FALL,2014
G2305 American National Government:
Federal Constitution & Topics
[NOTE: This syllabus is for G2305 Classes, Mon-Wed @ 1400-1530 Hrs and Fri. @
0800-1100 Hrs.]
Instructor’s Contact Information:
Professor:
Celia J. Wintz, PhD
Campus:
West Loop Campus
Room:
C242
Phone:
713.795.0453
Email:
janet.wintz@hccs.edu
Office Hours:
By Appointment :M, W 1100-1145 Hrs / M, W 1530-1600 Hrs..
Additional Note: I am also available to discuss course planning, school, degree and career options for
those students majoring in the Health Sciences, particularly those students who already are or are planning to
become registered nurses. In order to assist you, please be sure to make an appointment with me.
Required Text:
O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus. Essentials of American Government: Roots and Reform, (2012
Election Edition). Pearson Longman Publishers.
Recommended:
Students are also encouraged to follow current political events by reading newspapers and following media
news reports from a number of different sources.
Purpose of the Course / Core Objectives:
The Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) mandates that the core curriculum must ensure that
students will develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of
knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, and advance intellectual and practical
skills that are essential for all learning.
Students enrolled in G2305, a core curriculum course will complete assessments designed to measure the
following core objectives:
o Critical Thinking Skills > includes critical thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation
and synthesis of information.
o Communication Skills > to include effective development, interpretation, and expression of
ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.
o Personal Responsibility > to include the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision making.
o Social Responsibility > to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences
to ethical decision-making.
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G2305 is designed to introduce students to the study of the origin and development of the U.S.
Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil
liberties and civil rights. 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.
Government Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Student assessment of proficiencies mandated by THECB may include testing, projects, or
assignments.
I. Identify and describe the institutions of American Government 2305.
II.
Recognize and assume the responsibilities of citizenship by developing one’s critical
thinking skills, engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news
media.
Specific Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1. Explain the structures and functions of government
2. Discuss the meaning and purpose of the Social Contract
3. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
5. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal
government.
7. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
8. Analyze the election process.
9. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
10. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
Student Notification Statements:
FINAL GRADE OF FX: [HCCS Policy] Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw
themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be dropped by their professor for
excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester. Students who
stop attending classes will receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned grade of "F" which is
due to poor performance. Logging into a DE course without active participation is seen as nonattending. Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never
attended class. Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to the
Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of "FX" is treated exactly the
same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic progress.
[Dr. Wintz policy: I do not drop students for ANY reason. It is the responsibility of the student to drop themselves
at the Registrar’s Office on the first floor of West Loop Campus].
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FALL,2014
ADA Statement: Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Ability
Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Ability Services Office. At Southwest College,
students should contact Dr. Becky Hauri at 713-718-7909. Students who are requesting special
testing accommodations must first contact the appropriate (most convenient) DSS office for
assistance:
Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165
Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Outside of the HCC District
service areas.
Northwest: 713.718.5422
Northeast: 713.718.8420
Southeast: 713.718.7218
Southwest: 713.718.7909
If the Disability Support Service Office requires that I must help you in some specific way, then you
must be certain the present the paperwork to me ASAP, so that I can make the needed adjustments
as early in the semester as possible.
EGLS3: At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to
answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of
the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of
instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the
end of the term.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy: The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses
excessively. Students are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career at a Texas public college or university.
Student Services: DISTANCE EDUCATION ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES: Much DE student
information can be found on the DE Student Services website: de.hccs.edu. Advising or counseling can be
accomplished through our online request form AskDECounseling. Counselors and Student Services
Associates (SSA) can assist students with admissions, registration, entrance testing requirements, degree
planning, transfer issues, and career counseling. In-person, confidential sessions, can also be scheduled to
provide brief counseling and community referrals to address personal concerns impacting academic
success.
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.
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FALL,2014
Course Grading:
You grade will be based on your performance on three multiple choice exams (two exams and a final exam,
as well as two quizzes, a required 5 hour Volunteer Assignment and a 2 page narrative paper
regarding/explaining/analyzing the volunteer work that you performed. [Please note that this is NOT a
research paper, rather it is about your experience of the assignment. As such, it will not require library
research].
