Professor Linda Powell
--Text me at (806) 410-0025,
--Write to me via the "MESSAGES" Tool from the top menu toolbar on the Course Webpage (Please DO NOT use Outlook as this may delay a response). NOTE: I will not respond to emails sent from non-Amarillo College email address.
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 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.
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
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
GOVT-2306-009 Texas Government
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
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Hybrid
Required Books:
Title: The State of Texas – 4th Ed. 2019
with Connect Plus Access Card
Author: Mora
ISBN: 1260525341
Publisher: McGraw Hill
*NOTE: Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook for this course. It is very easy in the hectic early days of a new term to glance at a card in the bookstore and select the wrong books. It is also possible for a student to get conflicting advice from others, including bookstore personnel who mean well, but may be misinformed about the correct books for the proper Professor. So be sure to go online, print-out-a-copy of the Syllabus and bring it with you when buying your books. If in doubt, buy what is listed on the Syllabus, then sort out any issues later. The Syllabus is the final word on which book is correct, so read it carefully and buy accordingly.
Is the ACCESS CODE Required? Answer: NO but Highly Recommended
The Access Code is part of all NEW books purchased from the AC Bookstore, or as part of the E-book (Access Code Only) and comes bundled inside the wrapper with the book -- BUT here is the deal with the Access Code and my Class specifically. The Publisher Access Code gives the student complete admittance into all the support materials the Publisher offers found on the Course Materials Link, including all Practice Quizzes, particularly the Smartbook (E-Book) Textbook. These materials are highly useful for studying prior to the Graded Quizzes and then reviewing the issues you might have scored incorrectly after taking either a Practice or Graded Quiz. But, there is NO "Graded" Assignment that comes from the Publisher's web site that requires a student to purchase the Access Code if you are getting your Textbook used or from some other source. Recall, that it will come already bundled and paid for if you purchase your book New at the AC Bookstore or choose the ACCESS CODE ONLY Option available online. The support material is there to make-up for the lack of an in-class lecture and the limited contact with a "real" Professor. Some students need and like the help, especially the Practice Tests and LearnSmart Textbook which show students where a particular question came from in the book as they prepare for the "Graded" quizzes -- but it is NOT a mandatory tool. If you buy from another location, or purchase a used book then the Access Code is not provided. Student can, however, opt to purchase an Access Code from the Publisher at a later date for a fee, but that is your choice.
Regular access to a computer with Internet is necessary. Students also have access to significant Virtual help from the Textbook publisher’s web site and may use an E-Book instead of the more traditional printed version.
The Exams for this Course are taken Online which means that each student will need access to a reliable computer and Internet service in order to take each of the required Quizzes — even if you are enrolled in an on-campus course due to the use of Virtual Testing. You may take your Exams from Home, on the College campus, or the Public Library or any number of locations, but be sure that it has both a reliable Internet connection, and computer. You can also download the Blackboard Mobile App as an alternative option for accessing the Course and completing your Assignments. Experience suggests that you not use a Wireless set-up unless you are absolutely certain that it will always work. Students have TWO (2) Attempts within a Testing Cycle but once a Quiz is opened and it MUST be completed within the time limit allowed. If you are “knocked out” of the quiz before hitting submit, students can immediately log back in and the test can be resumed until the time has expired. To reiterate, once you open a Quiz, you must complete it as the Blackboard Program allows for only ONE (1) Test attempt to be open for each student at a time; however, a Wired Internet Connection remains the best choice. This issue is very important since I am now granting all students TWO (2) attempts at each Graded Quiz during a Testing Cycle. Be aware of the weather for the same reason. Do not sit down to take your Exam just as a T-Storm is approaching your house since that is just asking for trouble. The same rule applies to your favorite "beverage" or any other item that might disrupt your ability to successfully complete each Quiz. Keep the telephone number of the CTL Help Desk (a Help Desk for everything) handy where you decide to take your Tests so that if you have a problem arises then you may contact them immediately. A Link to the CTL Help Desk is also provided on the left-hand menu of the Course Webpage. Please do not try and contact the Professor by telephone for any technology issue that may occur since I warn you now that my only skill with computers is punching random keys when they fail me. The College does, however, have very talented people who specialize in solving such crises, and they are the ones to contact as soon as a problem occurs. Do feel free, however, to send me an e-mail describing the event and what you are doing about it when you get service restored.
