Texas Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

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

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-2306-012 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REVEL for Lone Star Politics, 2014 Elections and Updates Edition -- Access Card, 2nd Edition
Paul Benson, David Clinkscale, Anthony Giardino

ISBN-13 9780134081717

 

The publisher gives a free 2 week access so you can use it while waiting for financial aid. 

Supplies

E Textbook

Reliable Computer Access

Reliable Internet Access

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

Grading Criteria:
90  – 100 = A

80   – 89  = B

70   -  79 = C

60  -   69 = D

Below 60 = F

Weekly textbook assignments:    55% of semester grade

Weekly internet assignments:      40% of semester grade

Final:   5 % of semester grade

 * 10 point penalty for ALL assignments submitted late

 

Attendance

on line course

Calendar

Course Week 1:  March 20 – March 26.    EBOOK:  Chapters 1 & 2.   Blackboard:  online assignment.

Texas Society and Political Culture; Federalism and the Texas Constitution

Course Week 2:   March 27 – April 2.   EBOOK:  Chapters 3 & 4.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

Voting and Elections in Texas; Political Parties in Texas

Course Week 3:   April 3 – April 9.  EBOOK:  Chapters 5 & 6.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

Interest Groups in Texas Politics;  The Media and Public Opinion in Texas

Course Week 4:  April 10 – April 16 .  EBOOK:  Chapters 7 & 8.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

The Legislative Process in Texas Politics; The Governor in Texas

Course Week 5:  April 17 – April 23.  EBOOK:  Chapters 9 & 10.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

The Plural Executive and the Bureaucracy in Texas; The Texas Courts System

Course Week 6:  April 24 – April 30.  EBOOK:  Chapters 11 & 12.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

Local and County Governments and Special Districts in Texas;  Public Policy in Texas

Course Week 7:  May 1-May 7.  EBOOK:  Chapters 13 & 14.  Blackboard:  online assignment.

Criminal Justice Policy in Texas;  Finance and Budgeting in Texas

FINALS:  May 8 – 10.

Additional Information

Although calendar dates are listed for all course work,  students should be aware that ALL material for this class is “open” until the last assignment “due date”, May 7.  Students are encouraged to submit both the EBOOK assignments and Blackboard assignments during the assigned time period in order to receive the best possible grades.  Although the EBOOK and Blackboard assignments will still be visible after the posted “due” dates, any work submitted past the “due” date will automatically receive a 10 point penalty.

Syllabus Created on:

03/16/17 9:38 AM

Last Edited on:

03/16/17 11:28 AM