Texas Government Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

GOVT-2306-006 Texas Government

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills</p>

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Gibson and Robison: Politics in the Lone Star State. Pearson Publishing.  REVEL Access Code, ISBN 9780134628073

 

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

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

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

No behavior expectations available

Grading Criteria

Exams:  There will be three major examinations during the semester plus a final examination on Thursday, May 10, 10:30-11:45. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures.  Each exam is worth 100 points and the four combine for 400 of the possible 500 points in the class.  Students may not drop the any of the exams. The exams will be taken in class on scantron form 882-E with a #2 pencil. Approximately 75% of the exams will come straight from the lectures and the other 25% from the readings.   

Makeup Exams:   There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor.   If a student misses an exam without prearrangement with the instructor, The student must write a 4-6 page book review of a book chosen by the instructor to replace the exam.. 

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.

Ethical Dilemma Paper: Students will read an ethical dilemma assigned by individually by the insturctor. Individual due dates are determined by the instructor. In a one page typed paper, students will briefly identify and accurately describe the ethical dilemma. Students will use appropriate insights from two or more areas of study at AC to make connections and clarify the ethical dilemma. Students will recognize connections to their own personal values and rules, articulate the sources of their insights, and incorporate personal values in a reasoned response.  Do not include information from Wikipedia or any other web sites, articles, or books. Keep the length of your response to one page. The Historical Ethical Dilemma Paper is worth 50 points toward the final grade. No papers will be accepted after 12:00 noon on Monday, May 7.

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.

Calendar

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.