Texas Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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.

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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-2306-001 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Farmer, Brian R. GOVT 2306. Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2016. ISBN 132344744X  

Farmer, Brian. R. American Political Ideologies: An Introduction to the Major Systems of Thought in the 21^st Century. Jefferson, NC, and London: McFarland and Company, 2006.

Supplies

#2 pencil for exams. Materials with which to take notes.

Student Performance

No performance information available

Students 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

To the mature adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus.  Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion.  Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the institution.  This is not junior high, elementary school, nor the Lad 'N' Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of them.  In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are 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.  The instructor reserves the right to assign individual seating if necessary for order in the classroom.

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

5. disruptive talking/visiting     10. wearing headphones         15. any other behavior detri- 

between students                                                                       mental to the class.

            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.  

Academic dishonesty:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment. 

Grading Criteria

Evaluation/Grade Scale

Grades for courses shall be recorded by the symbols below:

Symbol            Percentage      

            A                     90-100

            B                      80-89

            C                      70-79

            D                     60-69

            F                      below 60

Synopsis of Grading

                                                                                    Total

Four exams, 100 points each                                      400

Class Participation Grade                                               50

Ethical Dilemma paper                                                   50     

Total                                                                            500

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Attendance counts heavily in determining the class participation grade as discussed below. Tardies count as one third of an absence and over 20 minutes tardy counts as an absence. Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy.  Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence.

Class participation grade.  Attendance is heavily considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  Class participation is worth 50 points.  Roll will be taken in class at least ten times for each student and students normally receive five points for every time they are in attendance when their name is called. Additionally, the instructor reserves the right to deduct points from the class participation grade for behavior detrimental to the class.  Prohibited behavior which tends to result in the loss of class participation points is surveyed below under behavior policy.

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Additional Information

Disabiltiy Statement:  Any student, who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangement in order to meet course requirements, should contact Accessibility Services (SSC 125, Phone 371-5436) and the instructor on the first day of class to make the necessary accommodations.