Texas Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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

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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-H 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

REQUIRED BOOK:
Title:  The State of Texas – 2nd Ed. 2015
     with Connect Plus Access Card
Author:  Sherri Mora
ISBN:  9781259573170
Publisher:  McGraw Hill

NOTE:   Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook for this course.  It is very easy in the hectic early days of a new term to glance at a card in the bookstore and select the wrong books.  It is also possible for a student to get conflicting advice from others, including bookstore personnel who mean well, but may be misinformed about the correct books for the proper Professor.  So be sure to go online, print-out-a-copy of the Syllabus and bring it with you when buying your books.  If in doubt, buy what is listed on the Syllabus, then sort out any issues later.  The Syllabus is the final word on which book is correct, so read it carefully and buy accordingly.

Supplies

Regular access to a computer with Internet is necessary.  Students also have access to significant Virtual help from the Textbook publisher’s web site and may use an E-Book instead of the more traditional printed version. 
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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

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.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student.  The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.  
 

NOTE:  If a student misses class, it is the student’s responsibility to get class notes from another student.  DO NOT ASK THE PROFESSOR FOR THE NOTES.
 

STUDY GROUPS:  Student-led study groups are encouraged.  The professor will provide, if requested, a secure-web forum for each individual study group.  But, never forget that I am also available to you and will gladly help during my Office Hours or Appointments. 

CELL PHONES:  Cell phone, pagers or any electronic device that might disturb the classroom must be turned off during the class period or it will be confiscated.
 

CHEATING:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat on one of the examinations.  Students caught cheating in any way or using materials other than those allowed will have their examinations rejected and, at minimum, receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student’s record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).

BEHAVIOR POLICY: To the mature adults who are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus.  Unfortunately, past behavior by your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion.  Students are expected to behave in a manner befitting adults with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the Professor, and the College. This is not middle school, elementary school, nor Lad ‘N’ Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of the aforementioned.  In order to clarify my position, the following list is 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.

Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

• sleeping, head on desk

• interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means

• banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor

• passing notes

• disrespect for fellow students

• wearing headphones - except for hearing assistance as approved

• disrespectful comments

• cheating in any form

• disruptive talking/visiting between students

• any other disruptive behavior

• doing homework related to this class or any other

• moving from desk to desk, walking around room

• throwing paper wads or any other objects

• knitting, needlepoint, other arts and crafts

The instructor reserves the right to assign seating if necessary to preserve order.  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.
 

Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.

 

INSTRUCTOR’S POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat or plagiarize.  Students caught will receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination and/or essay.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student's record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).  If you are unsure about the definition of plagiarism, see the links available to students or visit with your instructor. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• downloading a free or purchased paper
• copying an article from the web or electronic database
• translating a foreign web article into English
• copy a paper from a local source
• cobbling -- cutting and pasting to create a paper from several sources (including web sites) even if properly cited
• excessive quoting (more than 20% even if properly cited)
• quoting less than all the words copied
• changing some words but copying whole phrases
• paraphrasing without attribution
• summarizing without attribution
• faking a citation
• recycling work from a previous or current course, whether your own work or another student’s work.

Review the Plagiarism Handout located on the "Course Info - Start HERE!" TAB located on the Course Website.

CHOOSING GOOD SCHOLARLY SOURCES FOR RESEARCH:  Students often search for additional information about historical or political events to supplement their understanding of the material in preparation for essays and quizzes.  To correctly interpret any issue, students must have accurate knowledge of the facts. Students can also consult secondary sources such as the work of other scholars.  Students are, however, STRONGLY cautioned to choose these extra sources, particularly internet sites, with care.  Websites, such as Wikipedia or Yahoo, DO NOT necessarily contain reliable facts, documentation, or interpretations, and therefore, should not be used in a college course.  Websites like Wikipedia even post disclaimers informing users that their material may or may not be valid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Disclaimers).  Students should, instead, choose sources from the AC Library such a History Cooperative, JSTOR, or other refereed journals. For websites, learners should select sites where the author can be identified as a scholar, historian, or other knowledgeable person.  Such examples would include websites ending in .edu or .org.  Websites helpful to students in this course already examined by the professor are available via the "Web Resources" link through the course. See "Using Wikipedia -- "Danger Will Robinson" handout located on the "Syllabus" page or this recent CNN article, "Use with caution:  The perils of Wikipedia."  Encyclopedias and general "History or Government” websites also fall into this category because they are too superficial to use as "source material" for research necessary for use in any College Course.

