Course Syllabus
Syllabus
GOVT 2305 – Federal Government
Spring 2026
Federal Government
GOVT-2305
Spring 2026 Section EWG1H 3.0 Credits 01/20/2026 to 05/12/2026 Modified 01/19/2026
Based on recommendations from the CDC and other governmental agencies, the content delivery method for this course may need to be modified.
Meeting Times
Global High , assigned Classroom on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
Proctored Testing Dates
March 3rd Midterm and May 12th Final
Global Classroom
Mrs. Venable is your proctor (do not test without an agreed to proctor)
Instructor: Professor Jennifer Stewart Venable
Office: Online Virtual office Hours via email and Teams
Contact Info: 972-923-7247
Location: Online Virtual Office-- Call me and we can Teams!
Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours- T/TH 10:00-11:00 am-Call anytime during these hours and we can talk!!
Emails are answered every business day, emails will also be checked one time over the weekend. Email is the BEST way to contact me!
Instructor Email: jennifer.venable@navrrocollege.edu OR Use the Canvas Inbox (Look to the left for the Inbox icon).
Virtual Support Links
Email: jennifer.venable@navarrocollege.edu
Office: Midlothian Navarro Room 115A Bldg 2
Phone: Office: Online Virtual office Hours via email and Teams Contact Info: 972-923-7247
Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours- T/TH 10:00-11:00 am-Call anytime during these hours and we can talk!!
Emails are answered every business day, emails will also be checked one time over the weekend. Email is the BEST way to contact me!
Instructor Email: jennifer.venable@navrrocollege.edu (mailto:amanda.morrison@tccd.edu) OR Use the Canvas Inbox (Look to the left for the Inbox icon)
Virtual, high school location or Midlothian Navarro rm 115A
Faculty Schedule
Days Time Activity Location
MW 8-10:30 Tx Gov 2306/Hist 1301 Palmer
MW 1130-2:30 Hist 1301 MHS
MW 230-4:00 Stud Support Midlo 115A
M 4:20-5:40 GOV 2306 Global
T 2:00-3:30 GOV2305 Global
T/Th 10:00-11:00 Stud Support Virtual
Description
3 lec (3 Cr.) 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. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of instructor.
Objectives
Upon completion of the core curriculum, students are expected to demonstrate competence in all of the core objectives listed in the college catalog. The overall content of this course is designed to enhance skills in each of the following 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 - ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision making
Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Outcomes
Student Learning Outomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the 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.
Required and Optional Materials
Visit the Navarro College Bookstore: College Bookstore (http://bookstore.navarrocollege.edu/home)
American Government
Author: Krutz & Waskiewicz
Publisher: OpenStax
Edition: 3e
ISBN: Digital PDF ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-38-1
Optional
Availability: Free Online Access Price: FREE!!
Reliable Computer & Internet Access
Students taking GOVT courses are required to have a reliable computer and internet access for the entire duration of the course. If a student has computer or internet issues, they will need to come to the nearest NC location to use computers at a computer lab OR borrow one from a friend or family member. If students are planning to be on vacation or have other plans, a computer and internet are still required while they are gone so that work can be completed by the due dates.
