GOVT 2305
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major
course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general
description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended
readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides
institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information
specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to
enrolled students.
Course Title: American National Government
Course Prefix & Number: Govt 2305
Section Number: 311
Term Code: 133S
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:
Course Description: 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.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Course Type: This course is 100% ONLINE.
 - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)
 - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
 - WECM Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Dr. David Smith
Online, no physical office
940-498-6295 (Department Admin: Melissa Timmons)
dsmith@nctc.edu or via Angel
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Donna Hooper
Corinth Campus, Room 209
940-498-6266
dhooper@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
Dautrich and Yalof. The Enduring Democracy, Third Edition. Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning. ISBN: 9781285921013
Aplia Code for Online Access, bundled with book.
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GOVT 2305

Students have many options to secure the text book. The text is available in
the NCTC bookstore for purchase or rental. Students can also go directly to
www.cengagebrain.com for additional purchasing options
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded
Course Elements
18
16
7
3
5
3
Graded Course Elements
Aplia Online Assignments – Completed Weekly
Discussion Board Postings (Eight Original and Eight
Response Postings)
Exams (One for Each Module)
Graded Assignments (Homework Folder)
Required Orientation Activities & Instructions for
Course
Pre/Post Tests and Intro to Aplia Assignment
Total Points Possible in the Course
Percentage or
Points Values
170 points
100 points
420 points
300 points
20 points
30 points
1040 points
Grading Scale:
A: 936-1040
B: 832-935
C: 728-831
D: 624-727
F: 0-623
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

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

A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.
Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the
lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.
Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled
occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading
to certificates and associate degrees.
Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development
as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.
PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering quality general education curriculum in all
associate degrees by offering a core of general education courses designed to help students
achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. Acquiring knowledge, thinking critically, and
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GOVT 2305
utilizing the methodologies of various disciplines exposed students to experiences that serve to
advance their personal growth. The chief focus of the General Education Core Curriculum at
NCTC is to emphasize Exemplary Educational Objectives and Basic Intellectual Competencies.
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The NCTC Social Science Department of Government and Economics provides students at NCTC
a strong foundation in the liberal arts that is essential for career success, leadership, global
citizenship, and a lifetime of learning. The department provides students with a broad
knowledge and understanding of the world; significant intellectual, critical thinking and
practical skills; and a strong sense of civic responsibility for enriching their lives and making a
difference in society.
STATEMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE EXPECTED OF NCTC GRADUATES
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to
help students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General
Education Core Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad
intellectual perspectives.
FOUNDATION COMPONENT AREA
1. The course “focus[es] on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions
of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas.”
2. The course “involve[s] the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement,
and their political and philosophical foundations.”
GOVERNMENT CORE 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
Empirical and Quantitative Skills
 to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in
informed conclusions
Social Responsibility
 to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage
effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
Personal Responsibility
 to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
Demonstrate an understanding of our federal system.
Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the
federal government.
Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the
political system.
Analyze the election process.
Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics.
Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English
and basic computer skills.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION
Topic
General Description of Subject Matter
Perspectives & theories of
Freedom; order & equality; differing ideologies & forms
American Govt
of democracy
The Founding & the Constitution Growth and development of America’s political system
from colonization to present
Federalism
Ideology and structures of federalism; Key features of the
Constitution: Republicanism, Federalism, Separation of
Powers, and Checks & Balances; Role/Limits of the States
Rights and Liberties
Differentiate between Civil Liberties and Civil Rights;
Protections within the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and
additional amendments; role of the judiciary
Policy Making Institutions
The powers, responsibilities and organization of all three
branches of government; role and scope of bureaucracy
in our federal government;
The American Political Landscape Public opinion, values & socialization; the growth of
social policy within the US
Campaigns and Elections
Growth of voting rights; participation; history and forms
of voting; nominations, campaigns and elections;
electoral college; campaign finance limitations
Media and Politics
Various forms of mass media & bias; effects on
government and social policy
Political Parties & Interest Groups Development of political parties in America; role of
Interest Groups; campaign finance and assistance; affects
of each on the political and policy-making process
Politics of National Policy
Economic policy: budgeting, funding sources &
expenditures; Role and powers of the Legislative and
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Executive Branch in Domestic and Foreign Policy; Nat
Security and Defense; US involvement in world affairs.
Last day to Withdraw For the Summer I 2014 semester, the last day to withdraw from a
course with a “W” is available online.
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
Scholastic Integrity
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states
that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the
contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student
conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student
Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All
students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted
authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and
regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a
test, plagiarism, and collusion.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a
documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a
learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may
include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in
class, etc.
On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to
room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie,
Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an
intake appointment with OSD.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of
federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93112).
Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who
need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a
FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their
academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math
Lab, and free online tutoring in the evening. The program helps students acclimate to college by
providing students free interactive workshops about Time Management, Study Skills, Test
Anxiety, and much more. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success
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Center.
As of January 1, 2012, all campuses of North Central Texas College are tobacco-free. NCTC is
committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors.
As a result of becoming a tobacco-free campus NCTC will restrict the use of any and all tobacco
products at all NCTC campus. Click Clearinthe Air for complete details.
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