Grading Criteria

Required Assignments and Composition of Final Grade:  
--5 quizzes (Worth 40% of your course grade or 8% for each quiz)
--1 Individual In-Class Presentation, including a brief written summation (min. 1000 words each summary). (Worth 25% of your course grade).
--1 Group Honors Expo Presentation associated with your Community Service Project see below), including a brief written summation (min. 1000 words summary from each student in the Group). (Worth 35% of your course grade).
--Participation in Community Service Project tied to your Group Honors Expo Presentation.  This will require a minimum of 3 hours of out-of-class time scheduled at the student's convenience with the organization/person, etc. during the semester. 
There is NO extra credit offered.

 

Required Exams:  Students will be tested, on average, once every two to three weeks over the roughly 15 weeks of the Semester. Testing will be done entirely Online, during a window of time that opens at 0800 (8am) on Friday mornings and will end at 2355 (11:55 pm) on Sunday nights.  You may access the Exam only once, so plan your effort accordingly.   That means you must limit all distractions from friends, family, the neighbor's dog, or anything else that may get in the way of you doing your very best on these Quizzes.  Each quiz has 20 questions worth 5 points each a total of 100 points with a 40-minute time limit open over the Friday to Sunday period.  This 3-day window allows everyone to take each of the Tests, but although there are 6 Exams scheduled during the Term, you may drop the lowest score from the first 5 that are given.  That means that the Last Quiz must be taken and its grade may not be excluded from your Course Average.  The logic here is that if you were not required to take that last test then you would simply skip the final two weeks of the course, and the whole point is for you to learn, not just get your "ticket punched."  Since you are given the chance to drop the lowest grade from the Test, then I DO NOT allow any Make-Up Assignments -- for any reason so do not ask.  The second reason for not granting Make-Ups is that they tend to be more work for an already over-stressed student, and by allowing the Drop option instead, I feel that everyone benefits while still protecting your opportunity to succeed in this class.  So remember, there will be 6 Quizzes in total given about every second weekend, and you may drop the lowest ONE (1) of the first 5 that are taken, including a quiz you might miss due to illness or some other issue.  But everyone must participate in the Last Quiz and that score will count.  So to summarize, there are 6 scheduled Quizzes and students may drop the lowest ONE (1) of the first 5 Quizzes, BUT everyone must take the last Quiz, scheduled for the last Friday-Sunday period prior to the start of Final Exam week, and the score from that Quiz #6 counts!  The Quizzes comprise a total of 40% of your class average, while the remaining 60% will come from the other Assignments (listed above).

 

To summarize, each student will take 6 Quizzes during the Term and may drop one (1) of those Tests (from the first five) so that 5 Quizzes worth 8% each will count for 40% of the class average.  The Last Quiz is Required for Every Student and May Not be Dropped under any circumstances, so plan accordingly.  It is risky to either ignore one of the earlier Quizzes, or to assume that you will do well on the Last One only to find that you desperately need the points from that Last Quiz and find that you "bombed it" and are stuck with a poor grade instead of a higher one from earlier in the Term that must be "tossed out" because only 5 scores will count, and one of those is that Last Quiz.  Please be forewarned and be prepared as the Semester closes to do your best on that Last Quiz. 

 

GRADE SCALE:
A          90 and above
B          80-89
C         70-79
D         60-69
F          Failing (below 60)

 

MAKE-UP POLICY: There are no make-up Quizzes or Assignments under any circumstances. A missed Quiz will simply become a dropped score-- no exceptions.  There is NO extra credit offered. Remember, everyone must drop one (1) of the first 5 Quizzes but ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE LAST Quiz and the score will count.  The other Assignments must be submitted on the dates listed, with no extensions or exemptions.

 

Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.

