Houston Community College - Course Syllabus
Course:
American Government: National/State/Local I (GOVT 2301)
Section: 0045 (24408)
Instructor:
Diana Benoit
Email: diana.benoit@hccs.edu
Office Hours: Before and after class, and by appointment
Meeting Times: Tues/Thurs
Location:
U of H-Cinco Ranch, Room-TBA
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
4242 South Mason Road Katy, Texas 77050
Aug 28-Oct 18, 2012
My faculty website on the Learning Web: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/diana.benoit
Required Textbook:
 American Government, Roots and Reform 2011 Texas Edition, by O’Connor et al.
NO OTHER EDITION IS ACCEPTABLE
 MyPoliSciLab Access Code – NOT REQUIRED
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A study of the theories of American democracy and other ideologies, United States and Texas
constitutions, federalism, state and local government, political economy, political socialization and public opinion, the
media, interest groups, political parties, and elections.
PREREQUISITES: Must have passed ENGL 1301 (Composition I) or be co-enrolled in ENGL 1301 as a Co-requisite.
Exception: Dual credit students only need to be placed into college level reading and writing.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Traditional classroom, face-to-face.
COURSE GOALS: This course is designed to provide students with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of
the structure, workings and practices of government at the national, state and local levels. Additionally, this course is
designed to help students develop the necessary intellectual skills to examine and critically evaluate the impact of
government to society and understand how they can effectively engage in and influence the policymaking process.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR GOVERNMENT 2301:
•Demonstrate the ability to read and evaluate government documents and data critical to the study of American
government and politics, election returns, public opinion data, budget data, census data, Supreme Court decisions and
party platforms.
•Describe the methods individuals and groups use to affect government policy and evaluate their effectiveness.
•Articulate contrasting points of view on one or more major political issues, such as healthcare reform, gay marriage,
affirmative action, cap and trade, climate control legislation, immigration reform, death penalty, abortion, etc.
•Use online date 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.
•Give specific examples of the impact of election systems at different levels of contemporary policymaking.
•Demonstrate the ability to read and evaluate the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
•Demonstrate the political knowledge to understand what is being reported/discussed in the media.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Describe and evaluate the impact of government on the lives of individuals and society as a whole, focusing on
public finance, the provision of public services, regulatory policy, civil rights, civil liberties, criminal justice,
foreign policy, and defense policy.
2. Compare and contrast the election systems of American government.
3. Trace the development of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions from their drafting through the present.
4. Identify and evaluate information sources for political news, data, and opinion, including newspapers, websites,
television, radio, and social media.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have any special needs that affect your ability to learn in this class, please
inform me. Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs
to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Northwest ADA Counselor at the beginning of each semester
(713-718-5808). Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Services Office of HCC.
STUDENT CONDUCT: Adult behavior is expected. Disruptive behavior/activities which interfere with teaching and/or
learning will not be tolerated, and may result in administrative withdrawal without refund. Students should commit
themselves to behave in a manner that demonstrates concern for the personal dignity, rights, and freedoms of every
member of the college community, including respect for college property and the physical and intellectual property of
others.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY: HCCS students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by HCC System officials against
a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism,
and collusion.
 Cheating on a test includes but is not limited to: Copying from another student's test paper; using unauthorized
materials during a test, unauthorized collaboration with another student during a test; knowingly using, buying,
selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test; and bribing another person to
obtain a copy of a test.
 Plagiarism includes the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in
one's own written work.
 Collusion includes the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
In simplified terms, cheating is:
1) Taking unchanged passages (or slightly edited) from another person’s writing and portraying them as one’s own
2) Submitting a paper that includes paraphrases of another person’s writing without giving credit
3) Having someone else write your paper for you
4) Copying or using another person’s work during in-class writing or testing
5) Violating testing rules. Keep in mind also that whether you are cheating or not, disregarding testing rules, such as
communicating with another student in class or using a cell phone during a test will be construed as cheating. This is not
an exhaustive list of the forms of cheating on written work. If you are in doubt, consult me.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in
the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the HCC System.
