided. Tutors are available at no
cost in the Learning Labs to help you during regular building hours.
Additional Student Services
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Students are restricted to ONLY ONE online/distance education class per semester. Please contact
the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have additional questions about your visa status.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA)
The Houston Community College System is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical,
learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
appropriate HCC Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is
authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. No special
testing accommodations are expected for this class, but any other services must first contact the appropriate
(most convenient) DSS office for assistance. After student accommodation letters have been approved by the
DSS office and submitted to DE Counseling for processing, students will receive an email confirmation informing
them of the Instructional Support Specialist assigned to their professor.
Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165
Northwest: 713.718.5422
Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Services or students outside HCC District
Southwest: 713.718.7910
Northeast: 713.718.8322
Tamara Petty
Southeast: 713.718.7218
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY: If you are caught committing scholastic dishonesty in any way, you will receive an
F for the course; I do not negotiate “second chances.” Please seek me out for help if you are having problems,
rather than resort to something that will tarnish your record. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited
to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Cheating on a test includes copying from another student's
test paper; using, during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test; collaborating with another
student during a test without authority; knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in
whole or part the contents of an unadministered test; or bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be
administered. “Plagiarism” means the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one's own written work for credit, especially copying from the internet
without appropriate citations. The college uses professional software (Turn It In.com) specifically
designed to determine plagiarized work. “Collusion” means the unauthorized collaboration with another
person in preparing written work offered for credit. In simplified terms, cheating is:
(1) taking unchanged passages (or slightly edited) from another person's writing and portraying them as one's own,
INCLUDING copying passages from the Internet. This also includes not listing SOURCES or references as
research is undertaken ;
(2) submitting a paper that includes paraphrases of another person's writing without giving credit;
(3) having someone else write your paper for you;
(4) copying or using another person's work during in-class writing or testing;
(5) the unauthorized use of electronic devices during in-class writing or testing. Keep in mind also that whether you are
cheating or not, not following testing or writing rules properly, such as communicating with your neighbor or using a cell
phone during a test will be construed as cheating.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively. That is, if you
repeat the same course more than twice, you have to pay extra tuition. In addition, as of Fall 2007, students are
limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career at a Texas public college
or university.
In order to withdraw from your class, you may drop yourself or contact your professor and this must be done
PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. If you do not withdraw before the deadline,
you will receive the grade that you have earned by the end of the semester. Zeros averaged in for required
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 3
assignments/tests not submitted will lower your semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing
grade (“F”).
There are no make-ups for missed tests or assignments!
The final withdrawal deadline for Fall 2013 classes is Friday, Nov. 1 at 4:30pm.
Student Evaluation of Instructor (SEOI) is now EGLS3 – At HCC, professors believe that thoughtful student
feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time at the end of semester,
students will be asked to answer a short online survey of researched-based questions related to instruction. The
anonymous results will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of
instruction.
Most of the course materials will be provided with the course, so the textbook is not
required. All study materials and tests will be provided.
1)
1)
Practicing Texas Politics, 15th Edition. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Loose Leaf Edition (HCC Bookstore) Lyle C. Brown, Joyce A. Langenegger, Sonia
R. Garcia, Ted A. Lewis, Robert E. Biles. 2014.
2)
Or on reserve in the Library
Course Grading: 90-100=A;
80-89 =B; 70-79 =C; 60-69 =D; <60 =F
4 tests (16% each) covering the reading, news clippings, Power Points/PDFs, & videos
Class participation, homework, and weekly news summaries
1 of the following items: Paper/Campaign Project/Political Cartoon Journal
Total
Take notes in class on the lectures which you cause on the tests.
= 66%
= 16%
= 16%
= 100%
The course will be organized into a series of 4 modules, each with 4 weeks work covering the topics of the
course. Tests are not comprehensive over previous module’s material and the midterm and final are not
comprehensive.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Class discussion on government issues is encouraged, expected, and part of your grade. The value of small
classes like HCC is the opportunity to learn from your peers and exchange ideas, especially different
viewpoints. We learn from those who are different from ourselves, not from people who think as we already
do. Houston and HCC are multicultural communities, so take advantage of the diversity to learn and
experience new people and concepts. However, we must be respectful of the different ideas of others and
their bias.
