Government of Texas Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

GOVT-2306-005 Government of Texas

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

A study of the background, organization and functions of the State of Texas. A survey of the politics of government.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Gibson & Robison: Government & Politics in the Lone Star State: Theory & Practice, 7th Custom Edition, Pearson Publishing

Supplies

\ Notebook paper, pens, #2 pencils, 15 scantrons, internet access, computer printer access, computer paper

Student Performance

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1. \ Define and describe federalism and other ways of organizing government and know the status of the American states within the federal system and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.
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2. \ List and describe three branches of government in Texas.
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3. \ Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.
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4. \ Identify and define the rights of Texas Citizens.
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5. \ Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.
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6. \ Explain the protection of the individual through the limitations on government power through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.
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7. \ Explain state government policy making and execution as well as critique and analysis of past and present policies.  The student will be able to evaluate and make independent judgments on current and past political problems faced by the state of Texas and conduct systematic inquiry through objective examination the issues.
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8. \ Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interests groups and elections.
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9. \ Explain the historical development of constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the Texas Constitution and the Political system that has developed under that Constitution.
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10. \ Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ Students are expected to comply with Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website.  You may contact the instructor prior to the beginning of any class for questions regarding a deviation from these policies.

\ Students are required to be "E-Free" during this class except for personal computers which may be utilized for note taking ONLY.  No game playing on the personal computers during class.  Internet use on the personal computers during class is forbidden unless under the direction of the instructor.  Use of the following (andy any others which may not be either remembered by the instructor or invented at the time of this syllabus) is forbidden in this class:  ;ipds, mp3 players, iphones, blckberrys, ipads, cell phones of any kind and anything remotely close to these descriptions.  NO TEXTING, NO TWEETING, NO PHONE CALLS, NO MESSAGE CHECKING, NO CAMERA USE, NO NOTHING WITH YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING THIS CLASS.  ALL DEVICES MUST BE IN THE OFF POSITION DURING CLASS TIME.  ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AWAITS THOSE WHO DISREGARD THIS POLICY.

\ Anyone with a legitimate exception to the above may contact the instructor after class with their plea.

Grading Criteria

\ Students will actively utilize their AC Online account to receive class assignments, class announcements and to contact the instructor.  Students without personal internet access are free to use the computer internet terminals in the Amarillo College Lynn Library located on the Washington Street Campus.

\ Grading Criteria:
\ 90 – 100 = A

\ 80 – 89 = B

\ 70 – 79 = C

\ 60 – 69 = D

\ Below 60 = F

\ The averaged grade of weekly assignments will account for 50% of our grade. Weekly assignments may consist of any or all of the following:  chapter worksheets, unannounced in-class written reviews of particular topics, class discussions.  If a student is absent and misses an in-class assignment, the student will receive a 0 for that assignment.  A mid-term and a Final will each count for 25% of your semester grade. There will be no dropping or curving of any grades.

\ Late work will not be accepted.  Makeup exams will not be allowed without prior arrangement having been made with the instructor. Unforeseen circumstances preventing the taking of an exam will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend each and every class. 

Calendar

Additional Information

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