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-2306-002 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Adams:  Understanding Texas Government, bundled with print, ISBN# 0-9767783-8-6     UT Publishing

Supplies

\ Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones have numerous problems with the Exams and Quizzes in this course. All students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet access when taking Exams and

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 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 that Constitution.
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10. \ Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.
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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

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

During discussions in the course; students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the debate can be heated; however, it is appropriate to attack a certain argument or point of view, but it is never appropriate to attack the person who is posting information with which you may disagree.

Grading Criteria

\ A = 90 - 100
\ B = 80 - 89
\ C = 70 - 79
\ D = 60 - 69
\ F = 0 - 59

\ Makeup exams and discussions at professor's discretion.

Attendance

\ Attendance and/or participation requirements in courses delivered electronically (telecourses and on-line courses) will be unique to the individual course.
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\ The regular online Texas Government course will not have any on campus meetings. Students must log on to this course in AC Online on the first day of regular classes and follow the instructions for the course. If a student needs individual assistance they can contact me to work out the problems or schedule an appointment.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ There is a Start Here page under the Lessons Tab when you log in to the course. All students should read and understand ALL of the information that is contained on that Start Here page. This will save ALL students a lot of time and frustration.

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\ http://www.actx.edu