GOVERNMENT 2302
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM – Central
Monday/Wednesday 1:00 – 2:30PM
Instructor: Erik Neel
Contact: neel4967@gmail.com (Please put in Subject Line: "HCC GOVT
2302" or something to prevent it going to the SPAM folder
All electronic communications devices are to be turned OFF. You may use
your computers to take notes.
NO EXCEPTIONS
Government 2302 is one of two courses designed to introduce students to the
government in America at the national, state, and local levels. This course is fully
transferable, with a grade of “C” or higher, to other colleges and universities.
Required Readings:
These books can be purchased from local college bookstores, and may also be used
for BOTH Government Classes.
GRADES
Midterm
Final
3 Papers
5 Quizzes
20%
40%
30%
10%
100%
The final percentage value resulting from the sum of the above
components will be converted into letter grades according to the
following scale:
A = 91 - 100%
B = 81 - 90%
C = 71 - 80%
D = 61 - 70%
F = 60% and below
Please take all exams at the scheduled time. Makeup exams will be given only in
emergency situations.
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
HCCS is compliant with the ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
"Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must
contact the Disability Service office at the respective college at the beginning of each
semester."
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is not required, BUT if one is not here for the lecture there is a
good chance of not passing tests and therefore class. ALSO there are to be
random quizzes, if one is not present, they will receive a “0” for that quiz.
ALSO The college provides instructors with authority to drop students that miss
more than six hours of class time (4 classes). I do not wish to drop anyone who is
making an effort to succeed in the course. If it appears to me, however, that you
have stopped attending, I will drop you because the alternative is to give you an “F”.
Please keep me informed if you are having problems that are affecting your
attendance and I will do my best to work with you. If you decide you must drop the
course, please fill out the appropriate form in the college office on campus.
Three-Peater Statement
NOTICE: Students who take a course for the third time or more may soon face
significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and
universities. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning
passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your
study habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course
participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be
available.
HONESTY POLICY:
Ethical conduct is part of being a competent student. Academic dishonesty
(cheating) will result in a zero for the assignment and/or failure of the course, and
possible expulsion from college, depending on the severity of the offense. ***
Course Objectives.:
The main objective of the course is to broaden and deepen our understanding of
American politics. This objective has at least three parts. The first part is to develop
a body of shared knowledge about American politics. The second part is to become
acquainted with and understand a number of important concepts and theories with
which to make sense of American politics. The third part is to develop some of the
skills necessary to the understanding and practice of American politics.
Student Objectives/Outcomes
Objectives:
1) Demonstrate the ability to read and evaluate government documents and data
critical to the study of American government and politics. 2) Articulate contrasting
points of view on one or more major political issues. 3) Use online data sources to
describe and critically evaluate the budgetary policies of the United States national
government, the state of Texas, and local governments in Harris County. 4)
Demonstrate the political knowledge to understand what is being reported/discussed
in the media.
Outcomes:
1) Describe and evaluate the impact of government on the lives of individuals and
society as a whole. 2) Compare and contrast the institutions of American national
government with those of the state of Texas. 3) Identify and evaluate information
sources for political news, data, and opinion.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT:
Three papers will be written throughout the semester. The assignments are bases
on what is going on in the news during the current semester, so it is advisable to
watch the national news agencies on the TV (FOX News, CNN). visit the local
libraries or subscribe to a (inter)national newspaper/magazine (Financial Times, New
York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Economist).
Topics in past:
George W Bush Tax Cuts, Chinese Currency, North Korean Attack of South in
November 2010, Death Penalty, Healthcare Law 2010, etc..
5% Extra Toward Final Grade
Write your congressman (www.house.gov)
State representative (www.capital.state.tx.us)
City council member (http://www.houstontx.gov/council/index.html)
For International students: Contact your Consulate General or Trade
Representative.
Please see me for proper etiquette. And acceptable topics
STUDENT CONFERENCES
If you have any problems in the course, with grades or otherwise, please see me.
However, conferences will be scheduled by appointment only, and within reasonable
hours.
All electronic communications devices are to be turned OFF. You may use
your computers to take notes.
NO EXCEPTIONS
Monday, 08/27/12 Introductions
Overview of Historical Context
Foundations
Wednesday, 08/29/12 Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Constitution
Monday, 09/03/12 Labor Day
Wednesday, 09/05/12 Historical overview of legislation
US Congress – House
Monday, 09/10/12 US Congress – Senate
Congressional Agencies
Wednesday, 09/12/12 Committees, Caucus’, and Commissions
How a Bill becomes Law
Monday, 09/17/12 The President
Biographies of select presidents
Wednesday, 09/19/12 The President
Biographies of select presidents
Monday, 09/24/12 VP and Executive Offices
Wednesday, 09/26/12 Cabinet - Select Departments and their functions
Monday, 10/01/12 Independent Agencies
Wednesday, 10/03/12 Supreme Court
Lower Courts
Monday, 10/08/12 Review
Wednesday, 10/10/12 Midterm
Monday, 10/15/12 Go Over Midterm
Wednesday, 10/17/12 State Governments
Monday, 10/22/12 State Courts
TX Supreme Courts
Lower Courts and Judges
Wednesday, 10/24/12 State Executives
Monday, 10/29/12 Texas’ Plural Executives (cont.)
Wednesday, 10/31/12 Texas’ Secretary of State
Other non-elected departments
Monday, 11/05/12 State Legislative
Texas’ House
Texas’ Senate
Wednesday, 11/07/12 Bill to Law – differences from national level
County Government
Harris and Surrounding areas
Monday, 11/12/12 Special Districts
School Districts
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Public/Municipal Districts
Wednesday, 11/14/12 City Government
City Manager
Strong v Weak Mayor
Monday, 11/19/12 City – Incorporation
Houston history and economy
Wednesday, 11/21/12 Monetary Policy
Monday, 11/26/12 Fiscal Policy
Taxes
Wednesday, 11/28/12 Fiscal Policy
Budget
Monday, 12/03/12 Foreign Policy
Energy Policy
Wednesday, 12/05/12 Review
Monday, 12/10/12 Finals Week