Course Syllabus
Federal Government
GOVT-2305
Summer 2 2026 Section NT3 3.0 Credits 07/09/2026 to 08/13/2026 Modified 07/09/2026
Based on recommendations from the CDC and other governmental agencies, the content delivery method for this course may need to be modified.
Meeting Times
Online Course
There are no face to face meetings of this course.
Proctored Testing Dates
If this course requires proctored exams using Lockdown Browser and a Webcam.
Midterm 7/20-23
Final August 10-12
Contact Information
Professor: Jennifer Stewart Venable
Email: jennifer.venable@navarrocollege.edu OR the Canvas Inbox (Look to the left for the Inbox icon).
Instructor: Professor Jennifer Stewart Venable
Office: Online Virtual office Hours via email and Teams
Phone: 972.923.7247
Instructor Email: jennifer.venable@navarrocollege.edu OR the Canvas Inbox
(https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-send-a-message-to-auser-in-a-course-in-the-Inbox-as-a/ta-p/502) (Look to the left for the Inbox icon).
Communication: emails are answered every business day, emails received on weekend will be returned on Monday.
Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours are available by appointment Mon-Thur.
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
Assignments for the Course
Summary of Graded Work:
Your grade will be determined by the following:
30 % Exams-
35% Teacher Created Assignments
30% Major Assignments
5% First Week Assignments-
100%- Total
✓ 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.
Late/Make-Up Work
MAKE UP / LATE POLICY
All work is expected to be completed by the due date, but if students are late these are the policies for the individual kinds of assignments.
The Major Government Assignments may be submitted late at a reduced grade. 20% per day will be deducted. After the 5 days days, the assignment is not worth anything so even if you submit it, it will not be worth any credit.
In class activities, exams and quizzes must be taken in-class on the day scheduled. In-class activities are conducted in class and credit can only be given to students who are in the class and ACTIVELY participating.
Teacher Created Assignments in Canvas may be completed late but they lose 20% per day, so it is important to complete the work on time. After 5 days there is no more credit.
Make-up work for in-class activities, quizzes, or exams is granted only at the instructor’s discretion and is rarely approved. Make-ups are considered only in cases of:
The death of an immediate family member hospitalization of the student An official, college-sponsored event
All of these situations require official documentation before a make-up will be scheduled. Students must be present on the day of any quiz or exam unless they have an excused absence. Unexcused absences will not qualify for a make-up. Routine doctor’s appointments, work obligations, or personal events should be scheduled outside of class time.
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. If you miss an exam, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to make up the exam with Mrs. Venable. Your high school proctor must be present when you take your exam at an agreed upon time between you and Mrs. Venable. If you take an exam with no proctor, you will receive no credit. If you do not have documentation of any sort for your absence, you may take the exam but penalties will apply. Your final exam cannot be taken late for any reason.
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.
You may not use AI on Core Writing Assignments - your papers will be turned in through Turnitin to determine originality. Using AI will result in a zero.
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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
Attendance Policy Regular (daily or weekly) online work is a key element for student. Although the instructor MAY withdraw a student from the class for insufficient participation the RESPONSIBILITY for dropping a class belongs to the student! Insufficient participation is defined as not logging in and completing assignments for the equivalent of two consecutive weeks. If you are unable to complete the course, you should formally drop it. If more than five assignments are missed then a student MAY be dropped from the course for non-participation. If a student misses an entire unit of work the student may be dropped from the course.
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.
AI Usage Statement
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.
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.
Learning Outcomes
All course materials, including textbooks and ancillary materials, must align with Student Learning
Outcomes (SLOs) or Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) as outlined in the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board’s published Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM), Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), or Upper Division Course Manual (UDCM) in which the course or program is listed.
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, as 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 proctored exams:
Students are required to verify their identity by presenting a valid photo ID
Exams are not valid until reviewed by the instructor
Students are responsible for creating a secure testing environment
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.
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/)
Schedule
|
When |
Topic |
Notes |
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Ch.1- American Government and Civic Engagement |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 3- American Federalism |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 5- Civil Rights |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Midterm Week |
Midterm Exam in Canvas |
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Ch. 9- Political Parties |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 11- Congress |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 13- The Courts |
Assignments in Canvas |
Federal Government
GOVT-2305
Summer 2 2026 Section NT3 3.0 Credits 07/09/2026 to 08/13/2026 Modified 07/09/2026
Based on recommendations from the CDC and other governmental agencies, the content delivery method for this course may need to be modified.