Assignments and Activities
|
Course Calendar |
|
|
|
Chapter |
Graded Assignments |
Due Date |
|
Orientation Assignments |
Syllabus Quiz and Intro Discussion Board |
1/23/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch.1- American Government and Civic Engagement |
Chapter Quiz & Video Quiz |
1/30/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 2- The Constitution and Its Origins |
Chapter Quiz, Structure of Congress Activities, and Exploring the Constitution Quizzes |
2/6/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 3- American Federalism |
Chapter Quiz |
2/13/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 4- Civil Liberties |
Chapter Quiz |
2/20/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 5- Civil Rights |
Chapter Quiz |
2/27/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Midterm Exam |
Exam in class using Lockdown browser proctored by Professor Venable |
3/3/26 |
|
Ch. 6- The Politics of Public Opinion |
Chapter Quiz |
3/20/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
|
Essay Prompt Civil Liberties Major Assignments |
3/25/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 7- Voting and Elections |
Chapter Quiz & Political Socialization Activity |
3/27/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 9- Political Parties |
Chapter Quiz and Political Party Activity |
4/2/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 10- Interest Groups and Lobbying |
Chapter Quiz |
4/10/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 11- Congress |
Chapter Quiz & Congressional Committees Activity |
4/17/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Ch. 12- The Presidency |
Chapter Quiz |
5/1/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
|
Community Engagement Activity (present in class) |
4/21/26 |
|
Ch. 13- The Courts |
Chapter Quiz & Judicial Review Assignment |
5/8/2026 @ 11:00 pm |
|
Final Exam |
Exam via Canvas using lockdown browser with Professor Venable as proctor |
5/12/26 |
Assignments for the Course
Summary of Graded Work:
Major Assignments: These writing assignments will constitute 30% of the course grade. There will be four in the course.
Midterm and Final Exams will constitute 15% each for a total of 30% of the course grade.
Teacher created quizzes/assignments will vary and will constitute 35% of the grade.
Orientation assignments will constitute 5%.
Grading Criteria
Grading criteria will conform to the established policy of Navarro College, as stated in the College catalog:
A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F= Below 60%.
Grading criteria for certain programs, including those in the health professions, may differ. Grading criteria for such courses or programs may be located in the course syllabus and/or program handbook.
Course Policies
Instructional Modalities
Description of instructional modalities:
Face to Face: Face to face courses are taught in a traditional classroom format.
Hybrid: Courses classified as “Hybrid” in the course schedule (identified with the letter ‘H’ in the course section designation) will use a combination of face-to-face classroom and online instructional methods. A minimum of 50 percent of the course must be taught online to be classified as a hybrid course.
Online: Students must have regular access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, either on campus or in a personal setting, to complete all assignments.
In addition to traditional lecture, Navarro College uses the Canvas Learning Management System to provide course materials and activities assigned by the instructor.
Access user information here: Canvas Guide for Students
(https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/tkb-p/student)
To access Canvas:
- Go to: mynavarrocollege.edu (https://mync.navarrocollege.edu/)
- Enter your User Name and Password
- Click on the Canvas icon and locate your course on the Canvas Dashboard.
Final Exams
Students are required to take final exams during the posted final exam week and should not make travel reservations or other plans which would require them to request a rescheduled final. Requests to take final exams early, or at a time other than indicated on the final exam schedule, must be approved by the appropriate Dean and are granted only in exceptional circumstances. Personal or family travel plans are not deemed as exceptional circumstances.
Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting
Students may choose to share personal information or experiences, as appropriate, in written assignments, class discussions, presentations, and conferences with instructors. While instructors and other college employees will strive to keep personal student information private, they are required to report information about sexual misconduct, childhood abuse, and criminal activity to the proper authorities.
Course Content and Rigor
College-level courses may include controversial, sensitive, and/or adult material. Students are expected to have the readiness for college-level rigor and content.
All Navarro College students are required to use their Navarro College email to correspond with instructors and other Navarro College personnel.
Student Conduct
All students enrolled in classes at Navarro College shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. Behavior deemed by the instructor to be disruptive may result in the student being dropped from the course.
Subject to Change
The Course Syllabus and/or the Course Calendar may be changed as the term progresses at the discretion of the department and/or instructor.
Late/Make-Up Work
All work must be completed by the due date. Late Exams and Writing Assignments may be taken late at a reduced grade. 20% per day will be deducted. Make up exams are given at the discretion of the instructor and are rarely given except in cases of the death of immediate family members or hospitalization of the student and all require documentation before the makeup exam will be scheduled. Participation in extracurricular activities do not extend due dates. The student is responsible for making arrangements with Mrs. Venable to take exams or quizzes before the date they will miss the class administration.