 

PRESENTATIONS: 

The Individual Presentation:  Students will draw from a selection Ethical Dilemma questions on Texas Government policy.  One issue will be covered by a minimum of two students with each student taking opposite points of view – as in a debate – but portraying their respective stance in their Individual Multimedia Presentation.  Students should support their “side” with evidence (Facts) and be a persuasive as possible.  Think of it like the adversarial judicial system with two lawyers arguing for and against the issue’s innocence or guilt. The student’s goal is to sway the audience to their side of the issue – not only with their speech but with photographs, maps, YouTube, studies, polls, and any other means available. As always, the Presentation date is set, and should not be changed barring unforeseen weather.  Be on time (even if you are not presenting) and appropriate Professional Dress is expected on the day you present your assignment. See below for guidance on what constitutes “Professional Dress.”  (Worth 25% of your course grade)

 

Honors Expo Group Presentation:  The Presentation and associated Community Service projects will be coordinated with Professor Powell. The Coordinator, Director, or another Individual will need to approve and grant permission, IN WRITING, for the Group to work with their Organization.  You may request to create your own team, but any particular needs will be handled by Professor Powell.  All projects must be approved and include a summary, bibliography, and any multi-media requirements.  Each group will explore some aspect of Texas Government using local sources, with the goal of seeking a solution to any problems that are found. This is where the "community service" aspect comes into play—you are not only learning the “facts” of how government operates, but how democracies, by their nature, depend upon each member participating in the process.  In essence, there is no “them” in a democratic society since each of “us” must play our role for the good of the whole.  Your group will seek to find a way to benefit the community, an organization, person, event, address some issue, etc. that you choose and use your community service time to make that happen.  Your presentation, delivered both in-class and later at the Honors Expo will be based upon what your group did to meet your goal.  For example, you may decide to help inform the citizens of Amarillo about the "Don't Text and Drive" law and the Community Service aspect might involve creating a commercial for the 3 local television news channels, PBS, or Amarillo College radio station.   These are just ideas.  Another might be attending a local political event and volunteering your time to organize an on-campus voter registration drive or "Get Out to Vote" Campaign.  Whatever goal you choose should use Texas Government to better serve your community (which includes Amarillo College, the City of Amarillo, etc.).  You may use any method deemed appropriate, just remember it must be on a Texas Government policy or issue.  If you are in doubt, then discuss these with Professor Powell.  Your grades on these team presentations will be based upon the originality of the effort, equal participation by ALL members, the depth of research, and clarity of the finished product. Remember, for the Multi-Media Project you will be working as part of a team---and must contribute your share for the Team to be successful and achieve a good grade.  I suggest each Team select a Leader who will assign duties, set meeting times, along with submitting the Outline to Prof. Powell prior to the Team's Topic Selection and Presentation.  I did not set the time or date for the Honors Expo, so please be very aware as that date approaches that each member and Team Leader will need to submit both the appropriate documentation to Prof. Powell and to make the necessary arrangements to set-up the Display or whatever format your Team has decided to use for the Honors Expo Presentation. Each Team will be required to "Present" at the Honors Expo during their set class time—but the overall rules are established by the Honors Faculty and they will help you with any special needs your team may have on that day. 

Each student must contribute equally to the Project and the Team as a whole will give a 20- minute in-class Presentation on the Group Community Service Project.  These will be shortened to only 5 or 10-minutes for their Honors Expo Presentations (depending on if the class has 1 or 2 teams).  Each Group will also have their Projects on Display for 2-days in the assigned building which will be provided to us later in the Term. Prepare a 36”x48” tri-fold poster board display representing your community service and the project(s) you have worked on this semester and they remain on display throughout the week of the Honors Expo.  Therefore, students will need to gather photographic evidence of their Community Service, collect flyers, create handouts, models, or whatever other materials that demonstrate the Group’s role not only participating in the Community Service component but how your work with the selected organization benefited their cause and helped you to understand the importance of individual action within a democratic society.  Some tri-fold poster board or funds may be obtained from Professor Judy Carter if requested early in the Semester – otherwise expect to purchase the materials from inexpensive locations like Walmart, Target, etc.