ELECTRONICS IN THE CLASSROOM: We will not use laptop computers in class. Phones should be turned off or set
to vibrate. Students who use class time for text-messaging or other activities using electronic devices will not be
allowed to remain in the classroom. THE POSSESSION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING EXAMS WILL BE CONSIDERED
PROOF OF CHEATING. Such devices must be turned off and left in purses/backpacks during exams. Use of recording
devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other
locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as
a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for more information.
CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT: Social Sciences comprise at least 15 semester hours of each student’s core
curriculum. Essential to the learning process in the social sciences disciplines are at least six basic intellectual
competencies. These include:
1. Reading at the college level, meaning having the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials,
books, articles, and documents.
2. Writing at the college level, meaning having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose, adapted to
purpose, occasion, and audience. This includes not only grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but the writing
process itself.
3. Speaking effectively, meaning oral communication in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to
purpose, occasion, and audience.
4. Listening at the college level, meaning the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of speech and
communication.
5. Critical thinking, embracing methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and
creatively to the subject matter in order to evaluate arguments, solve problems, and construct alternative
strategies.
6. Computer literacy, meaning having the ability to use computer-based technology in communication, solving
problems, and possibilities associated with the use of present and future technologies.
MAKE-UP POLICY: Students who miss Exam I due to an absence should be prepared to take a make-up on Tues, Oct
16. The make-up consists of essay questions. There are no make-ups for other assignments. I do not drop any grades.
ATTENDANCE/DROP POLICY: Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for
non-attendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for non-attendance and excessive absences. Students may
be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction or 6 hours of missed
class time. The six hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class
early. The last day that you can withdraw is Monday, Oct 1. If you do not withdraw by this date, you will NOT receive a
W. If you stop attending class without officially withdrawing, you may be dropped or receive a grade of F or FX. FX is a
grade that indicates a student failed the course due to excessive absences. Please be aware of financial aid policies
regarding F and FX.
***STUDENTS SHOULD BE SURE TO EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION WITH AT LEAST 2 OTHER STUDENTS.
SHOULD YOU MISS CLASS, CONTACT YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS FOR NOTES***
HCC COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
 Students who take a course for the third time or more must now pay significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and


other Texas public colleges and universities. At HCC, it is an additional $50 per credit hour. 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.
Additionally, the State of Texas passed a law limiting new students (as of Fall 2007) to no more than six
withdrawals throughout their academic career in obtaining a baccalaureate degree.
Students are now able to withdraw from one or more of their classes online. While it is still advisable that
students receive good counsel from instructional and counseling faculty prior to dropping one or more classes,
students will no longer be required to “see” someone before they are allowed to drop.
DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENT: Writing must comprise at least 25% of the student’s final course grade. One of the core
competencies essential to the learning process in the social sciences disciplines is writing at the college level, meaning
having the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose, adapted to purpose, occasion and audience. This
includes not only grammar, spelling and punctuation, but the writing process itself. All writing assignments should meet
or exceed this discipline requirement.
GRADING SCALE:
Students earn points in 4 categories:
1. Class Participation/Attendance
2. Syllabus Quiz
3. Multiple Choice Exams
4. Homework Assignments
Total Points Available:
75 pts.
25 pts.
200 pts.
300 pts.
600
The final grade is determined on a 600 point scale:
A= 600-500 pts.
B= 499-400 pts.
C= 399-300 pts.
D= 299-200 pts.
F= 199 pts. and below
EXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Class Participation/Attendance (75 total pts.):
Students will receive 5 pts. for each day they attend class on non-quiz days. In order to receive points, students must be
present when the instructor takes roll and cannot leave before the class is officially dismissed.
2. Syllabus Quiz (25 total pts.):
Students will take a 25 question in-class fill-in-the-blank quiz assessing their knowledge and understanding of this
syllabus.
3. Two Exams (200 pts.)
There are a total of two exams. Each exam is worth 100 points and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam
questions will be drawn from the textbook and lecture topics. One make-up for Exam I will be administered on
Tuesday, October 16 and consists of essay questions. The make-up is permitted only for students who missed Exam I
due to an absence.
