Government of Texas Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

GOVT-2306-008 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

Supplies

\ Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils and 4 green Scantron forms (Form No. 883-E) for the exams.

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to:

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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 systems and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.
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2. \ List and describe the three branches of government in Texas.
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3. \ Know the Constitutional powers and limitation 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 of the  issues.
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8. \ Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest 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 the Constitution.
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10. \ Explain local government structure, functions and organizations in Texas.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

\ Students will be expected to follow the guidelines listed in the Amarillo College Handbook. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable and not allowed. In order to produce an environment conducive to learning one must be tolerant of different views, opinions, and perspectives from others. Treat people as you would want them to treat you.  The following is expected as well:

\ Cell phones: Cell phones are only allowed to be used in class when on the silent mode.  Phones may be monitored but not answered during class.  If a student has an emergency they are to step outside of class for cell phone calls.

Grading Criteria

Required Exams:  There will be four exams during the semester and that includes the final exam. Exams will be one hundred (100) percent of the grade and will consist of multiple choice and true and false questions over assigned chapters, study guide material, and lectures. All exams require a scantron, which can be purchased at the A.C. Bookstore, and a number 2 pencil to mark the scantron.  Changing answers on a scantron must be completely erased on a test or the response could be scored incorrect.

Assignments:  Twelve (12) assignments will be given over the course of the semester.  They will be issued in conjunction with the chapters covered in class.  Assignments are take-home and open book with assigned deadlines.  Returned assignments will be graded.  The 10 highest scores of the assignments completed will be  averaged and used to replace the lowest exam score.  Noncompletion of the assignments will  have no affect on the required exam scores.  Assignments turned in late will have five (5) points deducted.

Final Exam:  The final exam will be exam four (4).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material and class lectures presented  after exam three (3). Attendance for exam four (4) is mandatory.  No makeup exams after Exam IV.

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = 59 or below

Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F.

Makeup Policy:  Tests will be scheduled throughout the semester.  If you know in advance you will not be able to take a scheduled test, you should arrange to take the test early or before the next class period, if possible. Students must request a makeup exam if they miss a scheduled exam.  Only one makeup exam will be rescheduled for a missed exam (1, 2, and 3).  Makeup exams will be possible until the next scheduled exam.  The instructor reserves the right to administer makeup exams in other forms.

Extra Credit:  A student may earn twenty (20) additional points for writing four (4) letters to their elected representatives in government to express an opinion or concern they have about an issue in government.  The issue must be related to the representatives area of government.  For additional details, see the handout from your instructor.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Students who do not finish the course and do not formally drop the course through the Registrar's Office will receive a grade of F at the end of the semester.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ The objective of this class is to instill an understanding of the essential facts that our state and local governments are based upon. They are presented in a framework to help the student organize and analyze the broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and their role in the Texas political system.
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\ Our societies depend upon an informed and engaged citizenry that gives attention to the actions of our leaders. As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests. But, a democratic republic depends on our willingness to subordinate ourselves to the interests of the common good is necessary to balance and control the power of government.
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\ The objective here is to present information to help students formulate their own views of government and to inform them of the political processes available to all citizenry. It is not our objective to convert a student to a particular political or partisan position, but to encourage them to grapple with the materials presented and engage in the assessments drawn from this work.