Texas Government Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

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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

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Course

GOVT-2306-004 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Custom Resources for Politial Science, 8th edition-Custom Edition for Amarillo College, Prentice Hall (Pearson)

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\ Avara: Just the Basics Please! Book 1: Money, Paper, Pearson Custom Publishing

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Supplies

\ Paper and writing utensils.  Access to a reliable computer is necessary.

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

\ 1.  Come to Class prepared.

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\ 2.  Listen when others are speaking.

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\ 3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

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\ 4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class period.

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\ 5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you please talk to me.

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\ 6.  Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.

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\ 7.  Cell phones should be turned off before class begins.  If you feel you have an exception, see me.

Grading Criteria

There are 443 total points available (not including extra credit assignment) ( 1 drop 1 quiz grade):

A = 443-398

B = 397-354

C = 354 -310

D = 309-265

F = 264 or below

 

Class Participation:  Class attendance is very important and I hope that you will make the choice to be in class on a regular basis. There is no doubt that student who attend class do better than those who do not.   Students will receive 3 pts per class attendance for a possible 33 pts. If you are late/tardy, you will receive 1pt.

It is your responsibility to see me on break or after class to let me know you have arrived.  If I take role after the break or at the end of class and you are not there, you will be absent

Extra Credit Assignment: 

Read the book, “Just The Basics Please! Book 1: Money. Write a 1 page, double spaced, 12 font, standard margin, paper regarding what you learned from this book. (10 pts) (There is an Appendix / Worksheet from this book that is MANDATORY and is a separate assignment.)

Extra credit #2: Read "Just The Basics Please! Book 2: Marriage and Sex. Write a 2 page paper, double spaced, 12 font, standard margin. regarding what you learned. This book is available from www.debavarabooks.com  for download or from me in class. This paper is worth 20 pts. 

 

Make up Policy:  None - all quizzes are online with due dates. There is no exception to work not being completed on time (sick, kid sick, work, computer problems, etc. Note: AC Online goes down each night from 2 - 4 a.m. You will be kicked off if you try to and take quizzes then.)

NO EXCUSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

 

 

Attendance

INSTRUCTOR ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Class Participation:  Class attendance is very important and I hope that you will make the choice to be in class on a regular basis. There is no doubt that student who attend class do better than those who do not.   Students will receive 3 pts per class attendance for a possible 33 pts. If you are late/tardy, you will receive 1pt.

It is your responsibility to see me on break or after class to let me know you have arrived.  If I take role after the break or at the end of class and you are not there, you will be absent

 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

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