The Team Leader is responsible for ensuring each member of the Group is assigned and completes their share of the workload such as handling any of the materials used for the Display, completing their part of the research and slides, and ensuring Prof. Powell has a copy of Assignments, etc. but all students will be graded on their individual appearance, and contributions to the overall Team effort. Additionally, as a part of Honors Expo/Group Presentation Essay, each student will include an evaluation of the participation and research of their fellow group members and interaction with the Group as a whole.  Appropriate Professional Dress is expected on the day your Team presents (both in-class and at the Honors Expo) so plan accordingly.  I remind you that Professor Jill Gibson who manages all Honors classes is also a Speech-Communications Professor and will be very aware of each student's personal dress and bearing. See below for guidance on what constitutes “Professional Dress.” Students do not need to bring their personal computer to the assigned location ---since the College will provide all necessary electronic devices required. Again, if you are uncertain, then please contact Professor Powell for guidance. Students must be on time, dress appropriately, and participate fully with their respective group on both in class and Honors Expo Presentations to receive credit. (Worth 35% of your course grade).

Applies to Both Individual and Group/Honors Expo Presentations (See Below):

These Presentations begin with a Thesis, followed by a narrative that "proves" or "supports" the argument, and ends with a Conclusion which summarizes what the Student did and learned in this assignment. Plus, for the written portion that is submitted to Professor Powell, each Student should use a Cover Sheet/Slide, provide appropriate citations for all sources, and a Bibliography – this applies for both the In-Class Presentations and Honors Expo version and the rules apply to slides, photos, YouTube clips, and any other materials you used in your Essay.  The key differences between these assignments and---say a traditional research paper, is that you are presenting your knowledge using technological tools such as a PowerPoint, images, student-created videos, the use of YouTube video, or the creation of a Webpage with interactive multi-media.  Students should use photos, maps, videos, interactive maps or any other tool that is appropriate to their project, and must avail themselves of local resources. 

Appropriate Professional Dress:  The common term used today is “Business Casual” and you may hear that when planning to attend on-campus Job Fairs, or University Interviews, and of course any time you are seeking employment. Females should think in terms of dresses or coordinated suits which most often seen in the professional work place, even on television shows.  A causal glance at most popular TV dramas will give you some idea of what to plan on; however dress pants or khakis with blouses are certainly acceptable for women.  Men can normally wear dress pants or khakis along with a dress shirt shirt (not necessarily button-down collar), or wearing a dress polo shirt with khakis is fine.  Ties and jackets are encouraged but certainly not required.  NO blue jeans, shorts, T-Shirts, etc. – as such inappropriate dress will result in a letter-grade deduction.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESENTATIONS and ASSOCIATED ESSAY:

1) --For Individual Presentations, students should plan for to speak for approximately 5-10 minutes using some form of Multimedia of no less than 5 slides.
--For the Group Presentation In-Class:  Each group will give a presentation in which each member will participate equally in the in-class presentation of approximately 20-25 minutes.  Each student will contribute no less than 3 slides or other multimedia (such as YouTube video, etc.) to their appropriate Discussion Board for building the presentation on or before the Due Date. 

2)  For BOTH Presentations and Associated Essays, Students MUST submit their accompanying essay of no less than 1000 words and no more than 2000 words via the SafeAssign link on the Course Webpage.  The essay will be based upon the Student's Presentation and research using no fewer than three (3) scholarly sources other than their textbook.  Students MUST cite their sources within their Presentation and Paper as well as submit a Bibliography. If you need help with that, simply contact the Writer's Corner in the English Department and ask for help. They have created a very useful resource for all of Amarillo College students to gain advice for any written assignment for any class and should be commended and used by all.  In addition, the student's individual slides/multimedia should be included in the submitted paper to the Professor. Remember, this Essay MUST be submitted via the SafeAssign link ONLY and will not be accepted in any other form as mandated by College rules. Failure to submit an associated Essay will result in a 50-point deduction.

Your Essay must have a SEPARATE COVER PAGE, include your PowerPoint slides and upload on the SafeAssign Link IN ONE DOCUMENT. Your essay should be double-spaced and written in normal academic standard using the third person. You must include all citations in the footnotes/endnotes and the appropriate Bibliography at the end of your Essay. You may use Chicago, Turabian or MLA Style.  Here is the link to the Kate L. Turabian Univ. of Chicago Press Citation Guide (Citation Guide used in History). The SafeAssign Link allows only ONE upload attempt so your Essay should be ONE complete document (Cover Sheet, Essay, Bibliography & Slides) and ensure you are uploading the correct file!

