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Spring 2013 1st 8 Weeks - Course Syllabus
Course: American Government: National/State/Local I (GOVT 2301)
Section: 31946
Instructor: Di Benoit
Email: diana.benoit@hccs.edu
Office Hours: Before and after class, and by appointment
Meeting Days: TuTh 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: U of H-Cinco Ranch, Rm 130
1/15-3/17/13
4242 South Mason Road Katy, Texas 77450 | Phone (713) 718-5700
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
 Hardback, paperback, or electronic version acceptable
 MyPoliSciLab Access Code – NOT REQUIRED
 These are the same textbooks (both acceptable), but they have 
different covers. The blue includes “Houston Community College” on the
front cover and the American flag copy says “Texas Edition” on the cover.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING GOVERNMENT COURSES:
Beginning fall 2013, HCC will be moving to a different configuration of the required two semesters of government. Govt
2305 and 2306 will replace Govt 2301 and 2302. Students should try to complete both of their Government courses by
summer 2013 to avoid possibly having to take a third government course.
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.
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
(Katy Campus: 713-718-5808 or Spring Branch Campus: 713-718-5422) . 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.
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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/iPads, etc. 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.
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 Tuesday, Feb 19. 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.
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
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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.
COMMUNICATION: Please allow your instructor at least 2 BUSINESS DAYS to respond to emails and phone calls. Email
assistance may not always be available on the weekends. Your instructor often sends important messages through
email. To make sure that you are receiving these emails,
1. Log into the Student System https://hccsaweb.hccs.edu:8080/psp/csprd/?cmd=login and set your email address to
one that you check frequently.
OR
2. Log into your HCC email https://webmail.hccs.edu/ and change your options to forward all HCC emails to your
personal email address.
***STUDENTS SHOULD BE SURE TO EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION WITH AT LEAST 2 OTHER STUDENTS.
SHOULD YOU MISS CLASS, CONTACT YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS FOR NOTES***
GRADING SCALE:
Students earn points in 4 categories:
1. Class Participation/Attendance
2. Syllabus Quiz + Printed Syllabus
3. Two Exams
4. Paper
Total Points Available:
130 pts.
25 pts.
200 pts.
245 pts.
600 pts.
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 (130 total pts. + possible 30 extra points):
Students will receive 10 pts. for each day they attend class except on quiz and exam days. In order to receive points,
STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN THE INSTRUCTOR TAKES ROLL AND CANNOT LEAVE BEFORE CLASS IS OFFICIALLY
DISMISSED. Students who do not miss roll call and do not violate the class dismissal policy above more than ONE TIME
will be awarded an additional 30 points at the end of the semester. Roll may be taken any time during class and multiple
times during class.
2. Syllabus Quiz/Printed Syllabus (25 total pts.):
Students will take a 20 question in-class fill-in-the-blank quiz assessing their knowledge and understanding of this
syllabus. Five additional points will be awarded to students who bring a printed copy of the syllabus to class. NO MAKEUPS.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS: The instructor reserves the right to change or amend this syllabus if needed.
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3. Two Exams (200 pts.)
There are a total of two multiple choice exams worth 100 points each. The exam questions will be drawn from the
textbook and lecture topics. One make-up for Exam I will be administered on Tuesday, March 5 and consists of essay
questions. The make-up is permitted only for students who missed Exam I due to an absence.
4. One Paper (245 points)
Students will complete one academic paper due in-class only-when the instructor takes them up. For each day the
paper is late, 40 points will be deducted from the total points available for the paper no matter what the reason is for
the delay. Papers must include the content and grammar feedback rough draft versions along with the final version or
they will not be accepted. HCC offers a FREE online service called “ASKOnline Tutoring.” Students must submit their
papers online for this review service. Students should complete their rough draft versions in time to submit the papers
online for review, receive feedback, and complete their final copies by the class deadline, Tues, Feb 5. DO NOT
PROCRASTINATE THIS ASSIGNMENT. Give yourself time to register an account, submit your paper, and complete the
final version based on the feedback you receive from tutors. To access the online service, visit:
http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/diana.benoit/tutoring/free-online-tutoring
See additional academic paper guidelines below.