Here are additional hints to help avoid any problems with AC Connect:
WANT TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH GRADED QUIZZES ON BLACKBOARD (AC CONNECT)?
GETTING KNOCKED OFF of GRADED QUIZZES?
FOLLOW THESE SUGGESTIONS!
Since some of you are new to the AC Connect (Blackboard) online environment, here are some helpful hints to consider before taking the Graded Quizzes. Remember, that each Quiz must be completed and submitted prior to the 2355/11:55 p.m. deadline. If you begin your Quiz at 2350/11:50 p.m. on the final due date, you will have only 5 minutes to complete the assignment before the test is automatically submitted by the Blackboard Program. Any student who is allowed extra time by the Student Services Center must allow for that additional time when planning when to start taking their Test. All Quizzes are set to close at 2355 (11:55 pm) local time and that Completion Time is the same, meaning 2355/11:55 pm local time, no matter what extra is allotted to you. For best results and to guard against any unforeseen Internet difficulties, begin your Quiz at the earliest date/time available for best results. Once you open any Graded Exam, you must complete it because the Blackboard Program allows for only ONE (1) Test attempt to be open for each student at a time. This issue is very important since I am now granting all students TWO (2) attempts at each Graded Quiz during a Testing Cycle. So be sure that you have completely finished your First effort and Submitted it, before trying to take a 2nd Graded Quiz and remember these are all timed efforts—so keep that clock in mind. Be forewarned, however, that your second Quiz attempt will not use the same questions as you saw during your first effort because the Blackboard Program randomly selects questions from a large pool each time you log-in. I cannot alter this issue, but who knows, you may get easier questions if you opt for a second attempt. Understand, you ARE NOT required to take TWO (2) Quizzes, but the option/choice is there if you feel that you could do better on a 2nd Quiz than you did on your first Test. You can take your 2nd attempt at any time during the Testing Window, it does not need to be immediately after your 1st try. I have the Bb Program set to record only your HIGHEST grade, so taking it a second time will not hurt your grade point for this Test. Pick a quiet place with adequate time and a reliable, preferably a Wired fast Internet connection for best results. So do not answer your door, or the telephone if it rings, banish your spouse, children or significant other while testing, and be aware of weather related issues that may develop, meaning do not start a Quiz during a thunderstorm or when one is anywhere near since our power grid is essentially spread across the Texas Panhandle! The Graded Quizzes have a time limit so remember to watch your time because when the time limit runs out, the Quiz will automatically close and your computer will self-submit that Test. If you are “knocked out” of the Quiz, students can immediately log back in and your Test will resume until the scheduled Quiz time window has expired. Be sure to note that the timer continues running if you leave the Test for any reason---so access it again as quickly as possible if any problem arises! Again, to reiterate, once a student accesses/begins the timed Quiz, the Bb timer will Start and continue running until time has expired, then Blackboard will automatically close and submit your Quiz as scheduled, even if you were forced out and re-entered due to a brief technical problem.
AC Connect or Blackboard is restrictive about the environment in which a student takes the Exam. This makes sense when you remember that most other Colleges and Universities that use Virtual course require that students take all Graded Tests using a Testing Center or a Proctor at a local site. To avoid any problems such a time-outs or losing access in the middle of a Quiz, note these suggestions:
NOTE the importance of a WIRED Connection cannot be Emphasized Strongly Enough: A Message from a Blackboard IT Expert -- "If a students’ Internet connection is interrupted anytime during a test, Blackboard (AC Connect) regards that break as an ending of the test. WiFi connections are the worst because they often have micro-short blips in connections (as they process the signal from the source). Usually we do not even notice it….but Blackboard does. So a student might open a test, start the questions, and notice that nothing is saving or moving along – this is because the connection has been broken. Blackboard simply continues running the timer on the Quiz, and when the time runs out it “submits” the test on the next cycle – usually 2-7 minutes after the timer ends citing 'abandonment' by the student as the explanation. In the end, a student may get to answer either none or only a few questions."
