Texas Government Syllabus for 2018-2019
Return to Syllabus List

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-2306-004 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

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Custom Resources for Politial Science, 8th edition-Custom Edition for Amarillo College, Prentice Hall (Pearson)

Supplies

Paper and writing utensils.  Access to a reliable computer is necessary.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.

2. Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.

3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.

5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.

6. Analyze the state and local election process.

7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of 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

1.  Come to Class prepared.

2.  Listen when others are speaking.

3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class period.

5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you please talk to me.

6.  Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.

Grading Criteria

There are 490 total points available (not including extra credit assignment) ( I drop 1 quiz grade that is already programmed in):

A = 537 – 483

B = 482 – 430

C = 429 – 375

D = 374 – 322

F = 321 or below

 

 

Extra Credit Assignment: 

 

Read the book, “Just The Basics Please! Book 1: Money. Write a 1 page, double spaced, 12 font, standard margin, paper regarding what you learned from this book. (10 pts) (There is an Appendix / Worksheet from this book that is MANDATORY and is a separate assignment.)

 

Make up Policy:  None - all quizzes are online with due dates. There is no exception to work not being completed on time (sick, kid sick, work, computer problems, etc. Note: AC Online goes down each night from 2 - 4 a.m. You will be kicked off if you try to and take quizzes then.)

GRADING POLICY:

This is a new policy – please read carefully.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL PAPERS THAT ARE SUBMITTED.

ALL PAPERS submitted via email will automatically lose 10% of your grade. ALL PAPERS submitted via email late will lose an additional 10% off. IE - if a paper is worth 100 points, and you submitted late via email - you will automatically lose 20 points off the grade I would give you for the paper. (If you would have earned an 85 on your paper, you will now have a 65). REGARDLESS OF REASON. NO EXCUSES ACCEPTED.

 

My suggestion is to go to the dollar store, buy a $1.00 calendar, and take a couple of hours with different color pens at the beginning of each semester, and mark every assignment due for all your classes on this calendar. Hang in a place you can look at every day. If the assignment is going to take a few days or weeks to do – make a note of it a week or two ahead of the due date so you can get started! 

IF you have trouble understanding how to attach, or copy/paste into the assignment area, you need to contact me DAYS before the assignment is due, not hours! Or call the ACTX help desk for help! 

NO EXCUSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

Attendance

INSTRUCTOR ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Class Participation:  Participation is MANDATORY. Lack of participation can/ will result in a loss of a full letter grade. You receive 3 points per day for attendance.

Calendar

Additional Information

****The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus if circumstances warrant****

All communication with me should be done through the Class email link.  My responses to you will be found in your AC gmail account. It is recommended that you check your AC gmail on a regular basis. All College emails are sent to you AC Gmail Account. If you do not know how to access it - call the AC help desk - 371-5000.