Texas Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

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-2306-009 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

** This is an E Book.  The Access Card will provide the text, the quizes, and assorted media. I will no     longer use a paper copy of the text.  **

REVEL for Lone Star Politics, 2014 Elections and Updates Edition – Access Card, 2/e

Benson, Clinkscale & Giardino

TitleREVEL for Lone Star Politics, 2014 Elections and Updates Edition -- Access Card, 2/e
Benson, Clinkscale & Giardino
 

Supplies

Reliable internet access !    Should you need to locate an alternate internet location, you are entitled to use the computers at both the AC Lynn Library (Washington Street campus) and at the AC West Campus (located inside th

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.

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

not applicable

Calendar

Jan. 19 – Jan. 27          WEEK   1:       Texas Society

                                                             Texas Constitution

Jan. 28 –  Feb.  3          WEEK   2:      Elections

                                                            Political Parties

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10            WEEK  3:      Interest Groups

                                                            Media

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17           WEEK   4:    Legislature

                                                           Governor

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24           WEEK  5:    Texas Bureaucracy

                                                           Courts

Feb. 25 – Mar. 2             WEEK  6:    Local Government

                                                          Public Policy

Mar. 3 – Mar. 9               WEEK  7:   Criminal Justice

                                                          The Budget

March 10 -11                 FINAL

 

**All dates subject to change by instructor

Additional Information

No additional information available

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM