Government of Texas Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Gibson & Robison: Government & Politics in the Lone Star State: Theory & Practice, Custom Edition for Amarillo College, Prentice Hall (Pearson)

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\ Avara:  What WE Should Have Learned in High School About Money, Sex and Marriage.", 2nd Edition.  Pearson Publishing.  2010.

Supplies

\ Paper and writing utensils.  Access to a reliable computer is necessary.

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

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

\ 1.  Come to Class prepared.

\ 2.  Listen when others are speaking.

\ 3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

\ 4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class period.

\ 5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you please talk to me.

\ 6.  Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.

\ 7.  Cell phones should be turned off before class begins.  If you feel you have an exception, see me.

Grading Criteria

There are 430 total points available (not including extra credit assignment) :

A = 430-387

B = 386-344

C = 343-301

D = 300-258

F = 257 or below

Class Participation is mandatory. Lack of participation will result in an entire grade deduction when I calculate final grades.

Extra Credit Assignment:  Read the book, "What WE Should Have Learned in High School About Money, Sex and Marriage."  Write a two page, double spaced, 12 font, standard margin, paper regarding what you learned from this book.  DUE JULY 18, 2001.  (There is a required quiz over this book.)

Make up Policy:  None - all quizzes are online with due dates. There is no exception to work not being completed on time (sick, kid sick, work, computer problems, etc. Note: AC Online goes down each night from 2 - 4 a.m. You will be kicked off if you try to and take quizzes then.)

NO EXCUSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Attendance

\ INSTRUCTOR ATTENDANCE POLICY:

\ This is a hybrid class.  We will meet two days a week and have assignments online.  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory performance and it is the student's responsibility to attend class.
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Calendar

Additional Information

\ The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or calendar if needed.