Additionally, all Writing Assignment will be submitted and checked by SafeAssign for plagiarism. This course requires a SafeAssign score of 20% or less for any Writing Assignment. A rating of 40% or greater means blatant plagiarism since students relied upon someone else for almost one-half of their work. The goal of this Assignment is to encourage critical thinking, communication, personal and social responsibility from the individual student about a issue or event.  The SafeAssign Link allows only ONE upload attempt so your Essay should be ONE complete document (including the Cover Sheet, Essay, Bibliography & PPT Slides) and ensure you are uploading the correct version using the SafeAssign Link!  If you need assistance writing your Essay, visit the AC Writer’s Corner on campus or I provide a Link to the Writer’s Corner on the left-hand menu on the Course Webpage   Students needing assistance saving or uploading their Essay on the SafeAssign Link, should visit the AskAC Help Desk or one of the Computer Labs on Campus PRIOR to making their one attempt.  I also provide a Link to the AskAC Help Desk on the left-hand menu on the Course Webpage. 

NOTE:  Students are responsible for ensuring that their Essay uploads correctly (Cover Sheet, Essay, & Bibliography as ONE complete document) without a virus, in an accepted format that SafeAssign can open in Bb to receive a grade.  Any Essay submission which cannot be scanned by SafeAssign or opened by SafeAssign and Bb will NOT be accepted for a grade.
 

Penalties Applied to Writing Assignments
Essay Not Submitted on SafeAssign Link	A 2-letter Grade Deduction (Usually 20 points)
Late (within 24 hours of the Final Due Date)	A letter Grade Deduction (Usually 10 Points)
Late (within 48 hours of the Final Due Date)	A 2-letter Grade Deduction (Usually 20 Points)
Late & Not Submitted on SafeAssign Link (within 24 hours of the Final Due Date)	Both Penalties Apply A TOTAL of 3-letter Grade Deduction (Usually 30 points)      ----------- A 2-letter Grade Deduction for not submitting on SafeAssign Link (Usually 20 points) AND A letter Grade Deduction -- Late (Usually 10 Points)
Late (More than 48 Hours past the Final Due Date)	Will not be Accepted ZERO
SafeAssign Plagiarism Score of 21-40%	A 2-letter Grade Deduction (Usually 20 Points)
SafeAssign Plagiarism Score of 41% or more.	Will not be Accepted ZERO

 

3)  As a part of Honors Expo Group Presentation Essay, students will include an evaluation of the participation and research of their fellow group members and interaction in the Group Presentation.

4)  Students WILL be required to attend at least 1 in-person meeting with their Honors Expo Group.  Based upon what your groups decides, this meeting may take place in the 15 minutes before/after class, later in the day/week, or on a weekend but whenever that meeting is set by the majority of members and group leader, you MUST attend at least once.  Group leaders will take a written attendance record to be submitted to the Professor.  Groups may decide to meet more than once but a member MUST attend at least one.

5)  Each Group will have a designated area on Course Webpage for Discussion and Submission for their Project Slides and everyone MUST submit their slides there by the Due Date.  Every member must actively participate in the project, research, community service, and discussion, and creation of the Presentation – and by whatever means the Group decides to communicate (texting, Course Discussion Board, meetings, twitters, facebook, etc.) -- but the point is – everyone plays!

Here are some additional specific deductions for breaking the rules.  Again, remember, the point here, everybody plays, and dumping the work off on one or two students in a Group is not going to be tolerated! 

ADDITIONAL PENALTIES:

Late Submission Group Slides -- For every 24 hours beyond the due date, the student will lose a letter grade deduction. For example, within 24 hours of the due date, a 10 point deduction; 48 hours, 20 points; 72 hours, 30 points, etc.

Late to Class the day of Presentation -- The student will lose a letter grade deduction (10 points or a letter grade) for every 10 minutes late.  If the student is more than 30 minutes late, it could result in a zero (0) for the assignment. This includes any and ALL Presentation Days, whether you are giving a Presentation or attending one.  The whole class is participating in these Presentations and learning from each student's research.  In the Group Presentation, everyone is depending upon YOU so although we all know that emergencies, car trouble, sickness, etc. can occur, plan ahead for any eventuality.  For example, one student in a previous semester who had an excused absence on Presentation Day created a video for her segment.

