Government of Texas Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

GOVT-2306-004 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Gibson, L. Tucker and Clay Robinson. Government and Politics of the Lone Star State: Theory and Practice.  Seventh Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2011

Supplies

Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils and 4 green Scantron forms (Form No. 882-E) for the exams.

Student Performance

After Studying the Material Presented in this Course of Study, the Student will be able to:

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.
2. List and describe the three branches of government in Texas.
3. Know the Constitutional powers and limitation of political actors in Texas.
4. Identify and define the rights of Texas Citizens.
5. Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.
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.
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.
8. Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interests groups and elections.
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.
10. Explain local government structures, functions and organizations in Texas.

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 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 NOT allowed in class. 

Electronic Devices: All devices must be turned off during class. No texting, no Tweeting, no message checking, and no camera use.

Academic dishonesty: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment.

 

Grading Criteria

Exams: There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final examination on Monday, May 9, 10:30AM. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. Each exam is worth 30% of the final grade for a total of 90% of the final grade. Students are allowed to drop their lowest exam grade other than the final exam. Students may not drop the final exam.

Makeup Exams: There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor. If a student misses an exam without prearrangement with the instructor, that exam becomes the exam that the student will drop. If the student misses a second exam without prearrangement with the instructor, this becomes the course that the student should drop.

Class participation grade.

Since some portion of the readings will be presented and discussed in class during virtually every class period, all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.  It is obviously impossible to add much to classroom discussion if you are absent, therefore, attendance is heavily considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  Class participation is 10% of the final grade.  Students with perfect attendance will have two points added to their final grades at the end of the semester.  Students with 1 absence will receive 1 point.  Additionally, the instructor reserves the right to deduct points from the class participation grade for behavior detrimental to the class.  Prohibited behavior which tends to result in the loss of class participation points is surveyed below under behavior policy.

Evaluation/Grade Scale
Grades for courses shall be recorded by the symbols below:

Symbol Percentage
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F below 60

Synopsis of Grading
                                                                                                Total

Highest two exam scores, plus final (30% each),                           90%

Class Participation Grade                                                            10%

Total                                                                                         100%

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Attendance counts heavily in determining the class participation grade. Tardies count as one third of an absence and over 20 minutes tardy counts as an absence. Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy. Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence.

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.

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.

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.