Procrastination Policy
***WHILE IT IS YOUR PREROGATIVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK IN THE COURSE, IT IS NOT ADVISED. If you attempt to complete your work at the last minute and encounter technical difficulties, and there is not enough time to get help (college is closed, after-hours, etc), you will be responsible for late penalties (if applicable) or subject to receiving a 0 on the assignment. It is advised that you leave plenty of time for unforeseeable problems to occur.
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Students are expected to do their own work at all times. Cheating is a serious offense with serious consequences which may include any of the following: a grade of zero, course failure, or removal from a program.
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, to "plagiarize" means:
to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own to use (another's production) without crediting the source to commit literary theft to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
Please refer to Navarro College's Academic Integrity Policy Links to an external site.
(http://navarrocollege.edu/handbook/tableof-contents/academic-decorum/academic-integrity/)to ensure that you understand Navarro College's policy about Academic Dishonesty.
If you still wish to learn more about Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism, please visit this website Links to an external site.
No Use of AI
As part of our commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment, this course’s instructor acknowledges the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating generative AI tools into course assignments. New developments in Generative AI are ever-changing, and while AI can learn, it cannot learn for us. As such, students are not permitted to use generative AI tools in this course. Any student using AI to write, develop, create, or inspire work is considered a form of academic dishonesty and will be processed as such following the guidelines for Academic Dishonesty in the Student Handbook.
Faculty Drop Policy
***WHILE IT IS YOUR PREROGATIVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK IN THE COURSE, IT IS NOT ADVISED. If you attempt to complete your work at the last minute and encounter technical difficulties, and there is not enough time to get help (college is closed, after-hours, etc), you will be responsible for late penalties (if applicable) or subject to receiving a 0 on the assignment. It is advised that you leave plenty of time for unforeseeable problems to occur.
Proctored Testing Policy
Midterm (March 3rd) and Final Exams (May 12) are taken in class on Canvas using lockdown browser with Professor Venable as proctor.
Institutional Policies
Students are expected and required to have read the Student Handbook and to consult appropriate sections of the College Catalog for general academic information.
Attendance and Preparation
Face to Face and Hybrid Attendance:
In Class Attendance Policy:
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a course. However, the instructor may drop a student for excessive absenteeism if, in the judgment of the instructor, the student cannot complete the course successfully. Excessive absenteeism is when a student accumulates the equivalent of two weeks of absences in a 16-week semester.
16-week semester:
10 absences in a five-day a week course
8 absences in a four-day a week course
6 absences in three-day a week course
4 absences in a two-day a week course 2 absences in a one-day a week course
12-week semester:
6 absences in a four-day a week course
4 absences in three-day a week course 3 absences in a two-day a week course
8-week semester:
2 absences in two-day week course
6-week semester:
3 absences in a four-day a week course
2 absences in two-day week course
3-week semester:
2 absences
Online Attendance:
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a course. However, the instructor may drop a student for excessive absenteeism if, in the judgment of the instructor, the student cannot complete the course successfully. Excessive absenteeism in an online class is when a student has not completed assignments and/or had contact with the instructor for the equivalent of two consecutive weeks.
The attendance policy for certain programs may be more stringent than the general standard due to clinical requirements or requirements of approving agencies. Faculty will discuss the course attendance policy at the beginning of each semester; however, students are responsible for reviewing the course syllabus and outline of each class and knowing the attendance requirements for the course. Students not attending classes may be dropped.
A student’s request for an excused absence shall be in writing and shall be delivered by the student personally or electronically to the instructor of each class. Students should refer to the Navarro College Student Handbook for additional information.
Any student who wishes to dispute a decision concerning his/her absence should follow the Student/Instructor Conflict Resolution procedures in a timely fashion and as described in the current Navarro College Student Handbook.