Appropriate Behavior on ANY Presentation Day -- ALL Students will be on-time for ALL Presentation Days – whether presenting or not on that specific day.  Students not presenting will give their full attention to the Presenter, be quiet, respectful, and courteous.  Failure to do so will result in a letter-grade deduction along with a warning and a second warning could result in a zero (0) for the Assignment or removal from Class

Failure to attend on day of Presentation and/or Submit an Essay. This is a vital part of your Individual and/or Group Presentation. Failure to submit an essay or failure to attend on any Presentation Day, including the Honors Expo is an automatic 50-point deduction and could result in a zero (0) for the assignment.

 

Attendance

Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this course.  See AC Student Handbook for guidelines. 

NOTE:  This is a hybrid course which meets once a week for lecture meaning student attendance is essential. This is NOT an online course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Success is important to Honor Students but this is only possible if the student puts forth their best effort and attendance is a major component, particularly for a Hybrid Course. Meeting only once a week to discuss the readings, group or individual projects and for students to meet with their respective group is imperative.  This makes Attendance a MUST, not an option.  Therefore, every student will be permitted 2 absences only (for any reason).  After the two (2) allowed absences, any missed class will result in a 5-point deduction from student's Final Course Average.  Remember, for each missed class (after the 2 allowed absences), a 5-point deduction will occur from your Final Course Average.  For Example, if a student misses an additional 2 classes, then 10 points will be deducted, 3 classes -- 15 points, and so on. 

Attendance is being on-time for class.  Any student who arrives later than 15 minutes for class will be counted as absent for that day.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend the Texas Government 2306 lecture class which meets on Tuesdays 0900-1015, particularly on the days when this class, GOVT-2306-H has presentations by students and no lecture---thus leaving a gap in the lecture material.  Some may desire to “hear” the lecture instead of simply reading the book---so I am encouraging all of you to take advantage of this unusual scheduling circumstance and seize the opportunity to meet your own class requirements while still benefiting from a lecture on material that may appear on a Quiz.

 

QUIZ SCHEDULE:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered at the end of every two to three weeks the class meets during the 15 weeks of the Regular term.  This means that a great deal of material will be covered in lecture/discussion in the period between the Quizzes.   Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day, since most of the content that will be tested will come from the Professor's lecture/Discussion with the class.  I cannot be emphasize strongly enough just how important being part of that interaction between the class and the Professor is when learning Government.  This is not a subject that is bound by formulas or learned by memorizing the names of bones or atomic tables.  The foundation of Government is the story of the foundation of the State, and the only proven way to learn that story well is to participate in a discussion of what happened and why.  So please make every effort to attend all classes, and seriously consider forming Study Groups with your classmates to spread the workload out among several people and to learn from their interpretations of the events we are all studying.  Also, ask the Professor to cover anything you do not understand. I hold an Advanced Degree in this field of study, spending years of study and thousands of dollars to be able to teach you in the best way possible.  So please take advantage of that while I am learning from you as well.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

AC Connect for Course Webpage:  Students can access the associated Course Webpage on the Internet through the AC Connect Server at https://acconnect.actx.edu or through the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/.   Students will be able to access and complete the graded quizzes on the associated calendar dates on the Course Webpage, view their grades, review the Course Syllabus, and more.  All electronic correspondence between student and Professor must to be conducted through the AC Connect -- Course Home Page – "Call PROF" TAB.
 

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:  It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before NOVEMBER 17, 2015.

COPYRIGHT OF COURSE:  The course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. The content of this class is copyrighted and protected under laws similar to those governing more traditional materials such as books or articles.   Therefore, audio recorders must have PRIOR approval of the instructor and cannot be disseminated beyond personal use and no visual reproductions or photographs are allowed under any circumstances.
 

HOLIDAYS:  No class will be held on the following dates:
Monday, September 7, 2015 - Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, October 8, 2015 - NO Class (Professor Powell's Class ONLY)
Thursday-Friday, November 26-27, 2015 - Thanksgiving Holiday

Go to the Course Webpage on AC Connect and select the "Course Info - Start HERE!" TAB:
 --Print out and keep a copy of the Course Syllabus for the semester handy,
 --Print out the Course Schedule on the "Course Schedule" TAB and post somewhere prominent.
 --Review and be familiar with ALL Course Policies located including the SafeAssign, Wikipedia and Plagiarism Handouts.

 

**Changes or adjustments in course material, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.