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: 420
Term Code: 137T
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:
 - 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:
Office hours:
E-mail Address:
Christian Rivera-Pérez
Corinth Campus, Room 331
Meeting by appointment only
criveraperez@nctc.edu
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
The Enduring Democracy (with Aplia Printed Access Card), 3rd Edition
Kenneth Dautrich; David Yalof ISBN-10: 1-285-92101-1, ISBN-13: 978-1-285-92101-3
1
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 (cheaper?).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded
Course Elements
3
1
3
1
1
17
Graded Course Elements
Test
Final Test
Assignments
Annotated Bibliography
POTUS Policy Memo
Aplia Quizzes
Percentage or
Points Values
180
100
60
60
100
100
Total
600 points
GRADE SCALE
600-540:
539-480:
479-420:
419-360:
Less than 349:
A
B
C
D
F
Major Exams
There will be four (4) major exams covering the material assigned from the textbook, lectures
and discussions. These exams will be all objective and taken in class or online. The examinations
will consist of multiple choice questions. Scantrons are required if test is taken in the classroom.
On test day, no one will be allowed in the classroom after 30 minutes of the starting time. If a
person comes 30 minutes late or more, it would be consider as a missed test. Online test that are
missed would not be subject to a makeover!
If you miss an in-class test, there will be an automatic 15 percent deduction on the makeup
examination. If you know you will be gone in advance, you NEED TO TAKE THE EXAM EARLY!
Exams need to be made up within one (1) week. The final CANNOT be made up!
Assignments
You will have a total of four (4) assignments. These assignments will focus on politics and
government at the national levels and on economic and social events that impact the political
system. You will earn points (100 points maximum) by writing a brief 500 words double-spaced
type-written paper. Each assignment will have its own purpose described in detail on Angel.
2
GOVT 2305
POTUS Policy Memo
This project is an opportunity to discuss what you think should be the highest priority (national
interest) in the future of American policy. The assignment is worth 100 points. There are four
steps to completing this project:
Step 1: Identify the issue and how the US government is currently addressing it. Then, identify
strategies that could be used to improve those efforts.
Step 2: Gather two scholarly research peer-reviewed articles that address the issue you
selected.
Step 3: Submit an Annotated Bibliography (Worth 60 points) of the two scholarly research
peer-reviewed articles you are planning to use for the Policy Memo. Each bibliography must
summarize and assess the articles selected. Please visit
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/ for additional information.
Step 4: Prepare a formal policy memo for the President of the United States (POTUS). The
grading standards used to assess the quality of your work for this project will be detailed in a
grading rubric, which will be provided during the semester. More information will be provided
on Angel.
Aplia Assignments/Quizzes
These assignments are online quizzes that must be completed prior to coming to class. The
quizzes will help ensure you are doing the readings for the class but also will help you for the
tests. More information will be provided during class and on ANGEL.
* These Assignments are subject to change to best fit the schedule.
* You will ALWAYS have a week notice on exams.
* Make-up Exams DO NOT receive any additional points
Note:
1.
Attendance Policy. Attendance is vital in order to successfully complete the course.
There will be no excused absences. You are granted 3 absences for the entire summer
session (no points will be deducted). After your third absence, you will lose 2 points for
every absence!
2.
Academic dishonesty. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. If the instructor
determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for
the assignment/test. Also, the instructor reserve the right to submit your information to
the Government Department.
3.
Rounding grades: Instructor reserves the right to round any or all grades.
3
GOVT 2305
Bottom Line:
Course Calendar
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
July 7
Syllabus &
Chapter 1: The More Things Change …
July 8
Ch 2 The Founding and the Constitution
July 9
July 10
July 11
July 14
July 15
July 16
July 17
July 18
July 21
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 28
July 29
July 30
July 31
August 1
August 4
August 5
August 6
August 7
Ch 3 Federalism
Ch 4 Civil Liberties…
No Class
Ch 5 Civil Rights, Equality and Social Movements
Test Review/Test
Ch 6 Congress
Ch 7 The Presidency,
No Class
Ch 8 The Federal Bureaucracy
Ch 9 The Judiciary/ Test Review
Ch 10 Public Opinion
Ch 11 Interest Groups
No Class
Ch 12 The Media and American Politics
Ch 13 Political Parties and Voting
Ch 14 Campaigns and Elections
Test Review/Test
No Class
Ch 15 American Domestic Policy
Ch 16 American Foreign Policy
Test Review
In the classroom @ 9:30 A.M.
Assignment 1 (Online)
Aplia Quizzes (Ch. 1-5)
Exam I (1,2,3,4,5)
Annotated Bibliography (Online)
Aplia Quizzes (Ch. 6-9)
Exam II (6,7,8,9)
Assignment 2 (Online)
Aplia Quizzes (Ch. 10-14
Exam III (10,11,12,13,14)
Assignment 3 (Online)
Aplia Quizzes (Ch. 15 & 16)
POTUS Policy Memo (Nov. 28th)
Final Comprehensive
1. This is your class. You gain what you contribute. Make your investment pay off.
2. Your responsibilities are to study, attend class, limit absences and tardies, pass, and if
necessary, drop the course.
3. You are encouraged to see or contact me at any time!
4. The uses of other electronic devices are welcome for class purposes only!
5. Finally, your instructor has the right to add, delete, revise, or otherwise change any or
all segments of this course or syllabus.
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.
4
GOVT 2305



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
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
5
GOVT 2305
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 decisionmaking;
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
6
GOVT 2305
Rights and Liberties
Policy Making Institutions
The American Political
Landscape
Campaigns and Elections
Media and Politics
Political Parties & Interest
Groups
Politics of National Policy
of Powers, and Checks & Balances; Role/Limits of the
States
Differentiate between Civil Liberties and Civil Rights;
Protections within the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and
additional amendments; role of the judiciary
The powers, responsibilities and organization of all
three branches of government; role and scope of
bureaucracy in our federal government;
Public opinion, values & socialization; the growth of
social policy within the US
Growth of voting rights; participation; history and forms
of voting; nominations, campaigns and elections;
electoral college; campaign finance limitations
Various forms of mass media & bias; effects on
government and social policy
Development of political parties in America; role of
Interest Groups; campaign finance and assistance;
affects of each on the political and policy-making
process
Economic policy: budgeting, funding sources &
expenditures; Role and powers of the Legislative and
Executive Branch in Domestic and Foreign Policy;
National security and Defense; US involvement in world
affairs
Last day to Withdraw For the Summer II 2014 semester, the last day to withdraw from a
course with a “W” is August 2, 2014.
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
7
GOVT 2305
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 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 Clear in the Air for complete details.
8