Additional information regarding attendance requirements is available in the Navarro College
Catalog. College Catalog (https://catalog.navarrocollege.edu/current/)
You may drop this class by completing an online form. It is the student's responsibility to visit with his or her instructor concerning course status before submitting the required paperwork to the Office of Admissions and Records to drop this class. Additional information about dropping a class may be found in the Navarro College Catalog: Dropping and/or Adding Courses
(https://catalog.navarrocollege.edu/current/academic-policies-and-information/academicpolicies/dropping-and-or-adding-courses.html)
Failure to withdraw by the deadline may result in your name remaining on the class roll, resulting in a grade of ‘F’ at the end of the semester.
If you are pregnant, have given birth, have absences related to pregnancy, or foresee any educational issues related to pregnancy, under Title IX you have a right to request reasonable accommodations. The choice to inform the college of any health concern is voluntary, but if you wish to have accommodations, you must contact the Navarro College Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at 903-875-7377.
If you are receiving financial aid grants or loans, you must attend and participate in all classes from the first class day. Do not drop or stop attending any class without consulting the Financial Aid Office. Changes in your enrollment level and/or failing grades may require you to repay financial aid funds.
All students receiving Veterans Administration (VA) benefits must notify the Veteran’s Certifying Official of any enrollment changes as soon as they are made. The Veterans Affairs benefit recipient needs to be aware that the VA may require repayment of all benefits received since the beginning of a semester for any course in which a “W” grade is received
According to current Texas law, dropping a course may have serious academic consequences. Under most circumstances, a maximum of 6 courses may be dropped throughout the entire undergraduate degree program. Before you decide to withdraw from this or any other course, make sure you understand the consequences. For more information see the Office of the Registrar.
Proctored Testing
This course may require one or more assignments to be administered in a proctored setting. Those assignments will be identified in the course syllabus. Identified assignments must be administered in an approved testing environment.
What is an approved testing center?
- Any Navarro College Testing Center location
- A proctored high school testing site* (see below)
- A different college, or university testing center or proctoring site* (see below)
- A virtual proctoring setting, if permitted by the instructor
Navarro College offers free proctored testing (by appointment only) to all current Navarro College students. Visit the Navarro College Testing Center (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/testingcenter/testing-hours-contact.html) site for details. All NC Testing Centers are approved locations.
*Students requesting permission to complete an exam with a different proctor, such as a dual credit high school proctor or testing center at another college or university, must submit the Proctor Agreement Form at the beginning of the semester. The form is located on the Navarro College Online Testing page (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/online-learning/online-testing.html). While proctored testing is available at all Navarro College Testing Centers at no charge to NC students, other colleges and universities may charge a fee for this service. Students are responsible for any fees related to testing at other locations.
What is a virtual proctoring setting?
Your professor may allow you, at their discretion, to be proctored in a virtual setting. Assignments requiring a proctor, identified in the course syllabus, will indicate whether or not virtual proctoring is allowed. Virtual proctoring is a privilege and may be revoked by the instructor at any time.
Verification Process for all proctored exams:
Students will be required to verify their identity, by presenting a valid photo ID, when testing in a proctored environment
Exams are not valid until reviewed by the instructor
Students are responsible for creating a secure testing environment
MyNC Single Sign-On
MyNC Single Sign-On: mync.navarrocollege.edu (https://mync.navarrocollege.edu/)
The MyNC Single Sign-On page provides one-stop access to several student resources, such as Canvas, Office365 (Student Email), and Self-Service.
For Login Assistance:
Navarro College Contact Center (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/contact-center.html)
Phone: (903) 875-7416
Email: contactcenter@navarrocollege.edu
Your privacy is extremely important. Please do not share your account information with anyone.