4. Four Homework Assignments (300 total pts.)
Students will complete four homework assignments described in detail below. Students should follow the homework
guidelines carefully. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR HOMEWORK. Students must be present in class when the
instructor takes-up assignments in order to receive credit. Early submittal or late assignments and homework
submitted electronically will not be accepted. Assignments that do not conform to the homework guidelines may be
penalized or returned to students ungraded. See guidelines below.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS: The instructor reserves the right to change or amend this syllabus if needed.
CLASS CALENDAR
Lecture Topics
Assignments/Exams/Important Dates
Thurs, Aug 30
1st Day of Classes
Introduction to Course
Chs 1-4, 11-13
Homework Discussion
Tues, Sept 4
Chs 1-4, 11-13
In-Class Syllabus Quiz
Thurs, Sept 6
Chs 1-4, 11-13
Homework I: Political Ideology and Affiliation due
Chs 1-4, 11-13
Thurs, Sept 13
Chs 1-4, 11-13
Chs 1-4, 11-13
Week 3
Week 4
Tues, Sept 18
Week 5
Tues, Sept 25
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Thurs, Sept 27
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Mon, Oct 1
Tues, Oct 2
N/A
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Thurs, Oct 4
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Week 7
Tues, Oct 9
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Thurs, Oct 11
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Exam II Review Available on the Learning Web
Tues, Oct 16
Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26
Thurs, Oct 18
Fri, Oct 26
N/A
Regular Class day/Last day of instruction
Exam I Make-up
Exam II (Chs 14-16, 20-22, 26)
Grades Available to Students
Week 6
Tues, Sept 11
Week 8
Week 2
Week 1
Date
Tues, Aug 28
Thurs, Sept 20
Homework II: Political Platforms due
Exam I Review Available on the Learning Web
Exam I (Chs 1-4, 11-13)
Homework III: 2012 Presidential Election due
In-class Voting Activity
Last Day to Withdraw - by 4:30pm
Homework IV: Enumerated and Implied Powers due
Homework Guidelines
Assignments that do not conform to the guidelines will be penalized or returned to students
ungraded. The instructor is very strict about these guidelines and expects all students to be
detail-oriented and organized as well as proofread papers before submitting. Seek
assistance at the Writing Center if you have any doubt about your ability to write at the
college level.
1. Homework must be typed.
2. Proofread your homework several times for spelling, grammar errors, and typos.
3. Homework must include a title page with the following:
Your full name
Date
Class and Semester
Title of Homework
4. Use black ink, font size 12, easy to read font such as Times New Roman, Calibri, etc.
5. Margins: 1” on ALL SIDES.
6. Type the original questions and then respond. All assignments must include the original questions.
7. Your answers to all assignments should be in your OWN WORDS. Do not copy whole paragraphs from other
sources or the textbook word-for-word. Shorter quotes (a few sentences in length) are okay.
8. Use the Chicago Manual of Style to format your Works Cited.
9. Staple your papers.
10. Students are expected to write at the college level, meaning the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent
prose, adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. This includes not only grammar, spelling, and punctuation,
but the writing process itself. Assignments will be graded for spelling/grammar/punctuation and content.
11. Be sure that you are thoroughly discussing and answering the question/s presented. Do not go off-topic and
be sure to ANSWER EVERY QUESTION THOROUGHLY TO EARN FULL POINTS.
12. Academic-style writing should be used. No slang, no inappropriate abbreviations. Homework should NOT
resemble a text message or informal email to a friend.
SOURCES – USE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE
13. You must cite ALL SOURCES both inline (in the text of your writing) and in a separate Works Cited (including the
textbook) used to complete assignments. Plagiarism will NOT BE TOLERATED.
14. Inline source citations are used in parentheses in the text of your paper after you either directly quote,
paraphrase, or cite opinions or facts from another source that did not arise from you. If, in doubt, CITE THE
SOURCE. Too many cited sources in a paper is better than receiving a 0 for plagiarism as a result of a student
presenting writing that is not his or her own. Plagiarism will NOT BE TOLERATED.
15. The Works Cited is a separate page at the end of your paper that lists each source you used to write your paper.
The Works Cited page should be formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style and includes detailed
information about each source. The instructor should be able to easily locate your source using the information
you supply. Be thorough. The textbook should be cited as a source both inline and in the Works Cited page.
