Texas Government Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2306-007 Texas Government

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Origin and development of the Texas Constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy and the political culture of Texas.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Gibson, L. Tucker and Clay Robinson. “Choices:  Custom Resources for Political Science, 8^th edition,
ISBN # 1256620238. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2011

Supplies

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

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.

2. Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.

3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.

5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.

6. Analyze the state and local election process.

7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of 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

\ 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. 

\ Cell phones will be allowed in the classroom but only in 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

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = 59 or below

Exam average will count one-hundred (100) percent of the total grade.

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 exams 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.  There will be no makeup for missing the scheduled time for exam 4.  Early testing for exam 4 will be permitted.

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 ten (10) highest scores of the assignments completed will be  averaged and used to replace the lowest grade on one of the four required exams.  Failure to complete the assignments will  have no affect on the required exam scores.  Assignments turned in past the deadline will have five (5) points deducted from the grade.

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. 

Extra Credit: A student may earn twenty (20) additional points by writing four (4) letters to their elected representatives in government to express an opinion or concern they have about an issue.  The issue must be related to the representative's area of government and topics may not be duplicated to different representatives.  On letter may be substituted by showing a valid voter registration card to the Instructor.  Student letters may be reviewed by college officials for other academic evaluations.  For additional details see the handout instructions from the instructor.  Extra credit will be due during the 14th week of the semester.

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.  Student attendance is recorded for reference as needed by college officials.

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.  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 that is necessary to balance and control the power of government.

It is not the instructor's objective to convert a student to a particular political or partisan position, but encourage students to grapple with and engage in assessing the material to form their own position.