Texas Government Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

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 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 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:

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.

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-2306-003 Texas Government

Prerequisites

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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Governing Texas 6e

ISBN 1-3240-3510-2

To access the required quizzes and assignments for this course, you must register the access code provided inside the paperback copy.

Supplies

• Reliable Internet Access

  • Students must have consistent access to the internet to complete all course components on time.

• Access to the E-Book and Blackboard

  • Required for completing assignments, quizzes, and accessing course materials.

• Access to Blackboard (Learning Management System)

  • All announcements, assignment links, and grades will be posted on Blackboard.

• Access to Washington Street Campus

  • May be required for optional office hours, technology support, or special sessions announced in advance.

Student Performance

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 the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest groups, and elections.
8. 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.
9. Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.

Students 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

• Grading Criteria

  • 10 points – Norton Assignments

  • 15 points – Common Assessment

  • 25 points - Exam One 

  • 25 points - Exam Two  

  • 25 points - Exam Three  

  • Total – 100 points  

• Letter Grades

  • 89+ = A 

  • 79+ = B 

  • 69+ = C 

  • 59+ = D 

  • 58 and below = F 

  • (Important Note: Any average .5 or above will be rounded up.) 

• Exam Information: There will be three exams throughout this 8-week course, accessible via Blackboard. The exams are not cumulative—there will be no "final." Each exam will cover a specific set of chapters (details will be provided in the course schedule below).

• Make-up Policy: All make-up exams must be arranged with the instructor. If a student misses an exam, they have 48 hours to provide a reason for missing it. The student must then take the exam within one week of the scheduled test date. There will be a 15% reduction in the overall exam grade for any student who does not have a documented, excused reason for missing the exam. Make-up exams will be retaken via Blackboard.

• Late Work: All assignments are due by the date and time specified in the syllabus or assignment instructions. Late Pearson assignments will be accepted; however, grade penalties may apply. The instructor will consider late submissions only for documented medical issues, family emergencies, or other significant and justifiable reasons. The common assessment will not be accepted after the deadline except under exceptional and exigent circumstances. Students must contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss their situation and provide appropriate documentation.

• Common Assessment: The common assessment will be assigned during Week Five and will be due in Week Seven. Students are expected to complete the assessment during the designated timeframe. Requests to access or submit the common assessment prior to its official release will not be granted. This policy is in place to ensure that students have adequate time to engage with and understand the relevant course material, which is essential for successfully completing the assessment.

Attendance

As this is an online course, there is no formal attendance policy. Students are expected to complete all assignments by their assigned due dates and to regularly log in to Blackboard to stay informed of course updates.

Calendar

Additional Information

Instructor’s Right to Modify Course Content
The instructor reserves the right to modify assignment due dates, course content, or the course schedule as necessary to support the learning goals of the class. Students are responsible for regularly checking the course syllabus and the Blackboard course site for updates or announcements. Any changes will be communicated to students in a timely manner.