Meeting Times
Online Course
There are no face to face meetings of this course.
Proctored Testing Dates
If this course requires proctored exams using Lockdown Browser and a Webcam.
Midterm 7/20-23
Final August 10-12
Contact Information
Professor: Jennifer Stewart Venable
Email: jennifer.venable@navarrocollege.edu OR the Canvas Inbox (Look to the left for the Inbox icon).
Instructor: Professor Jennifer Stewart Venable
Office: Online Virtual office Hours via email and Teams
Phone: 972.923.7247
Instructor Email: jennifer.venable@navarrocollege.edu OR the Canvas Inbox
(https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-send-a-message-to-auser-in-a-course-in-the-Inbox-as-a/ta-p/502) (Look to the left for the Inbox icon).
Communication: emails are answered every business day, emails received on weekend will be returned on Monday.
Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours are available by appointment Mon-Thur.
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
Assignments for the Course
Summary of Graded Work:
Your grade will be determined by the following:
30 % Exams-
35% Teacher Created Assignments
30% Major Assignments
5% First Week Assignments-
100%- Total
✓ 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.
Late/Make-Up Work
MAKE UP / LATE POLICY
All work is expected to be completed by the due date, but if students are late these are the policies for the individual kinds of assignments.
The Major Government Assignments may be submitted late at a reduced grade. 20% per day will be deducted. After the 5 days days, the assignment is not worth anything so even if you submit it, it will not be worth any credit.
In class activities, exams and quizzes must be taken in-class on the day scheduled. In-class activities are conducted in class and credit can only be given to students who are in the class and ACTIVELY participating.
Teacher Created Assignments in Canvas may be completed late but they lose 20% per day, so it is important to complete the work on time. After 5 days there is no more credit.
Make-up work for in-class activities, quizzes, or exams is granted only at the instructor’s discretion and is rarely approved. Make-ups are considered only in cases of:
The death of an immediate family member hospitalization of the student An official, college-sponsored event
All of these situations require official documentation before a make-up will be scheduled. Students must be present on the day of any quiz or exam unless they have an excused absence. Unexcused absences will not qualify for a make-up. Routine doctor’s appointments, work obligations, or personal events should be scheduled outside of class time.
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. If you miss an exam, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to make up the exam with Mrs. Venable. Your high school proctor must be present when you take your exam at an agreed upon time between you and Mrs. Venable. If you take an exam with no proctor, you will receive no credit. If you do not have documentation of any sort for your absence, you may take the exam but penalties will apply. Your final exam cannot be taken late for any reason.
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.
You may not use AI on Core Writing Assignments - your papers will be turned in through Turnitin to determine originality. Using AI will result in a zero.
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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
Attendance Policy Regular (daily or weekly) online work is a key element for student. Although the instructor MAY withdraw a student from the class for insufficient participation the RESPONSIBILITY for dropping a class belongs to the student! Insufficient participation is defined as not logging in and completing assignments for the equivalent of two consecutive weeks. If you are unable to complete the course, you should formally drop it. If more than five assignments are missed then a student MAY be dropped from the course for non-participation. If a student misses an entire unit of work the student may be dropped from the course.
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.
AI Usage Statement
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.
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.
Learning Outcomes
All course materials, including textbooks and ancillary materials, must align with Student Learning
Outcomes (SLOs) or Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) as outlined in the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board’s published Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM), Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), or Upper Division Course Manual (UDCM) in which the course or program is listed.
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, as 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 proctored exams:
Students are required to verify their identity by presenting a valid photo ID
Exams are not valid until reviewed by the instructor
Students are responsible for creating a secure testing environment
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.
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/)
Schedule
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When |
Topic |
Notes |
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Ch.1- American Government and Civic Engagement |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 3- American Federalism |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 5- Civil Rights |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Midterm Week |
Midterm Exam in Canvas |
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Ch. 9- Political Parties |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 11- Congress |
Assignments in Canvas |
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Ch. 13- The Courts |
Assignments in Canvas |
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|