2306 State Government
Houston Community College System (HCC)
Fall 2015
MoWe 9:30AM – 11:00AM / Rm C242
TuTh 8:30AM – 10:00AM / Rm A218
Instructor: Erik Neel
Contact: neel4967@gmail.com
*** Use the subject: HCC GOVT 230*** Use the subject: HCC GOVT 2305, or something
similar to lower the chance of being missed.
*** All communication devices are to be placed on SILENT during class. Students may use
computers or tablets to take notes, though this is not ideal for memory recall during tests.
2306 is a class designed to introduce students to the foundations of Texas and its Government.
The founding of the Texas Colonies through the Republic of Texas and on through
Reconstruction era government will be covered, with comparisons to other states and the
federal government. Local government affects our lives more directly, so there will be
discussion of how we are impacted.
Reading Material: TBA, Current Editions will be available in the bookstore.
GRADES/Assignments
Midterm
20%
Final
40%
3 Papers
30%
5 Quizzes
10%
100%
A = 91 – 100%
B = 81 – 90%
C = 71 – 80%
D = 61 – 70%
F = 0 – 60%
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." I do need the approval form from the
college to allow any special arrangements.
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 pass the course.
If it appears to me, however, that you have stopped attending, I may 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 process through the appropriate means with the college.
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:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
2. Describe 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 Curriculum Objectives:
• Critical Thinking Skills—to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information
• Communication Skills—to include effective development, interpretation and expression
of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
• Personal Responsibility—to include the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision-making
• Social Responsibility—to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and
consequences to ethical decision-making
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
Three papers are going to be written during the course of the class, a guide to how to write
these papers will be provided to the students prior to the first assignment. The topics will
reflect current events within the national and international arenas so it is advisable to watch or
read the news daily.
Sources for the news are (to name a few):
http://english.aljazeera.net/HomePage
http://www.asiapacificnews.net/
http://www.cnn.com/
http://drudgereport.com/
http://www.economist.com/
http://www.ft.com/home/us
http://www.heritage.org/
http://mises.org/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://www.nytimes.com/
5% Extra Credit is available to students that write their governmental representative.
Elected Officials are servants; they are there to service their constituents. Please get involved
in the process and earn 5% in the process.
If you need any help with the class or other courses I have been through what most of your are
doing, plus I have over 20 years corporate experience, I am available at different times each
semester for STUDENT CONFERENCES just ask me before or after class and we can schedule
more time if needed.
TENATIVE SCHEDULE
Week One
Introductions, Political Theory and Definitions
Texas historical overview from Spanish to the Republic
Week Two
The Constitution of the Republic and Comparisons to US Constitution.
Texas as a Nation. Statehood. Confederation.
Introduction to the 1876 Constitution
Week Three
and
1876 Constitution
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
Week Eight
Week Nine
Week Ten
State Historical Comparisons
Mid Term Prep and Test
Legislature
Executives – the Plural Executive
Executive Branch
Courts
Week Eleven
County Government and Special Districts
Week Twelve
City Government
Week Thirteen
Federal Reserve, Texas Budget and Municipal Bonds
Week Fourteen
Local and National Issues/Policies
Week Fifteen
Open Discussion
Week Sixteen
Finals Week – Date will be announced in class