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.
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".
DisAbility Statement: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.
Student Responsibilities: Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student. The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.
Study Groups: Student-led study groups are encouraged. The professor will provide, if requested, a secure-web forum for each individual study group. But, never forget that I am also available to you and will gladly help during my Office Hours or Appointments.
Cheating: Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat on one of the examinations. Students caught cheating in any way or using materials other than those allowed will have their examinations rejected and, at minimum, receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination. Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student’s record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).
Withdrawing From A Course: NOTE: AC withdrawal procedures are listed above. It is the responsibility of the student to officially Drop or Withdraw from a course prior to the Date set by the College and listed on both the College Master Calendar and under the Course Schedule for this class. Students are also now REQUIRED to contact their Professor and discuss the choices available to them. If completion of the Course is not an option, students MUST obtain all appropriate Paperwork signed by each Professor to initiate the Drop process. Failure by the student to Withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be assigned for student-initiated Withdrawals that are correctly submitted on or before the posted Drop Date.
PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THIS PART!!! Students who do not attend and participate in the class on or prior to the Census Date will be administratively dropped without any recourse by either the student or Professor. Effective Fall, 2016, students will be automatically dropped by Amarillo College after the Census Date and will NOT be allowed to re-enroll under any circumstances. Please understand that this includes accidents, computer failures, family emergencies or any other circumstance. Any failure to participate prior to the Census Date will lead to automatic removal of the student from the class under an administrative drop---period. This Census Date is vital to you so be sure that you have not only logged-in but have actively participated in some assignment for credit, otherwise you WILL BE DROPPED and the Professor has no way to prevent or reverse the action so please be sure you are aware of and understand it.
For Spring 2 2020, the Census Date is 4/6/20. Attendance in Online classes REQUIRES the completion of a Graded Assignment such as the Introduction Discussion Forum or the First Graded Quiz PRIOR to 4/6/20. REMEMBER---Simply logging into Blackboard, AC Connect, the Course Webpage or any other contact such as an E-Mail to your Professor is NOT accepted by either the AC administration nor the State of Texas as “attendance,” and will not count as “participation.” You Have Been Warned!!
Etiquette: The study of Texas Government is important and deserves respect from both the professor and from students. Everyone has an obligation to cultivate an environment for learning that enhances the ability to pursue the shared interest in government and its policies. Respect for one another and for the ideas and values of others are essential for a strong environment for learning government. Respectful students bring a strong work ethic to the course. They are expected to log-on to the class regularly, be prepared for class, and be attentive to discussions, participation assignments, and online chats. A shared respect for one another is essential to the academic integrity and a comfortable learning environment. Everyone must do their part to maintain an environment of openness and civility that encourages and honors the intellectual achievement. If you need to review the standard Net Etiquette rules, see the Net Etiquette for more information.
Instructor’s Policy on Academic Dishonesty: Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat or plagiarize. Students caught will receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination and/or essay. Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student's record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option). If you are unsure about the definition of plagiarism, see the links available to students or visit with your instructor.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
Review the plagiarism link located on the "Course Info - Start HERE!" Link located on the Course Website.
Choosing Good Sources for Research: Students often search for additional information about Texas government and policy to supplement their understanding of the material in preparation for essays, participation assignments, discussions, and even quizzes. To correctly interpret issues, students must have accurate knowledge of the facts. Students can also consult secondary sources such as the work of other scholars. Students are, however, STRONGLY cautioned to choose these extra sources, particularly Internet sites, with care. Websites, such as Wikipedia or Yahoo, DO NOT necessarily contain reliable facts, documentation, or interpretations, and therefore, should not be used in a college course, without other means of corroboration. NEVER cite these websites as official documentation even if you use them for a “Quickie” look at what they say about some topic. Remember that websites like Wikipedia even post disclaimers, informing users that their material may or may not be valid Wikipedia Disclaimer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Disclaimers). Students should, instead, choose sources from the AC Library such a History Cooperative, JSTOR, or other refereed journals. For websites, learners should select places where the author can be identified as a scholar, political scientist, or other knowledgeable person. Such examples would include websites ending in .edu or .org. Use of Wikipedia, Yahoo, ANY Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, or general History websites (like History.com or the .net one) or any similar websites as sources for a college-level assignment will receive a letter-grade deduction (generally this means a minimum of a 10-point loss). If you are in-doubt write to the Professor and ask for confirmation about the scholarly nature of the site/source in question.
Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.
Review Net Etiquette rules before taking an online course.
Students will be expected to work through 14 chapters before the end of the Term as well as engage in Participation Assignments as required. (See Course Schedule for reading below).
Computer Requirements:
Regular log-on is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to keep track of their assignments. Students must have regular access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to enroll in this course. I repeat, these are minimum requirements for all students in every online course. Technical problems are not an excuse to miss a posted quiz or other due date. Students should plan ahead to have all work submitted earlier than the last Due Date in the event of a computer malfunction. Students should then have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local library so they may still meet all assignment dates. You can also download the Blackboard Mobile App as an alternative option for accessing the Course and completing your Assignment. This is one of the trade-offs for the convenience of a Virtual class. When technical problems occur, students need to send an e-mail to the Help Desk explaining the difficulty, and copy your instructor as well. If you cannot use e-mail, call the Help Line and not your instructor to explain the difficulty. You may also leave a summary of your trouble and response on your instructor's voice-mail.
Make-Up Policy:
Due to the highly unusual circumstances of this Term, students are allowed ONE opportunity to Make-Up a missed score if they have exceed the mandatory limit for allowable drops.This class is designed to have students take Fourteen (14) Graded Quizzes and Five (5) Participation assignments during the Term. However, only Ten (10) of the Graded Quizzes and Four (4) of the Participation submissions will count toward the student's Final Average. So everyone must drop Four (4) Graded Quizzes and One (1) Participation score. The Make-Up option will ONLY be available to those students who have exceeded the mandatory drops.The Make-Up Assignment---if appropriate---will be available during a 48-hour window near the end of the Term on the dates listed in the Course Schedule. The Make-Up will consist of a 25-question Comprehensive fill-in-the-blank Test with ONLY one (1) attempt allowed during a 45 minute period and can only be taken to replace a MISSED assignment---not a low grade if you have met the required number of submissions for both Graded Quizzes and Participation scores. For example, if a student has missed/skipped Four (4) Quizzes and One (1) Participation assignment or scored poorly on one of these, the Make-Up option will not be available to that student because the scores they have already earned meet the required number of submitted assignments and must apply. The Blackboard Program keeps a running account of all student averages during the Term and automatically drops the lowest grades or any missed assignments up to the limit built-in to the course. Recall that in this class each student must drop Four (4) Graded Quizzes and One (1) Participation assignment with the Blackboard Program set to remove the lowest scores up to the allowable limit. If, however, a student has missed---for example---Five (5) Graded Quizzes and/or Two (2) Participation submissions, they may choose to take the Make-Up Test and apply that grade to ONE of the missing assignments, either the missed Quiz or Participation -- but NOT both. Note---this is just an example and is not all-inclusive of the way this process could occur.
Therefore, DO NOT ask for any additional Make-Ups or Extra Credit assignments -- for any reason. Students MUST use their allowable drops for each Assignment before the Make-Up Quiz opportunity is granted. By using for the Drop option, students have the necessary flexibility they need without the pressure of preparing additional work for Make-Ups/Extra Credits that simply become more work for an already over-stressed student. My experience shows that this benefits everyone while still protecting your opportunity to succeed in this class. But I do provide the Make-Up Quiz opportunity for any student facing an extra challenge this term. So, the rule is -- there are NO Make-Up exams (or resets) or Extra-Credit except for a student who has exceeded all of their available drops. A missed Quiz (up to 4) or Participation grade (1) will simply become a dropped score --with no exceptions. ONE Make-Up Opportunity is offered at the end of the Term for a limited date/time and may well prove more challenging for the student than the original Quiz/Participation assignments. Therefore, it is imperative that students keep track of ALL Due Dates and complete the Assignments when scheduled.
Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.
Assignments:
Method of determining course grade:
To view your Grades, click on the "Check Your Grade HERE" Link within the AC Connect Course Webpage. Manually calculate your Grade or Current Average using the Course Syllabus and/or see the "Question on Drops/Avg?” Link for assistance.
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Graded Chapter Quizzes (10 at 6.5% each) |
65% |
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Participation Assignments (4 at 8% each) |
32% |
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Introduction Post |
3% |
GRADE SCALE:
A 90 and above
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Failing (below 60)
Participation Forums should be thoughtful and critical with supporting facts and appropriate citations. Opinions without documentary evidence will not receive a passing grade. YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR STANCE WITH FACTS FROM YOUR READINGS.
NOTE: Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom-based students. The nearest thing to the classroom interaction is found in the Participation postings that are done by each student from the assignments listed on the Course Schedule. These are student-led learning tools, but they also give your Professor (me) a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates often found in the normal lecture format. So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not being exposed to COVID-19 each week is that you must engage in these Participation Assignments to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class. Failure to submit these has made the difference between a bright student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want. So please remember to submit the Participation posts.
NO on-campus meetings are ALLOWED due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This course is conducted entirely Online. HOWEVER, online attendance is required. (See Attendance Policy below).
NOTICE: BE WARNED -- This is fast-paced 8-week course.
Attendance Policy: This class was originally scheduled as an on-campus hybrid, but the COVID-19 Pandemic and declaration of a National State of Emergency changed all of our plans to say the least. So instead, our course will now be conducted online,and I will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. through Blackboard Collaborate for a Q & A session should any student need me. These opportunities for us to interact in the chat room will avoid any time conflicts that might otherwise have occurred since I realize that because of the Pandemic some of you had your schedules/lives altered dramatically but still want/need the class to graduate---or may now have children at home who also need to use the computer for their educational work--and not every student has the Internet speed/bandwidth, computer access, video, and/or computer capacity to have live interactive video classroom lectures (which was my original idea). Instead I have created a modified version of the Virtual course that I regularly teach here at Amarillo College, but will still be there for you during that same class-time window on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you need help. Attendance in the Blackboard Collaborate classroom Q&A sessions is Optional; HOWEVER, Regular log-ins and completion of Assignments ARE REQUIRED not only for satisfactory achievement in the Course, but to meet the attendance criteria established for those accepting Financial Aid. Be certain that you know---and follow the rules for such attendance as stated in your Financial Aid package. Students must log into the course daily, or at a minimum of every 48-hours. This requirement is based upon the student's need to be informed on many issues that can arise, including changes in their course, any AC Connect announcement posted for the entire class, and in order to stay in contact with their Professor, who may feel that important information is not being understood by the students enrolled in the course, with AC Connect, or AC. Experience has demonstrated the important role played by use of the Announcements Tool in assisting students in successfully completing the class. So, remember to check the Course Homepage on a regular basis.
It is the responsibility of each student to keep track of their Readings/Assignments/Due Dates. Students must have daily access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to enroll in, and to succeed in this course. Technical problems with a Student’s computer or Internet provider are not valid excuses to miss Assignments, Exams, or other Due Dates. Students should plan ahead to have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local city library. If a technical problem does occur, students should immediately send an E-Mail to the CTL Help Desk, where specialists in this technology can provide assistance. You can also download the Blackboard Mobile App as an alternative option for accessing the Course and completing your Assignments. You must also send a note to your Professor via the Course E-Mail Tool--->"Call Prof" explaining the difficulty and the Date, Time and Steps taken to solve the issue. Should the problem not be addressed by the Help Desk, they will provide the Professor (me) with a detailed report of ALL actions taken and the Professor will then decide if the Student can be allowed to complete the work in another fashion. If you cannot use E-Mail, then telephone your Professor ONLY as a last resort to explain the problem---but remember that we are all working from home until this crisis passes so use of E-Mail is the best option. Remember, this is now an Online course, and traditional telephone messages may take longer to be returned since they are outside of the usual communication chain of the Virtual world. If you reach your Professor's Voice-Mail, leave a message explaining the trouble and please state clearly your name, class and section, plus contact information where you can be reached. Expect the response---even to a telephone message by you to come via an E-Mail inside the Course Homepage and the Course E-Mail Tool, not a telephone call. It is difficult sometimes for students to recall that some in the course live around the world, particularly those serving in the military or who are military spouses and may, in fact, be on Active Duty in a combat zone, based in Alaska or Hawaii and so on. This makes telephone communication problematic for both parties trying to communicate. If necessary, a separate Chat Room can be created as a temporary method to discuss material that is too complex for a standard E-Mail post.
Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom-based students. The nearest thing to the classroom interaction is found in the Participation postings that are done by each student from the assignments listed on the Course Schedule. These are student-led learning tools, but they also give your Professor (me) a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates often found in the normal lecture format. So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not being exposed to COVID-19 each week is that you must engage in these Participation Assignments to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class. Failure to submit these has made the difference between a bright student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want. So please remember to submit the Participation posts.
Log-on and Meeting Time: Students should purchase textbooks and receive them prior to the first day of class. In addition, students need to log in on or before the first day of class through AC Connect Course Webpage: Students can access the associated Course Webpage on the Internet through the AC Connect Server at https://acconnect.actx.edu or through the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/ to begin the course. This class is conducted completely online and does NOT require proctors for exams. All Graded Quizzes and Assignments are submitted online through the course website.
Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and NO Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.
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Assignments: Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due before 11:59 p.m. (just prior to Midnight) Central Time (CT) on the final date listed. All dates refer to the 2020 Calendar Year and all times refer to the appropriate seasonal CT (Central Time). Students MUST submit all Assignments electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Syllabus/Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by University and Course Syllabus rules. Blackboard or Computer Problems? Contact the CTL Help Desk immediately by E-mail, telephone, or in person during most working hours (https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter) but plan ahead! Technical problems are not an excuse to miss a posted Assignment Due Date. Turn in assignments early and/or have backup plan.
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Teaching & Learning Strategy: The class is approached as an on-line instruction tool to learn about Texas Government. The course is designed to be completed during the recently adopted 8 week fast-paced session. A student should expect to schedule, on average, approximately 6-8 hours per week to accomplish the assignments required in this course and plan on reading 100-150 pages per week in an 8-week session. The student should block out time in a day planner 5-6 times a week in the 8-week session for completing reading, reviewing Internet sources, and course work, just as you would do if you were on campus. The seemingly vast reading load is the result of not attending classroom lectures where material is distilled by the Professor. Instead, the student is given the assignments, and should read them first and ask any questions raised by the topics that each student as an individual needs guidance to follow.
The course is structured with readings that correspond to content material posted online. Additional readings from Internet sites are assigned to support your historical understanding.
Students should be sure to view and/or print off the class calendar to keep track of the required posting dates for Quizzes and Participation Assignments. In addition, students should regularly check their email for notices about any changes in the course or content materials. Participation in this course is crucial to success.
Since this course is now conducted online, individualized learning is the key. Your ability to read the textbook and additional material and learn on your own to identify major theses and link material together into a comprehensive understanding of the Texas Government is crucial. The professor is available by email or via Collaborate to discuss in-depth any material you do not understand but the burden of learning falls upon the individual student.
Go to the Course Webpage on AC Connect and select the "Course Info - Start HERE!" Link:
--Read and keep either a printed copy or notes of the Course Syllabus for the semester handy,
--Print out the Course Schedule on the "Course Schedule" Link and post somewhere prominent or place the dates in your smart phone calendar app.
--Review and be familiar with ALL Course Policies including the SafeAssign, Wikipedia and Plagiarism Handouts.
Copyright of Course: Courses and course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. Copyright of courses and course presentations are owned by the professor just as in the case of traditional course materials such as books or articles.
**Changes or adjustments in course material, course calendar, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the Term if circumstances warrant.
03/12/20 10:29 PM
03/27/20 3:15 PM