Texas Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-2306-011 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Ebook: 

 

REVEL for Lone Star Politics, 2014 Elections and Updates Edition -- Access Card, 2nd Edition

• Paul Benson, Tarrant County College
• David Clinkscale, Tarrant County College
• Anthony Giardino, Tarrant County College

***** You must register your Ebook with the same name under which you are registered in this course.  If you are not sure how you are registered, please contact the Registrar.  If you do not use the exact name, you will not receive credit for your Ebook assignments.

Supplies

Computer Access

Reliable Internet Connection

Paper to write on in class

Pen/Pencil

Blue Book available for puchase in Book Store for FINAL exam

Student Performance

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.

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 the Amarillo College Student Handbook regarding student behavior.

Grading Criteria

90 – 100 = A

80  –  89 = B

70 –   79 = C

60  –  69 = D

Below 60  = failing

 

Weekly On-Line Assignments =35 % of your course grade

Weekly Ebook Assignments =35 % of your course grade

Attendance = 15 % of your course grade (must be present at least 1 hour to receive credit)

Final = 15% of your course grade.

Attendance

Attendance counts for 15% of your course grade.

You must be present for at least 1 hour to receive credit for attendance.

Mandatory Class Attendance Dates:  All Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. 

January 18

January 25

February 8 

February 22

March 8

March 22

April 5

April 19

May 3

IN CLASS FINAL  – May 10

Calendar

Additional Information

REGULAR HOMEWORK SCHEDULE:

All weekly homework “begins” or “opens” at 12:30 a.m. on the Wednesdays during our course.

All weekly homework “closes” and is due at midnight on the Tuesdays during our course.

EXCUSES FOR NOT DOING WORK:

Issues frequently arise for most of us during the course preventing us from submitting work.  Chief among these are internet connection issues.  If for some reason you are not able to submit your work, please wait until the later part of the course to make the work up during the time make up time period the instructor announces.

HOW TO DO THIS COURSE:

Students must open their course announcements and read How To Do This Course.

INSTRUCTOR DISCRETION:

Your instructor reserves the right to edit this Syllabus but will notify students of any change without penalties assessed.