Texas Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

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-2306-005 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

LONE STAR POLITICS with Access Code, 2nd Edition. Benson, Clinkscale, Giardino. Pearson, 2014.

\ \

 

Supplies

Reliable internet access !    Should you need alternate internet locations, you are entitled to use the computers at both the AC

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

Student 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 comply with Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website.  You may contact the instructor prior to the beginning of any class for questions regarding a deviation from these policies.

Any online discussion/emails between faculty and/or students will be respectful and free from profanity or derogatory.

 

 

Grading Criteria

Students will actively utilize their AC Online account to receive class assignments, class announcements and to contact the instructor.  Students without personal internet access are free to use the computer internet terminals in the Amarillo College Lynn Library located on the Washington Street Campus.

Grading Criteria:
90   100 = A

80 -   91 = B

70 -   79 = C

60 -   69 = D

Below 60 = F

Weekly textbook assignments:  60% of semester gthe srade

Weekly internet assignments: 20% of semester grade

During one particular weekly internet assignment, students will read an ethical dilemma assigned individually by the instructor.  Individual due dates are determined by the instructor.  In a one page typed paper, students will briefly identify and accurately describe the ethical dilemma. Students will use appropriate insights from two or more areas of study at AC to make connections and clarify the ethical dilemma.  Students will recognize connections to their own personal values and rules, articulate the source of their insights, and incorporate personal values in a reasoned response.  Do not include information from Wikipedia, or any other web sites, articles, or books.  Keep the length of your response to one page.  The Historical Ethical Dilemma Paper is worth the entire 100 points of the weekly internet assignment . 

FINAL:  20% of semester grade

As a rule, late work will not be accepted although special circumstances may alter this policy. Contact your instructor for details regarding any deviation from this policy.

 

 

 

Attendance

On-line course

Calendar

Additional Information

1.   The assignment calendar is based on a "Wednesday through Tuesday" schedule.
2.   Assignments will open at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and will close at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.