Government of Texas Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

GOVT-2306-006 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED BOOKS:
Title:  Texas Politics Today
Edition:   2011-2012 Edition
Author:  Maxwell, Crain, and Santos, et. al.
ISBN:   978-0-495-90948-4

NOTE:   Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook/Readers for this course.  It is very easy in the hectic early days of a new term to glance at a card in the bookstore and select the wrong books.  It is also possible for a student to get conflicting advice from others, including bookstore personnel who mean well, but may be misinformed about the correct books for the proper Professor.  So be sure to go online, print-out-a-copy of the Syllabus and bring it with you when buying your books.  If in doubt, buy what is listed on the Syllabus, then sort out any issues later.  The Syllabus is the final word on which book is correct, so read it carefully and buy accordingly.

Supplies

Students will be tested, on average, once a week over the course of the 16 week term.  Each student must purchase and bring to class within the first two weeks, two packages of 6 Scantrons which can be f

Student Performance

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

\
1. \ List and describe three branches of government in Texas.
\
2. \ Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.
\
3. \ Identify and define the rights of Texas Citizens.
\
4. \ Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.
\
5. \ 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.
\
6. \ Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest groups, and elections.
\
7. \ 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.
\
8. \ Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.
\

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

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

DISABILITY STATEMENT:    Any student, who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (SSC 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.
 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student.  The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.  
 

NOTE:  If a student misses class, it is the student’s responsibility to get class notes from another student.  DO NOT ASK THE PROFESSOR FOR THE NOTES.
 

STUDY GROUPS:  Student-led study groups are encouraged.  The professor will provide, if requested, a secure-web forum for each individual study group.  But, never forget that I am also available to you and will gladly help during my Office Hours or Appointments. 

CELL PHONES:  Cell phone, pagers or any electronic device that might disturb the classroom must be turned off during the class period or it will be confiscated.
 

CHEATING:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat on one of the examinations.  Students caught looking at another student’s test or using materials other than those allowed will have their examinations confiscated and, at minimum, receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student’s record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).  

BEHAVIOR POLICY: To the mature adults who are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus.  Unfortunately, past behavior by your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion.  Students are expected to behave in a manner befitting adults with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the Professor, and the College. This is not middle school, elementary school, nor Lad ‘N’ Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of the aforementioned.  In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are included as examples of behavior which may result in permanent expulsion from this class.  A student will receive one verbal warning only.  Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period.  A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement.

 Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. sleeping, head on desk
2. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means
3. banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor
4. passing notes
5. disrespect for fellow students
6. wearing headphones
7. disrespectful comments
8. eating
9. cheating in any form
10. disruptive talking/visiting between students
11. any other disruptive behavior
12. doing homework related to this class or any other
13. moving from desk to desk, walking around room
14. throwing paper wads or any other objects
15. knitting, needlepoint, other arts and crafts

The instructor reserves the right to assign seating if necessary to preserve order.  Contrary to what you are probably now thinking, it is not my intention to design a class which is a prison camp for college students.  I am in favor of having fun in class perhaps as much as anyone; however, it must not be at the expense of an environment conducive to learning.
 

Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.

Grading Criteria

Required Exams:  12 quizzes.  Students may drop four (4) of the first 11 quizzes, BUT everyone must take the last Quiz, scheduled the last day of class and the score from Quiz #12 counts!

QUIZ SCHEDULE:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered every day the class meets during the 16 weeks of the term with a few exceptions.  Some tests will be given at the start of class, while others will be taken at the close of the hour depending upon the material.  There may, however, be a few exceptions as dictated by the amount of classroom discussion, weather, and so on, which might require testing twice on the same day during class meetings.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day.  Students will also need to provide the Professor with 12 Scantrons by the end of second WEEK of class.  All Scantrons will be distributed along with the Quiz by Professor Powell.  No student will be allowed to use a Scantron already in their possession for any Quiz.  In fact, no material at all may be on any student's desk during the Testing period, except the Quiz, Scantron, and the #2 Pencil.  No Student will be allowed to take any Quiz if they arrive late to the class on Test Day.  Numerous complaints from students who felt that people arriving late while they are attempting to concentrate on the Test caused them to do poorly, so this rule is driven entirely by student demand for as quiet a learning environment as the large class sizes permit.  So on Exam Day, BE On Time or you will not be allowed to take the Quiz.  If you are late on a Testing Day, please wait outside the room until you are sure that the Quiz is over and then enter so that you may participate in the rest of the class for that date.  The same rule applies to leaving the room while the Exam is still in progress. That activity creates similar disruption for some, so to be fair to all, no one enters or leaves the classroom while an Exam is in progress.  Since these are only a maximum of 15 minutes, it should not be an undue burden on anyone. 

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE:  All Quizzes are worth 12.5% of your course grade.  There are 12 of these Quizzes, but only 8, including the last one will be used to determine all averages.  Students may drop four (4) of the first 11 Quizzes, BUT everyone must take the last Quiz and the score from Quiz #12 counts!  There is NO extra credit offered.  Remember, each student is being allowed to Drop one-third of their scores to assist those who must miss a Quiz or have outside obligations.  So there is no Extra Credit allowed.

GRADE SCALE:
A          90 and above
B          80-89
C         70-79
D         60-69
F          Failing (below 60)

MAKE-UP POLICY:  There are no make-up quizzes or assignments under any circumstances.  A missed quiz will simply become a dropped score -- no exceptions.  There is NO extra credit offered.  Remember, everyone must drop four of the first 11 Quizzes but ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE LAST Quiz and the score will count.

RULES GOVERNING QUIZZES:

The goal is to test students often using 10 question quizzes that will be done in-class during a 15 minute window of time.  I plan to stop lecturing at an appropriate point in the material, and then administer the Quiz during a 15 minute time slot on that day. There may, however, be circumstances that require giving the Quiz during the first 15 minutes of a class, so on-time attendance is crucial.  The quiz will begin on time and no one who arrives after that point will be allowed to take that day’s test.  There will be no use of notes or books, and positively no ELECTRONIC DEVICES of any type will be allowed on the desk while the Quiz is underway.  Students must have a completely clear desk with only the Quiz, a single Scantron and a #2 pencil for the duration of the Quiz.  All other materials, including any personal items must be placed beneath the desk and out-of-sight for the duration of the testing period.  When they have completed their Quiz, each student must turn it in and SIGN the roll sheet for that day, then return quietly to their seat. REMINDER:  No one leaves the room while the exam is in progress.  The penalty for doing so is a failing grade for that exam.  Repeat violations will be dealt with by the Division Chair.   Any Scantron without a corresponding student signature will not be considered a valid Quiz and becomes a drop grade for the student in question.  Students are responsible for remembering to sign the roll sheet for the day.  There are 12 quizzes in the semester and I will grant four drop scores and will base the final grade on the last quiz, plus the best seven previous grades.  This allows for a student to miss due to illness, car trouble and so on without any worry of damaging their grade.

The issue of not having a Scantron on Test Day is addressed by requiring each enrolled student to provide the Professor with 12 Scantrons early in the Term.  Professor Powell will then distribute both the Quiz and a Scantron to each student when the Test is ready to be taken.   Late arrivals will not be allowed to take a quiz once the exam has been handed out and is underway so be sure to be on-time and remain for the entire class!

For those students who require “special” accommodation, they must take the Quiz on the same day as all other students and as close to the time it is being administered as possible.  For example, if the Quiz is being taken at the end of the 0730 class period it would start at 0830 and end at 0845.  If the student has an 0900 class, but not a 1030 class, they must report to the appropriate testing location to take the Quiz as close to 1030 as possible.  They must, of course, bring their own Scantron and pencil and follow all other applicable rules with the exception of any previously approved accommodations by all parties involved.  A student who requires a “time and one-half” extension for the Quiz may, for example, be granted 23 minutes to complete the Quiz by rounding up to the next higher full minute.  All other restrictions as to the use of books, notes, electronic devices, including computers, iPods, cell phones, etc. will be in effect.  Note, if the student does not have an intervening class, they must leave the lecture hall and report directly to the appropriate testing location where a Quiz will be waiting for them.  They may not use any outside assistance, such as books, notes or any electronic devices just like their fellow classmates.    

Attendance

Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this course.  See AC Student Handbook for guidelines. 

NOTE:  This is a hybrid course which meets once a week for lecture requiring student attendance. This is NOT an online course.

QUIZ SCHEDULE:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered every day the class meets during the 16 weeks of the term with a few exceptions.  Some tests will be given at the start of class, while others will be taken at the close of the hour depending upon the material.  There may, however, be a few exceptions as dictated by the amount of classroom discussion, weather, and so on, which might require testing twice on the same day during class meetings.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day.  Students will also need to provide the Professor with 12 Scantrons by the end of second WEEK of class.

Calendar

Additional Information

AC Online Course Webpage:  Students can access the associated course webpage on the Internet through the AC Online Course Server at  https://actx.angellearning.com/default.asp or from the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/.   Students will be able to view their quiz scores, review the syllabus, find additional study help, and more.  All electronic correspondence between student and Professor needs to be conducted through the AC Online -- Course Home Page – E-mail found under the Communications tab.

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:  It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before APRIL 19, 2012.

COPYRIGHT OF COURSE:  The course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. The content of this class is copyrighted and protected under laws similar to those governing more traditional materials such as books or articles.   Therefore, audio recorders must have PRIOR approval of the instructor and cannot be disseminated beyond personal use and no visual reproductions or photographs are allowed under any circumstances.

HOLIDAYS:  No class will be held on the following dates:
March 12 - 16, 2012 -- Spring Break Holiday
April 6, 2012 -- Good Friday Holiday

**Changes or adjustments in course material, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.