Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>
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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
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-2306-012 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)
Online Course
The State of Texas: Government, Politics, & Policy- 6th Edition
No supplies available
No performance information available
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".
No behavior expectations available
Assignments, Exams, and Activities
PAPERS
1. Mini Paper: You are required to write a short argumentative paper so that I can gauge your writing skill and how you make an argument. Basically this is a really easy assignment. You must persuade me of a topic, which are listed below. I want you to choose a side and persuade me one way or another on the issue. You MUST cite at least one credible source in the paper and the paper must have at least 1000 words. It must be formatted in MLA or APA format and be spell checked for
errors, etc. This paper should be research based. Be sure to write it in third person (i.e. no I, you, we, or us).
Note: Failure to do the mini paper means I will not read your larger term paper.
Mini paper topics:
If your last name starts with
A-F Should the Confederate flag continue to be flown and celebrated across the country?
G-M Should TX raise the minimum wage to $15/hr?
N-S Should TX make college free for its citizens?
T-Z Should TX schools regulate food served in order to combat obesity?
So this will require you to do some research on the issue and focus on the government’s action here. There is no wrong answer so long as you defend your point well.
2. Term Paper: Students will choose a political topic (MUST BE APPROVED BY ME) to write about and will argue and defend a political point of view. This paper is expected to look and sound professional and must be thoroughly researched. You are expected to pick a side and convince me of whatever your argument is while also telling me why the other side’s arguments are wrong. The report is expected to be standard format (either Times New Roman or Arial 12 point font, 1 inch margins, double spaced) and sources must be cited in either MLA or APA format. The paper must have at least three reputable sources (WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A SOURCE and will not be allowed) and should be between 7-10 pages (not counting title page or works cited page). You MUST cite your sources if you quote something, reference something, or even mention someone’s idea. Failure to properly cite and document your sources will be considered plagiarism and will result in a grade of zero. Also, be sure to differentiate between fact and opinion in your paper and proofread your paper! I will mark down heavily if a paper is not properly proofread for errors.
Note, the topic for the term paper is due soon, see syllabus. This topic must be approved by me beforehand, every day it’s late will dock you points. Be sure to look over the Term paper topics slides, Term paper analysis slides, and example term papers to see what I am looking for.
DISCUSSIONS & RESPONSES
3. Discussion Postings: There are 8 Discussion postings you will write (D1-8). They are found in the discussion sections. After you read the chapters and my associated lectures/slides, go ahead and read the applicable discussion. There are multiple questions within each discussion prompt; you are required to respond to EACH question. These submissions are expected to be THOROUGHLY WELL RESEARCHED, CITED, PROFESSIONAL, and basically like a big essay. Do NOT simply just tell me your feelings; you must back up and prove any point you claim. Also, be sure to write in 3rd person also. Your discussion posts are due at NOON (cst) on the date in the syllabus. NO LATE DISCUSSIONS ACCEPTED. For course grading, I average your discussions.
4. Discussion Responses: For each Discussion posting, you are required to respond to at least TWO OTHER STUDENTS discussions (listed as R1-8). So you need to respond to two other students D1 posts to get R1 credit, two other students D2 posts to get R2 credit, etc. Your responses should also be well thought out and well-researched. Do NOT just post an “I agree” type statement; your response must advance the discussion. If I think your response is weak, I won’t give you credit for it. All responses are due by the “R” date in the syllabus and NO LATE RESPONSES WILL BE
ACCEPTED. For grading, you can get either 100 (at least two quality responses), 50 (one quality response), or 0 (zero quality responses). For course grading, I average your responses.
ASSESSMENTS
5. Exams: There will be two exams. A midterm and a comprehensive final exam
6. Quizzes: Pop quizzes could occur at any point throughout the course.
Grading Formula
Grade Breakdown
Discussion postings 20%
Discussion responses 10%
Term Paper 15%
Mini Paper 10%
Midterm exam 15%
Cumulative Final Exam 20%
Quizzes 10%
No attendance information available
Course Calendar
***ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE BY 12:00 PM (NOON) CST ON THE TUESDAY OR FRIDAY LISTED BELOW***
Tues Jan 14 Welcome to the Course: Please Read syllabus and Introduce yourself on Discussion post
Fri Jan 17 Have read Entire U.S. Constitution- Syllabus quiz and Constitution quiz due
Tues Jan 21 Intro and political culture and Constitution slides- D1 Due
Fri Jan 24 Federalism (aka TX and the Nation) and TX Const. – D2/R1 due, also TERM PAPER TOPICS DUE TO ME - (Before emailing me you MUST look over the “Term paper topics” slides providing a complete and specific argument with at least three credible sources
Tues Jan 28 Political Parties and Interest Groups- D3/R2 Due
Fri Jan 31 TX Legislature - D4/R3 due
Tues Feb 4 TX Executive– D5/R4 Due
Fri Feb 7 MINI PAPER DUE in submission box (do not email it)
Tues Feb 11 MIDTERM EXAM DUE
Tues Feb 14 TX Judiciary– D6/R5 Due
Tues Feb 18 Crimes and Corrections - D7/R6 due
Fri Feb 21 TX Fiscal policy and Local Government- D8/R7 Due
Tues Feb 25 TX Public Policy, Media, Political Participation, and Elections – no assignments due, just read the chapters
Fri Feb 28 TERM PAPERS AND R8 Due
Tues Mar 4 FINAL EXAM Due
Exams, Discussions, Responses- NO late work accepted
Mini paper and Term paper- accepted, but entire grade deduction after each day late
12/20/24 2:57 PM
12/20/24 3:00 PM