2305 State Government
Houston Community College System (HCC)
Summer 2; 2015
MoTuWeThFr 10:00AM-12:00PM Rm 319
Instructor: Erik Neel
Contact: neel4967@gmail.com
*** Use the subject: HCC GOVT 2305 to lower the chance of being missed. ***
*** All communication devices are to be placed on SILENT during class. ***
2305 is a class designed to introduce students to the foundations of the United States and
its Government. The philosophical influences and the founding documents will be covered;
with a focus on the Constitution. Modern-day structure and functions will be covered,
voting patterns.
Reading Material: TBA, Current Editions will be available in the bookstore.
GRADES/Assignments
Midterm
Final
3 Papers
5 Quizzes
20%
40%
30%
10%
100%
Please take all exams at the scheduled time.
emergency situations.
A = 91 – 100%
B = 81 – 90%
C = 71 – 80%
D = 61 – 70%
F = 0 – 60%
Makeup exams will be given only in
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-Peter 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 will be provided, and are based on either ‘global’ topics such as the government
budgets, education, foreign policy, to more specific items directly from the news.
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
COURSE OUTLINE
7/13/2014 through 7/17/2014
Introductions
The Social Contract
Political Influences on Founding
7/20/2014 through 7/24/2014
National Law
American Founding
Virginia Influence
Declaration of Independence
Constitution Article I
7/21/2014 through 7/30/2014
Constitution Article I – VII
Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers
Amendments 1-27
7/31/2014
MIDTERM
8/03/2014 through 8/07/2014
US Congress – House and Senate
Committees, Caucus’, and Commissions
How a Bill becomes Law – Lobbyist, Gerrymandering,
etc.
8/10/2014 through 8/13/2014
The President
Biographies of select presidents
VP and Executive Offices and Cabinet
Supreme Court and Lower Courts
Federal Reserve - Monetary Policy
Taxes and Budget - Fiscal Policy
Foreign Policy
8/14/2011
Final