Links to Important Information
Classroom Decorum: Classroom Decorum (https://catalog.navarrocollege.edu/current/academicpolicies-and-information/academic-policies/classroom-decorum.html)
Includes: Civility, Being a Successful Student, Classroom Decorum, Change of Grade, Grade Challenge
Procedure, Academic Dishonesty, and User Responsibilities for IT Resources/Penalties for Violation of Technology Policy, Tobacco Use Policy
Academic Integrity: Academic Integrity Policy (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/boardpolicies/sectionf/section-fkb-3.html)
College Catalog: College Catalog (https://catalog.navarrocollege.edu/current/)
Campus Safety: Department of Campus Safety (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/campussafety/index.html)
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): FERPA Policy
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/registrar/ferpa-directory-nondisclosure.html)
Student Rights and Responsibilities: Rights and Responsibilities Policy
(https://catalog.navarrocollege.edu/current/academic-policies-and-information/studentpolicies/student-rights-and-responsibilities.html)
Student Handbook: Official Student Handbook (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/handbook/)
Links to Campus Services
Bulldog Life: Learning. Living. Launching: Bulldog Life (https://navarrocollege.edu/bulldog-life/)
Navarro College's Bulldog Life is a student success service to all students. Opportunities include Canvas courses, meaningful activities, Culture of Caring and travel opportunities. Bulldog Life is a selfguided experience. We know that every student is in a different stage in life.
Bulldog Mental Wellness Center (BMWC) : Bulldog Mental Wellness Center (BMWC)
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/counseling/index.html)
Navarro College employs Licensed Professional Counselors that serve all Navarro College locations with in-person and virtual sessions. All on-location services are free and confidential; off-location mental health referrals may be necessary.
Testing Center Hours and Contact Information: Testing Center
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/testing-center/testing-hours-contact.html)
One-week advance notice is strongly recommended for testing appointments.
Online Proctored Testing Information: Online Learning Proctoring (Testing)
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/online-learning/online-testing.html)
Library Services: Navarro College Libraries (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/library/index.html)
Tutorial Services: Tutoring Services (https://www.navarrocollege.edu/tutoring-services/index.html)
Accessibility and Accommodations Services: Office of Accessibility and Accommodations
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/disability/)
The goal of the Navarro College Office of Accessibility and Accommodations is to provide reasonable accommodations and facilitate equal access to all services and programs at Navarro College.
Students requesting support services through the Navarro College Office of Accessibility &
Accommodations are required to submit documentation after admission to Navarro College to verify eligibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Title IX Accommodations Related to Pregnancy:
If you are pregnant, have given birth, have absences related to pregnancy, or foresee any educational issues related to pregnancy, under Title IX you have a right to request reasonable accommodations. The choice to inform the college of any health concern is voluntary, but if you wish to have accommodations, you must contact the Navarro College Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at 903-875-7377.
__________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________
Student Support and Administrative Services: Support Services
(https://www.navarrocollege.edu/support-services/)
Academic Integrity
The college expects all students to do their own schoolwork at all times. Any student guilty of dishonesty in academic work is subject to instructional consequences as defined in the course syllabus or departmental handbook and may include any of the following: a grade of zero, course failure, or removal from the program. A faculty member may begin such action if a student is accused of “cheating on academic work.” Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
- Copying from another person’s test paper or academic work;
- Using, during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
- Collaborating without authority with another person during an examination or in preparing academic work;
- Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a test prior to its being fully administered or without permission;
- Substituting for another student or permitting another person to substitute for oneself to take a test or prepare other academic work;
- Stealing and deliberately using ideas or writings of others without giving written credit to them (plagiarism); and
- Using an AI-content generator (such as ChatGPT) to complete coursework without proper attribution or authorization;
- Submitting one's own work which has been previously published or submitted for another class. Reusing or re-purposing previously submitted work is referred to as self-plagiarism and is considered cheating.
Students who are unsure whether something may be plagiarism or academic dishonesty should contact their instructor to discuss the issue prior to the assignment due date and before submitting the assignment.
When a student is accused of academic dishonesty, the faculty member and the student will attempt to reach a resolution first and based on the course syllabus. If no resolution is achieved, the student may appeal to the appropriate instructional dean for review of the decision made by the instructor.
If the incident includes a violation of a departmental program requirement as stated in the course syllabus or departmental handbook, a student’s written appeal should be reviewed through the instructional chain of command.
Only non-instructional testing violations occurring in the testing center (e.g., TSI, GED testing) may result in disciplinary review by Student Services.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|