Texas Government Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Pearson Learning Solutions "Choices, Custom Resources for Political Science." Custom Edition (Brian Farmer, Amarillo College), 501 Boylston Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02116. Access Code not required.

Supplies

Note taking paper, ink pens, No.2 pencils and four (4) green Scantrons (Form No. 882-E) for the exams.  Student must have access to a computer with access to the internet and a printer.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

 

1. Define and describe federalism and other ways of organizing government and know the status of the american states within the federal systems and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.

2. List and describe the three branches of government in Texas.

3. Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.

4. Identify and describe the rights of Texas citizens.

5.Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.

6. Explain the protection of the individual through the limitations on government power through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights and democracy

7.Explain state government policy making and execution as well as critique and analysis of past and present policies.  The student will be able to evaluate and make independent judgements on current and past political problems faced by the state of Texas and conduct systematic inquiry through through objective examination of the issues.

8. Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest groups and elections.

9.Explain the historical development of constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the Texas Constitution and the political society and developed under the Constitution.

10.Explain local government structure, functions and organizations in Texas.

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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 will be expected to follow the guidelines listed in the Amarillo College Handbook. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable and not allowed. In order to produce an environment conducive to learning one must be tolerant of different views, opinions, and perspectives from others. Treat people as you would want them to treat you. 

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\ Cell phones will be allowed in the classroom but only in the silent mode.  Phones may be monitored but not answered during class.  If a student has an emergency they are to step outside of class for cell phone calls.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:    A student’s final letter grade will be determined by the number of grade points they have earned during the semester.  A maximum of four hundred -fifty (450) grade points are possible.  Each exam has a possible one-hundred grade points.  A student’s attendance performance has a possible twenty  (20) points.  The following point scale is used to determine a student’s final letter grade.

                                        A = 450  to 402 grade points.

                                        B = 401 to 358 grade points                     

                                        C = 357 to 313 grade points

                                       D = 312 to 268 grade points

                                        F = 267 grade points or less

Students who do not finish the course and who do not formally drop the course through the instructor could receive a failing grade.

Required Exams: There will be three (3) exams during the term, one exam every two weeks of the term.  Each exam will have a possible 100 grade points and consist of multiple choice and true and false questions taken from the assigned chapters, study guide material, and lectures.  Copies of the exams will be provided on each exam date by the instructor.  Students may mark on exam copies but all responses to exam questions must be scored on a green scantron (Form no.882-E) and turned in to the instructor with the exam copy.  Scantrons are available from the A.C. bookstore, from campus vending machines, and the instructor on exam days.

Makeup Policy: Exams will be scheduled throughout the term approximately one exam every two (2) weeks.  Students must request a makeup exam if they miss a scheduled exam.  If you know in advance that you will not be able to take a scheduled exam, early exam times may be scheduled.  For unexpected absences makeup exams may be scheduled with the Testing Center at the instructor's discretion.  Only one makeup request will be permitted for missed exams 1, or 2.  A makeup exam must be completed prior to the next scheduled exam.  The instructor reserves the option to administer makeup exams in other forms.  There will be no makeup for exam three (3).  Taking exam 3 early will be permitted upon request.

Final Exam: The final exam will be exam three (3).  It will cover the chapters, study guide material, and class lectures presented after exam two (2).  Attendance for exam three (3) is mandatory unless students make prior arrangements with the instructor's approval.

ASSIGNMENTS: Nine (9) assignments will be made available during the term.  All of the assignments will be take-home open book and made up of key term questions taken from the assigned chapters.  Three assignments will be due on each scheduled exam date.  Assignments submitted past their deadline will be graded, but ten (10) points will be deducted from the score as a late penalty.   Students may submit completed assignments ahead of schedule.

Letter Writing Assignments: Students will receive thirty (30)  points by writing to their elected or appointed representatives in any government (federal, state, or local) level.  The issue or topic of the letter must be related to the public official's authority or area of responsibility and the topics may not be duplicated to different officials.  Letter writing assignments must be submitted by the end of the eleventh (11 th) class period of the term.  For additional details see letter writing instructions in the content link of blackboard.  Each letter has a possible grade point value of ten points.

Attendance

Attendance Policy and Grade Points: 

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore it is the responsibility of each student to attend all classes.  Attendance will be taken for each class with an attendance roster to be signed by all students before leaving each class period.  Not signing the roster will be considered an absence.

Students are responsible for obtaining all class information and material covered for any absence.  The instructor will NOT give students copies of lecture notes or outlines due to absences.  Students who do not complete the required exams and do not formally drop the course prior to the official drop date through the instructor could receive a failing grade.  There are twelve class periods during this term.  Grade points will be awarded accordingly for the following attendance performance.

Attendance:            Grade points: 

12                                    20                   

11                                    15                  

10                                    10                     

9                                        5                              

8 to 1                                 0                                

Grade points for attendance will be adjusted in the event of class cancellation due to inclement weather or other cancellations.

Calendar

Additional Information

The objective of this class is to instill a basic understanding of our state and local governments and what they are based upon.  The material is presented in a framework to help the student organize and analyze the broad data necessary to formulate views about our government, politics, and their role in the Texas political system.  As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests.  But, a democratic republic depends on our willingness to subordinate ourselves to the interests of the common good that is necessary to balance and control the power of government.

  It is not the instructor's objective to convert a student to a particular political or partisan position, but encourage students to grapple with and engage in assessing the material to form their own position.