2305 State Government
Houston Community College System (HCC)
Fall; 2015
Saturday 9AM – 12PM / Rm 323
Instructor: Erik Neel
Contact: neel4967@gmail.com
*** 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.
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." 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, 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.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.
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 or www.senate.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
The campus will be open by 8AM, if you need to discuss anything about the course or issues
arising in the private-sector, I will be available before class.
All electronic communications devices are to be turned OFF. You may use your
computers to take notes.
NO EXCEPTIONS
COURSE OUTLINE
Week One
Introductions
Political Philosophy
Week Two
Philosophy Continued
Legal History
Week Three
US History
and the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Treaty of Paris
Week Four through Six
US Constitution
October 6
Midterm
Week Eight
Federal Structure
Legislature
Week Nine
Finish Legislature
Presidency
Week Ten
Executive Branch
Week Eleven
Courts
Week Twelve
Monetary Policy – Federal Reserve
Week Thirteen
Fiscal Policy – Taxes
Week Fourteen
Fiscal Policy – Budgets and Debt
Week Fifteen
Foreign Policy and International Relations
December 12
Final