Purpose of the news stories is to engage you in the real world and make you aware of the events and
situations that challenge our society. Link the topics of class to the news stories, your project, and “connect
the dots” to see the ‘big picture’ of what and how government affects us each day.
MAKEUP WORK and TESTS
You cannot miss a test, but in the rare circumstance when a makeup is warranted, you must make
arrangements prior to, or immediately after the missed test. You cannot take the test the next class period
without prior arrangements, and tests should be made up during other class periods that I teach. Makeup
tests may also be taken in the Testing Center, Room 121, but must be taken before the classroom test is
graded and returned. Testing Center hours are 8:00 to 4:30pm Monday - Friday. Walk-ins are
accommodated there when possible, but it is recommended that you make an appointment. 713/718-8073
Keep track of all returned work (news summaries) and Scantrons until the end of the course in case of any
grading discrepancy. You are expected to know your grade at all times. Fill out the Scantron completely, so
you know later what is the test number and its date.
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 4
Deadlines are adhered to strictly. Assignments and weekly new summaries are due without repeated
reminders. In the rare case that late work is approved in advance and accepted, a letter grade is deducted
for each class that it is late. This is a standard penalty at all colleges.
Attendance, Tardiness, Leaving the room, and Disruptive behavior
 You must come to class every period and be prepared. This is college, not grade 13. Roll is taken each day.
If you miss a class, possibly you can attend at another time when, or if, your class is taught. The amount of
material and course workload are determined by the state, so we have to keep on schedule and move
forward.
 You are allowed four absences during the 16-week semester, but this is not recommended. Excessive
absences threaten your performance and with more than 4, you are subject to drop by the Instructor without
notice. Clearly we all have extenuating circumstances that may occasionally require missing class, but use
your discretion, always make class a priority, and find out from classmates what you missed (lecture,
announcements, handouts, etc). All materials are posted online so you can access them if you miss class.
Please communicate personal problems so that I can be aware of them.
 Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. It is important to be on time to avoid missing announcements.
Houston traffic and weather are always unpredictable, but ask your boss to leave a few minutes early to get
here on time. Possibly, you can makeup the work time during lunch or by coming in early or late. A
rainstorm is not cause to cancel a class. You will be called and texted by HCC emergency services if
there is a class cancellation for any reason. (This is why it is important to register your phone via
PeopleSoft with the college.) Multiple tardies (3) will count as an absence and you are subject to drop
without notice.
 Please stay in your seat during the entire class. Use the restroom before or after class unless you absolutely
have to leave. If you have an emergency, of course please leave the room, but do not text in class.
 Disruptive behavior and unnecessary fidgeting of any type is not tolerated.
PARKING PERMITS
You must have a parking permit to use the lots. Print your permit from your records in PeopleSoft and display in
the rear window, lower left corner.
Term Project: Choice of 1 of the following:
You must complete the Paper or Project to pass the class, no matter what your test grades are.
It is anticipated that any of the Project choices will take 8-10 hours to complete, which is why it is a ‘Term Project.” Do
not wait until the last minute.
Commentary Paper (Option 1). Write a 4-6 page paper on a topic of governmental policy, agency, issue, or
person/group that interests you (typed, 12 point font, space & half). Sample topics will be given. The purpose of
any paper is for you to research and expand your current knowledge based on FACTS of the role of government
in that topic (especially government agencies, departments, people, power structures) and to express your ideas
and thoughts on the topic; not to copy or paraphrase the topic from research sources. Build on what you
already know, but learn something new about the topic, especially from a governmental perspective and
with a local focus.. Specific guidelines on structure and content of the paper will be given later.