Exam I, II and the Final Exam will consist of multiple choice questions. Quiz 1 and Quiz 2 will contain True/
False questions. You will be given detailed written and verbal instructions regarding your Volunteer
Assignment and the brief paper you will write about your experience. You will be graded as follows:
Exam I
20%
Exam II
20%
Final Exam
25%
Quiz 1
5%
Quiz 2
5%
Political Volunteer Work and Brief Associated Paper about your work will also constitute 25% of your grade.
Grading Notes:
(1) You must do both the 5 hrs. of Volunteer Work, obtain and turn in the
letter on Letterhead stationary verifying your volunteer work and the two page paper about this work to
receive all credit for this assignment. There is no partial credit. (2) If you miss a Quiz or come to class after
the quiz has been given, there will be no make-ups and you will receive a zero for 5% of your grade. (3) If
you miss Exam I or Exam II, there will be a make-up exam near the end of the semester. However, no
student may take two make-up exams. Obviously, there is no make-up for the Final Exam and I do not give
Incomplete grades at the end of the semester. (4) Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to keep
track of their own grades when they receive them in class on exams, quizzes, or the Volunteer Work and
related paper. (5) I do review exams and quizzes in class; you should make it your business to attend class
so that you will hear the reviews, ask questions, and keep track of your own grades.
TOPICAL Course Calendar and Assignments
[This Topical Course Calendar applies to G2305: Mon-Wed Classes
(1400-1530Hrs., and Friday Class (0800-1100 Hrs.) An Individual Daily
Calendar will be printed for each of these classes]
Section One: Foundations of Government
Topic 3
Topic 1
Topic 3
The Public Policy Process
The Social Contract
State Building and State Functions
Quiz 1
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Pages 349-354
Lecture
Lecture
FALL,2014
Topic 4
The Political Landscape and the Constitution
Chapters 1 & 2, Declaration of
Independence (www.Heritage.org ; Search Box: Declaration of Independence
Federalism, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Chapters 3, 4, 5,
www.gradesaver.com / The Federalist Papers: Read-“About the Federalist Papers,” “Glossary
of Terms,” “Summary and Analysis of Essay 10 (Federalist Paper #10)”
Topic 5
Exam I
Section Two: Institutions of Government
Topic 6
Congress
Chapter 6, www.gradesaver.com
/ “Summary and Analysis of Essay 51 (Federalist Paper #51)
Topic 7 The Presidency and the Federal Bureaucracy
Chapters 7, 8
Topic 8 The Judiciary
Chapter 9,
www.gradesaver.com / “Summary and Analysis of Essay 78 (Federalist Paper #78)
Quiz 2
Section Three: Political Behavior
Topic 9 Public Opinion and The News Media
Topic 10 Political Parties and Interest Groups
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Exam II
Topic 11 Elections, Campaigns,and Voting
Chapter 12
Volunteer Work and Paper Due
Section Four: Public Policy
Topic 12 Social and Economic Policy
Topic 13 Foreign and Defense Policy
Final Exam
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Chapter 13
Chapter 14
FALL,2014
G2305: Mon-Wed.: 1400-1530 Hrs. Class
Daily Course Calendar : FALL, 2014
Aug. 25
First day of class; General Overview of Am. Gov.
Aug. 27
Discussion: What is politics?
Sept. 1
Labor Day > No Classes. School Closed.
Sept. 3, 8
The Public Policy Process
[Text: pp. 349-354; Lecture; Visual Aids]
Sept. 10
The Social Contract
[Lecture]
Sept. 15, 17, State Building and State Functions
22
[Lecture; Visual Aids]
Sept. 22
Quiz #1 [covers material in text, class discussion, lecture]
Sept. 24, 29, The Political Landscape and the Constitution
Oct. 1
[Text: Chap. 1, 2; www.Heritage.org > search box > Declaration of
Independence]
Oct. 6, 8, 13, Federalism, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
15
[Text: Chap. 3, 4, 5; www.gradesaver.com > “About the Federalist
Papers;” “Glossary of Terms;” and “Summary and Analysis of Essay 10
(Federalist Paper #10)].
