Texas Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Susan Smith (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
The Instructor is an Adjunct (part time) with no on – campus office.
Office Hours
The instructor is an Adjunct (part time) with no on-campus office. The instructor may be reached via email regarding an on-campus appointment.
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
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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 Acces !!
Should you need alternate internet access, you may use the internet/computers at both the AC Lynn Library (Washington Street campus) and at the AC West Campus located inside the City of Amari
Student Performance
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
- Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.
- Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.
- Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
- Analyze the state and local election process.
- Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
- 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 comply with all Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website.
Grading Criteria
Students will actively utilize their AC Online account to receive class assignments, class announcements, and to communicate with the instructor. Students without personal internet access are free to utilize the computer internet terminals in the Amarillo College Lynn Library (Washington Street campus) or the Amarillo College West Campus (located inside the City of Amarillo North West Library – 6100 W. 9th).
Grading Criteria:
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
Below 60 = F
Weekly textbook assigments: 40 % of semester grade.
Weekly internet assignments: 40 % of semester grade.
Final: 20 % of semester grade.
Make up work will be allowed at a time designated by the instructor.
Attendance
on-line course
Calendar
Aug. 24 – Sept. 1 WEEK 1: Texas Society
Sept. 2 – Sept. 8 WEEK 2: Texas Constitution
Sept. 9 – Sept. 15 WEEK 3: Elections
Sept. 16 – Sept 22 WEEK 4: Political Parties
Sept. 23 – Sept. 29 WEEK 5: Interest Groups
Sept. 30 - Oct. 6 WEEK 6: Media
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13 WEEK 7: Legislature
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20 WEEK 8: Governor
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27 WEEK 9: Texas Bureaucracy
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3 WEEK 10: Courts
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10 WEEK 11: Local Government
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17 WEEK 12: Public Policy
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24 WEEK 13: Criminal Justice
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1 WEEK 14: The Budget
Dec. 7 – Dec. 11 FINALS WEEK
Additional Information
- The assignment calendar is based on a “Wednesday through Tuesday” schedule.
- Assignments will open at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesdays and will close at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM