Texas Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Vince Dipiazza (Curriculum Vitae)Office Hours
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 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
\ Gibson, L. Tucker, Jr. and Robison, Clay. Government and Politics of the Lone Star State. Custom Edition for Amarillo College, taken from Government and Politics of the Lone Star State, Eighth Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2013. Various articles from magazines, newspapers, or journals may also be used.
Supplies
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Student Performance
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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
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3. government.
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4. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in
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5. Texas.
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6. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
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7. government.
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8. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
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9. Analyze the state and local election process.
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10. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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11. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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.
Grading Criteria
Grading Policy
Three semester exams, 60%; final exam, 25%
Additional written assignment, 5%
Class participation grade, 10%
Optional extra credit assignment (write a paper on an appropriate topic, do a project, attend public meetings and report on them, etc.—but see me first), up to 5%
The grading scale for this course, typical for Amarillo College, is as follows: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60
Exam Policy
Exams. There will be three exams during the semester plus a final exam. Each semester exam is worth 20% of the final grade for a total of 60%. The final exam is comprehensive and almost all of it will be taken directly from the three semester exams. All exam questions will be multiple choice, and each exam will include a short answer essay question for extra credit. Class discussion will parallel the readings, and normally, exam questions will come from those concepts or topics we’ve discussed in class. However, I reserve the right to include questions from the readings that we’ve not specifically discussed.
Makeup exams. There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with me. If you miss an exam without arranging with me in advance to take a makeup, should I decide to allow a makeup, there will be a 10 point penalty deducted from your exam grade.
Attendance
\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Further information can be found below under “Additional Information”.
Calendar
Fall 2014 Course Outline
26 Aug Introduction; syllabus; straw poll; begin “Texas Exceptionalism”
2 Sep Texas Exceptionalism; Ch. 1, The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics
9 Sep Ch. 2, The Texas Constitution; Ch. 3, Intergovernmental Relationships
16 Sep Ch. 4, Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas
23 Sep Exam 1
30 Sep Ch. 5, The Mass Media in Texas Politics
7 Oct Ch. 6, The Party System in Texas
14 Oct Ch. 7, Elections, Campaigns, and Political Behavior
21 Oct Ch. 8, The Texas Legislature
28 Oct Exam 2
4 Nov Ch.9, The Texas Executive; Ch. 10, The Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation
11 Nov Ch. 11, The Judicial System in Texas
18 Nov Ch. 12, Local Government in Texas
25 Nov Exam 3
2 Dec Ch. 13, Contemporary Public Policy Issues in Texas
11 Dec Final exam
Additional Information
Written assignment. An additional written assignment will be worth 5 points. Details later.
Class participation grade. Class participation is 10% of the final grade and is,admittedly, my somewhat subjective assessment of the quality of your participation. Since some portion of the readings will be covered during every lecture and since the classroom experience is better when there is a dialogue (not to mention that I have no desire to do all of the talking), all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion. You can’t contribute if you’re not here, therefore, attendance will also be considered in formulating the class participation grade. Factors that will affect your class participation grade other than attendance and actual participation in classroom discussion include disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise detrimental behavior.
Electronic devices. Ok, this is a good example of how laws are made; abuse by a few leads to rules for all. If you must surf the ‘net, text, or otherwise utilize your gizmos for activities unrelated to class, please leave the room. I also reserve the right to kick you out and/or dock your participation grade.
Attendance again. This is college—your attendance is your responsibility. While it is possible to pass this course with a poor attendance record, my experience is that attendance is directly related to performance. Also, occasionally, the course schedule may change or an exam date may need to be shifted. It will certainly help you to know what's going on.
Additional assistance. If you are having difficulty or if you have other concerns about the class, please contact me. I live and work (my regular job) in Dumas and am fairly flexible with regard to my availability to meet or chat.
Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM