By appointment only. I do not have campus office hours.
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-2306-007 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)
On Campus Course
"Governing Texas" Fourth Edition, Champagne/Harpham/Casellas, by W.W. Norton & Co., Copyright 2017, 500 Fifth Ave. New York, N.Y. 10110.
Note taking paper, ink pens, No. 2 pencils, printing paper, access to the internet with a printer.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Define and describe federalism and other ways of organizing government and know the status of the american states within the federal systems and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.
2. List and describe the three branches of government in Texas.
3. Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.
4. Identify and describe 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 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 society and developed under the Constitution.
10.Explain local government structure, functions and organizations in 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".
Students will be expected to follow the guidelines listed in the Amarillo College Handbook. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable and not allowed. In order to produce an environment conducive to learning one must be tolerant of different views, opinions, and perspectives from others. Treat people as you would want them to treat you.
Cell phones will be allowed in the classroom but only in the silent mode. Phones may be monitored but not answered during class. If a student has an emergency they are to step outside of class for cell phone calls.
Grading Criteria:
The final letter grade will be determined by the number of grade points earned during the term. A maximum of 330 grade points are possible. There are three exams given in the term. Each exam has a possible 100 grade points. All exams will have multiple choice and true or false questions. All exams will be online with instructions provided by the instructor. Attendance has a possible 30 points. The following grade point scale will be used to assign final letter grades. Possible grade points are as follows:
Exam 1-100 grade points Maximum attendance points-30
Exam 2-100 grade points Total grade points 330
Exam 3-100 grade points
A = 330 to 297 grade points
B = 296 to 264 grade points
C = 263 to 231 grade points
D = 230 to 198 grade points
F = 197 grade points or less
Students who do not complete the course and do not earn the required number of grade points will receive a failing grade. Students must formally request to drop the course through their advisor. The official date to drop the class passing is on or before August 5, 2021.
One Makeup Exam: Three exams are scheduled throughout the term. Due to the short time frame of the term, only one makeup exam will be granted for either exam 1 or 2; but no makeup exam will be granted for exam 3. A makeup exam must be requested and will be scheduled by the instructor unless otherwise instructed. The instructor reserves the right to give makeup exams in other forms (essay). Exams may be taken prior to scheduled times upon request and instructor approval.
Final Exam: The last exam will be exam 3. It will cover the chapters, study guide material, and class lectures after exam 2. Taking the final exam is mandatory unless other arrangements are made with instructor approval.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Nine (9) assignments are given during the term that are take-home and open book. They are over the key terms listed at the end of each assigned chapter in the textbook. All assignments are available in the students' AC blackboard course account under the "content" tab.
Assignments 1, 2, & 3 are due on the date of exam 1.
Assignments 4, 5, & 6 are due on the date of exam 2.
And, assignments 7, 8, & 9 are due on the date of exam 3.
Each assignment will be graded and incorrect answers marked with the correct answer and returned. An assignment average will be determined at the end of the term and used to replace a students' lowest exam score. Assignments may be turned in ahead of schedule. Assignments turned in past the due date will have 10 points deducted from the grade as a penalty.
Attendance Policy and Grade Points:
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore it is the responsibility of each student to attend all classes. Attendance will be taken for each class with an attendance roster to be signed by all students before leaving each class period. Not signing the roster will be considered an absence.
Students are responsible for obtaining all class information and material covered for any absence. There are 12 class periods during this term. Grade points will be awarded accordingly to the following attendance performance.
Attendance: Grade points: Attendance: Grade points:
12-11 30 6-5 15
10-9 25 4-3 10
8-7 20 2 or less 0
No grade points will be awarded for attendance records of 2 or less. Grade points will be adjusted in the event of class cancelation due to inclement weather or other cancelations.
EXTRA CREDIT WRITING: Students may earn extra grade points not included in the 330 grade points listed above. Extra credit will be awarded for submitting written letters to their elected or appointed public officials at the national, state, or local government levels. Letter topics must be related to the official's authority or area of responsibility and letter subjects may not be duplicated to different officials.
Letters will be graded for addressing topics to the correct official, grammar, and presentation. A maximum of 3 letters will be permitted for 10 possible grade points per letter. One letter may be substituted by showing the instructor their valid voter registration card or proof thereof. Additional instructions will be provided by the instructor.
Study Outlines are presented for each chapter covered in the textbook. Students should print them out from their AC blackboard course account and bring them to class. They are listed under the Content tab. The outlines contain blanks and may be completed prior to or during the chapter lecture.
Course Calendar:
The instructor reserves the right to change the outline and/or syllabus due to unforeseen circumstances.
Texas Government 2306-007
Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Dutton Hall, Room 105
Part 1: The Foundations of Texas Government and Culture
July 06: Review Syllabus & Chapter 1-the Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas
July 08: Chapter 2-the Texas Constitution & Chapter 3-Texas in the Federal System
July 13: Chapter 3-Texas in the federal system
July 15: Exam 1 & assignments 1, 2, & 3 are due
Part 2: The Influences on Texas Government
July 20: Review Exam 1 & Chapter 4-Political Parties
July 22: Chapter 5- Campaigns & Elections
July 27: Chapter 6-Interest Groups & Lobbying
July 29: Exam 2 & assignments 4, 5, & 6 are due
Part 3: The Institutions in Texas Government
Aug. 03: Review Exam 2 & Chapter 7-the Texas legislature
Aug. 05: Chapter 8-the Executive Branch
Aug. 10: Chapter 9-the Judiciary
Aug. 12: Exam 3 & assignments 7, 8, 9 are due without penalty and all extra credit letters and late assignments.
Our society depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry that gives attention and action towards our state leaders. As individuals we function in terms of our self-interests. However, a democratic-republic such as ours depends upon our willingness to subordinate some of our personal interests for the common good of our state in order to balance and control the power of our state government. It is not the purpose of this instructor to convert you to any particular political or partisan position, but to encourage you to contemplate the material in this course in order to engage in some political activity and in determining your personal political or partisan position.
06/25/21 9:46 AM
06/25/21 10:10 AM