16. Students who use sources in the unacceptable list below will LOSE SUBSTANTIAL POINTS.
Acceptable Sources
Unacceptable Sources
 Scholarly Journals (accessible online through
HCC’s library). Just because a source is
available through the library does not
automatically make it scholarly or acceptable.
 .GOV websites
 Books published by universities
 .EDU websites created by research institutes
 Major newspaper articles (not opinion or
editorial type articles)
 The textbook





Magazine articles
Blogs
Individual’s websites
Non-gov or non-edu organizational websites
Other websites not noted in the Acceptable
Sources list
GOVT 2301 Homework Assignments
READ ALL DIRECTIONS AND QUESTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING ACTIVITIES
You will be graded on your ability to:
 Analyze the material
 Correctly identify the answers
 Produce clear, coherent prose (including grammar, spelling, and punctuation)
 Produce logical, creative arguments
 Solve problems or provide alternative strategies where appropriate
 Use and cite appropriate sources
 Follow directions and adhere to the assignment guidelines
Homework I: Political Ideology and Affiliation (50 points)
1. Define political ideology. Describe the differences among liberal and conservative ideologies.
2. Visit http://www.people-press.org/typology/quiz/ and take the quiz.
3. Based on your responses, in which group does the quiz place you? Do you agree with your results? Why or why
not?
4. Review the Typology Group Profiles on the left. With which group do you identify the least? Why?
5. Define political affiliation. What is the difference between political ideology and political affiliation? Do you have
a political affiliation? If so, what is it? If not, why?
Homework II: Political Platforms (100 points)
1. Define party platform.
2. Visit the Democratic National Committee’s Platform http://www.democrats.org/about/party_platform and read
more about the party at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States). Where does the party
stand on the following issues?: healthcare, the economy, and women’s reproductive healthcare.
3. Visit the Republican National Committee’s Platform: http://gop.com/wpcontent/uploads/2012/06/2008platform.pdf and read more about the party at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States). Where does the party stand on the following
issues?: health care reform and the economy (listed as “Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity”).
4. Visit the Green Party’s Platform http://www.gp.org/committees/platform/2012/democracy.php#HumanRights.
What is the party’s stance on domestic security?
5. Visit the Libertarian Party’s Platform http://www.lp.org/platform. Where does the party stand on personal
privacy, personal relationships, and abortion?
6. With which party platform do you find yourself agreeing the most, the least?
Homework III: 2012 Presidential Election (50 points)
1. Visit www.IsideWith.com and take the presidential election quiz.
Tip: Be sure to choose the option to expand more questions at the bottom of sections to get the most accurate
results.
Tip: Be sure to indicate the importance of the issue using the scale of importance on the left. For instance, if you
feel strongly about abortion, indicate so using the scale next to the abortion question.
2. Who are your top four candidates and what are your percentages for each? Provide a brief bio of your top four
candidates and indicate the candidate’s political party affiliation, if any.
3. Which two political parties do your results indicate you side with the most?
Homework IV: Enumerated and Implied Powers (100 points)
1. What are the 17 enumerated powers granted to Congress in Article I of the U.S. Constitution?
2. What is the Necessary and Proper Clause? What is the difference between enumerated and implied powers?
3. The phrase “provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States” is included in the
enumerated power to lay and collect taxes.
4. What do you think the framers meant by “provide for the general welfare”? What general policy areas should
this include and exclude? Why?
Staple here!
Homework Template Example
Note: This template is formatted using .5” margins. Your homework requires 1” margins.
Your full name
Date
Class and Semester
Title of Homework
Staple here!
1. Define political ideology. Describe the differences among liberal and conservative ideologies.
2. Visit http://www.people-press.org/typology/quiz/ and take the quiz.
3. Based on your responses, in which group does the quiz place you? Do you agree with your results? Why or why not?
4. Review the Typology Group Profiles on the left. With which group do you identify the least? Why?
5. Define political affiliation. What is the difference between political ideology and political affiliation? Do you have a
political affiliation? If so, what is it? If not, why?
Staple here!
Works Cited