Oct. 20
Oct. 22
Exam I [covers topics: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Congress
[Text: Chap. 6; www.gradesaver.com > “Summary and Analysis of Essay
51 (Federalist Paper #51)
Oct. 27, 29, The Presidency and the Federal Bureaucracy
Nov. 3
[Text: Chap. 7, 8]
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FALL,2014
G2305: Mon-Wed.: 1400-1530 Hrs. Class
CONTINUATION: Daily Course Calendar : FALL, 2014
Nov. 5 , 10
The Judiciary
[Text: Chap. 9; www.gradesaver.com > “Summary and Analysis of Essay
78 (Federalist Paper #78)]
Nov. 10
Quiz #2 [covers topics 6, 7, 8]
Nov. 12
Public Opinion and the News Media
[Text: Chap. 10]
Nov. 17
Political Parties and Interest Groups
[Text: Chap. 11]
Nov. 19
Nov. 24
Exam #2 [covers topics 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Elections, Campaigns, and Voting
[Text: Chap. 12]
Volunteer Work Assignment and Paper Due TODAY!
Nov. 26
Social and Economic Policy
[Text: Chap. 13]
Nov. 27 – 30 Thanksgiving Holiday. No classes; school closed.
Dec. 1
Foreign and Defense Policy
[Text: Chap. 14]
Dec. 3
Exam I or II make-up day. Self /group study day for those not taking
a make-up exam.
Dec. 8
Final Exam [Final exam is comprehensive; emphasis on topics
11, 12, 13, 14, BUT all topics will be tested].
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FALL,2014
G2305: Friday : 0800-1100 Hrs. Class
Daily Course Calendar : FALL, 2014
Aug. 29
First day of class; General Overview of Am. Gov.
Discussion: What is politics?
Sept. 1
Labor Day > No Classes. School Closed.
Sept. 5, 12
The Public Policy Process
[Text: pp. 349-354; Lecture; Visual Aids]
Sept. 12
The Social Contract
[Lecture]
Sept. 19, 26 State Building and State Functions
[Lecture; Visual Aids]
Oct. 3
Oct. 10, 17
Quiz #1 [covers material in text, class discussion, lecture]
The Political Landscape and the Constitution
[Text: Chap. 1, 2; www.Heritage.org > search box > Declaration of
Independence]
Federalism, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
[Text: Chap. 3, 4, 5; www.gradesaver.com > “About the Federalist
Papers;” “Glossary of Terms;” and “Summary and Analysis of Essay 10
(Federalist Paper #10)].
Oct. 24
Exam I [covers topics: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Congress
[Text: Chap. 6; www.gradesaver.com > “Summary and Analysis of Essay
51 (Federalist Paper #51)
Oct. 31
8
The Presidency and the Federal Bureaucracy
[Text: Chap. 7, 8]
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FALL,2014
G2305: Friday : 0800-1100 Hrs. Class
CONTINUATION: Daily Course Calendar : FALL, 2014
Nov. 7
Quiz #2 [covers topics 6, 7, 8]
The Judiciary
[Text: Chap. 9; www.gradesaver.com > “Summary and Analysis of Essay
78 (Federalist Paper #78)]
Public Opinion and the News Media
[Text: Chap. 10]
Nov. 14
Political Parties and Interest Groups
[Text: Chap. 11]
Exam #2 [covers topics 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Nov. 24
Elections, Campaigns, and Voting
[Text: Chap. 12]
Social and Economic Policy
[Text: Chap. 13]
Volunteer Work Assignment and Paper Due TODAY!
Nov. 27 – 30 Thanksgiving Holiday. No classes; school closed.
Dec. 5
Foreign and Defense Policy
[Text: Chap. 14]
Dec. 12
Final Exam [Final exam is comprehensive; emphasis on topics
11, 12, 13, 14, BUT all topics will be tested].
When Final Exam ends, those students who have missed Exam #1 or Exam #2
will be able to take the make-up exam at this time.
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