Texas Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course Information

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Course

GOVT-2306-003 Texas Government

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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\ Farmer, ed. Choices: Custom Resoursces for Political Science. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom, 2013. 

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\ Farmer, Brian. R. American Political Ideologies: An Introduction to the Major Systems of Thought in the 21^st Century. Jefferson, NC, and London: McFarland and Company, 2006.

Supplies

Paper, pens and/or pencils.  Access to a computer with reliable internet, printer, printer ink, and printer paper.

 

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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

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

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

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

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

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\ 6. Analyze the state and local election process.

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\ 7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

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\ 8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

\ To the mature adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus. Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion. Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the institution. This is not junior high, elementary school, nor the Lad 'N' Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of them. 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. The instructor reserves the right to assign individual seating if necessary for order in the classroom.
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\ Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:
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\ 1.banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor 

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\ 2. sleeping, head on desk

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\ 3. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means 

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\ 4. academic dishonesty in any form 

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\ 5. disruptive talking/visiting between students

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\ 6. throwing paper wads or any other objects

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\ 7. passing notes

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\ 8. disrespect for fellow students

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\ 9. doing homework related to this class or any other.

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\ 10. wearing headphones

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\ 11. moving from desk to desk, walking around room.

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\ 12. disrespectful comments

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\ 13. eating

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\ 14. knitting, needlepoint, or any other arts and crafts.

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\ 15. any other behavior detri-mental to the class

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\ 16. Cell Phones—No Text!
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\ 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.
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\ 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.
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Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams:  There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final examination on Thursday, December 11, 11:30-1:30PM. All exams will be taken online in Blackboard from the student’s choice of computer access. Exams are accessed through the Content Button and then navigation to the Exams folder. Students should click on the exam folder and then click on the exam that they want to take. Once the exam is opened, the exam must be completed. The time limit is 75 minutes.  Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures.  Each exam is worth 100 points for a total of 400.  Students may not drop an exam. If a student misses an exam, they can replace it with an extra credit book review.

Makeup Exams:   There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor.   If a student misses an exam without prearrangement with the instructor, they will need to replace it with an extra credit book review. 

Class participation grade.  Class participation is worth 50 points of the student’s overall grade. Attendance is heavily considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade. 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

405-450=A

360-404=B

315-359=C

270-314=D

 0-269=F

Synopsis of Grading:

	Total
Four Exam Scores, 100 points each	400
Class Participation Grade	50
Total	450

Attendance

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\ Attendance Policy: 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 as discussed below. 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.
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Calendar

Additional Information

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