Texas Government Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Administrative Drop Policy

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

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• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
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• 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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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.

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Course

GOVT-2306-003 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 Custom Resources for Political Science. Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2013. ISBN 10:1269509322 The cover has a picture of a bald eagle.

Supplies

Student Performance

After Studying the Material Presented in this Course of Study, the Student will be able to:

 

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

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

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

4.  Identify and define 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 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 system that has developed under that Constitution.

10.  Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in 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 act like adults attending a college class. This is not high school. Be at class on time and do not leave until the class is over.

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. 

Grading Criteria

There will be four chapter exams and a final exam. All test grades will be averaged together. Each test including the final exam test is worth 20% of your grade.

Testing

No makeup tests will be given.

Be present for each exam.

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. By attending every class you can earn up to 3 points on your final grade. Coming to class late or leaving early will count against you receiving this extra credit on your final grade.

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