CLASS CALENDAR
Week 1
Date
Tues, Jan 15
Assignments/Exams/Important Dates
1st
Day of Classes
Introduction to Course
We will be studying and discussing chapters 1-4, 1116, 20-22, and 26 throughout this semester.
Week 2
Thurs, Jan 17
Tues, Jan 22
In-Class Syllabus Quiz
+5 additional points for bringing printed syllabus to
class.
Week 3
Tues, Jan 29
Week 4
Thurs, Jan 24
Tues, Feb 5
Thurs, Jan 31
Student Papers Due In-Class-must include content
and grammar feedback rough draft versions along
with final paper.
Week 5
Tues, Feb 12
Week 6
Tues, Feb 19
Week 7
Tues, Feb 26
Week 8
Thurs, Feb 7
Tues, March 5
Exam I–scantron & #2 pencil needed
Thurs, Feb 14
Last Day for Withdrawals-4:30pm deadline
Thurs, Feb 21
Thurs, Feb 28
Thurs, March 7
Final Class Day/Instruction Ends
Make-up for Exam I
Exam II–scantron & #2 pencil needed
Fri, March 22
Grades Available to Students
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Academic Paper Guidelines
You will be graded on your ability to:
 Analyze the material
 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
1. Papers must be typed and double-spaced. Do not make excessive use of spacing to superficially increase the
length of your paper.
2. 4-7 pages in length
3. Papers must include a title page with the following: Your full name, Date, Class and Semester, Title
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. 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. Plagiarism will
NOT BE TOLERATED.
7. Staple your papers.
8. 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.
9. Academic-style writing should be used. No slang, no inappropriate abbreviations.
SOURCES – USE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE
10. Use the Chicago Manual of Style to format your Works Cited. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Students who use sources in the unacceptable list below will LOSE SUBSTANTIAL POINTS.
Acceptable Sources
Unacceptable Sources
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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
Any sources listed on the Academic Paper Topic Page
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Magazine articles
Blogs
Individual’s websites
.Edu websites created by individuals, including
professor’s pages
Left or Right leaning Think Tanks/Policy Research
Institutes
Other websites not noted in the Acceptable Sources list
If in doubt, ASK ME FIRST before using the source.
Just because you found a source through HCC’s Library does
not mean it will acceptable
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Academic Paper Topic
1. Identify what you think are the three most important policy issues/problems facing Texas today.
2. Explain why you chose those three as the most important. Justify your three choices using solid, accurate,
acceptable, and neutral sources of information. Why are your choices more important than other issues facing the
state?
3. Provide a creative, detailed, solution to one of the three policy issues you identified.
4. Explain specifically the actions you can take to implement your solution. For example, vote, join a group, contact
your representatives (identify who that would be), etc.
Public Policy:
-Public policy is a governmental attempt to address a public issue
-setting public policy usually involves questions of who will benefit and who will pay the bill
- Local, state, federal governments all craft and implement public policy to protect and benefit their populations
Policy examples: The environment, education/school funding, crime/law enforcement/juvenile justice/the death
penalty, “moral” regulations/issues (i.e. abortion, same-sex marriage, etc.), redistricting, unemployment/labor
unions/inequitable pay distribution, immigration, border security, transportation/roads/traffic, health care, poverty,
energy, tort reform, consumer reforms, voter ID law, affirmative action, gun safety/gun control, civil rights/liberties
issues, etc.
Some Sources to Explore:
Public Agenda http://www.publicagenda.org/
Texas Legislative Council http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/policy.htm
National Bureau of Economic Research http://www.nber.org/
The Urban Institute http://www.urban.org/
LBJ School of Public Affairs http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/centers
Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs http://ashbrook.org/programs/citizens/publications/
Institute for Policy Studies http://ips.jhu.edu/
Institute for Public Policy and Social Research http://ippsr.msu.edu/index.html
Joint Center for Poverty Research http://www.jcpr.org/
John F. Kennedy School of Government http://www.hks.harvard.edu/
Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government http://www.rockinst.org/
Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research http://siepr.stanford.edu/
Texas State University MPA Program - Applied Research Projects http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/
Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs http://www.wws.princeton.edu/
Texas Politics Textbook Online http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/
Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/