Campaign Project (Option 2): Texas has elections every year, so there are many opportunities to volunteer and
engage in the campaign/election process. Volunteering for a political campaign, Party, or candidate is an
excellent way to gain insight into the workings of candidates and campaign operations. Such participation will
involve travel to the campaign HQ, usually requiring extra time, and the clerical tasks of phone banking, block
walking, or preparing campaign literature. This Project gives you the rare time to get offline, out of the library, and
into the streets of your community where grassroots government occurs! Prepare a PowerPoint summary of your
experiences with photos and commentary. Potential candidates and details will be provided. Specific
guidelines on structure and content will be given later.
Political Cartoon Project (Option 3) Cartoons are a common and more subtle means of making political
commentary by journalists. Use PowerPoint to compile a diary of cartoons digitally copied from the Chronicle or
other Online newspapers or publications. Most importantly, provide your personal analysis of the issues and
effectiveness of the cartoon and the author to communicate and persuade the public with his artistic work.
Specific guidelines on structure and method will be given later.
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 5
Texas Govt 2306: Course Calendar and Topics
Divided government prevails at many levels of
local, state, and federal government; as each
grapples with the recession, chronic
unemployment, and deficits. The Texas story is
very different however, because the economy is
strong and Houston thrives with low
unemployment and low costs. This philosophy
has empowered Texas Republicans and Tea
Party extremists (that dominate state
government) to demonstrate their resentment of
Obama’s policies by implementing additional
laws that reflect the ultra conservative agenda.
Week 1:
Introduction to Government,
What is government and why do we have it? In
order to understand Texas, we need a national
context for the issues. Changing political
landscape and disagreement over the role of
government. Divided government, dominance of
the Republican Party, but push back by
Democrats in response to extreme policies of the
2013 Legislative session. Importance of citizen
activism.
Week 2: Current Issues: Job Losses, Health
Care, Recession, Controversy with the Debt
Ceiling, & Social and Economic Policy –
Weeks 3:
Politics
Current Environment of Texas
Chapter 1
TEST 1
Weeks 4 & 5: Review of the U.S. Constitution;
Branches and Levels of Government Chapter 2
A brief review of the US Constitution is
provided, so to appreciate the importance of
Federalism (power to the states, especially
Texas), the Bureaucracy, and a comparison to
the Texas Constitution – Chapters 2 & 3
Week 6 & 7: Local Governments, Cities,
Counties, Special Districts,
Week 8: Taxes, METRO, & Schools/ ISDs
Texas Legislature Restoring with the budget
cuts of 2011, moving forward in 2013, and
controversy of 2013 Special Sessions.
Week 10: Governor and Plural Bureaucracy
Week 11: The Texas Judiciary, Prisons, &
Harris Co. Criminal Justice System-Chapter
Twenty-Five
What happens if you get arrested for DUI or you
are falsely accused of a crime? What are your
rights and what is the process to prove your
innocence? What happens on jury duty?
Significant criminal justices reforms are
resulting in Harris Co. and Texas from the
availability of DNA evidence, which has
exonerated numerous falsely incarcerated
persons after serving years in prison. These
realities have led to extensive changes in
criminal investigations, the jury selection
process, and appeals process, esp. in Harris
Co.
TEST 3
Week 12:
Political Socialization, Public
Opinion, and the Media - Chapter 10
Polling, Demographic stratification &
segmentation: age, gender, ethnicity, religious,
Frank Luntz, Push Polls. Newspapers, online
newspapers, electronic media, social media.
Projects due
Week 13: Right to Vote & Voter Registration
Political Parties,
Week 14:
Interest Groups, 2010, 2012, &
2014 Primaries, & Conventions Chapter 11
Week 15 & 16: Campaigns, Voting, and
Elections - Chapter 12
 Early Voting
 The 2010 & 2014 election
TEST 4 Final Test
Midterm TEST 2
Week 9: Institutions of Texas Government:
Instructor retains the option to alter this
syllabus and schedule as needed.
HCC Govt 2306 Syllabus, Fall 2013
Max Beauregard
page 6