Course Syllabus
TexasState and Local Government
Spring 2012
Pols 2312-012
Tuesday/Thursday
11:00-12:20
Lecturer
Kimberly Harper
Office: UH 402
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 2:10–3:00
-Available by appointment as well-
Required Text
Practicing Texas Politics
Brown, Langenegger, Garcia, Lewis, Biles, 14th ed.
-Additional reading materials will be provided by instructor [on-line library reserve]
Goals and Objectives
The number one priority of the class instructor is to facilitate learning. It is the responsibility of students to read prior to class and engage in class discussions.
The overall goal and objective for this class is success in the learning of Texas state and local government, features and functions of state and local government, as well as general knowledge and general skills.
Specific themes of TexasState and Local Government that students are expected to have a proficient knowledge in after completion of this course include:
-Foundations and Features of Texas state and local government (including political environment of Texas, federalism, and local governments)
-Features of the political process (including political parties, elections, and interest groups)
-Branches of Texas state and local government (including legislative, executive, and judicial)
-Policy of Texas government (including public policy and fiscal policy)
Students are expected to leave this course with a working knowledge of Texas state and local government.
Students are expected to strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills throughout the semester.
It is also desired that students will further develop and strengthen reading and writing skills.
Grade Distribution
60% for section tests
15% for presentation
25% for final exam
Details
-Section Tests: This course has been broken down into 4 sections, which will result in four section tests. These tests will be comprised of true/false, multiple choice and matching questions (50-100 questions). *Please be prepared with scantron on test days.
-Test 1: Ch 1-3
-Test 2: Ch 4-6
-Test 3: Ch 7, 8, 10
-Test 4: Ch 9 and 11
-Presentation: All students will be required to do a presentation in class. The topic and details will be announced within the first few weeks of class. Students are encouraged to get an early start on this project.
-Final Exam: The final date and time will be set by the university. The final exam will consist of 100 questions from the entire semester. The final will also include information that was presented during presentations.
Grade Scale
90+ A
80+ B
70+ C
60+ D
59- F
-There will be NO EXTRA CREDIT! Make every grade count.
Classroom Rules
-Please keep all cell phones on silent mode during class.
-Please use laptops for note taking only during class.
-Please keep late arrivals and early departures to a bare minimum.
-Please remember courtesy and manners during class.
-Please remember respect for others and their different ideas.
-Please be considerate of others and their perspectives.
Further Notes:
-Attendance...Attendance will not be taken. It is highly encouraged that students attend every class session. Teacher notes will not be provided to students. It is the responsibility of students to obtain missed information from class peers.
-Get a friend in class... If you miss and email me to ask “Did I miss anything
important?” The answer is always, “YES you missed something important!”
-Failure to attend class meetings will invariably result in failure of the class...
-It is imperative that you keep up with your UTA email (mav mail) account. Any and all correspondence will be sent through UTA email.
-Chapter quizzes will be e-mailed to students. These quizzes will be emailed prior to the due date of the reading so that they can be used to help pull important points from the chapters. (Quizzes are not graded. It is highly encouraged that students refer to them.)
-Test reviews will be given in class (verbally). It is encouraged that students also make use of chapter points, chapter summaries, chapter vocabulary, etc. in order to prepare for section tests. If needed, a written review may be provided for the final exam.
-If you miss a test, YOU need to contact me in order to schedule a make-up exam. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor regarding tests and grades.
-Missed tests will be recorded as a “zero” and remain that until documentation is
received for the absence and the grade is made up.
-Make-up tests will not be given to students who do not contact the instructor within 1
week after the test. Make-up tests will not be given during finals week either!
-Please be prepared for class by having read ALL assigned readings. It is desired that class time can be spent expanding ideas and opinions, rather than summarizing readings.
-Please keep up with current events in both the United States and world at large via as many news outlets as possible. Students are expected to be aware of current events and be able to discuss them throughout the semester.
-Be prepared to share and discuss in class. Please do not be nervous or fearful to share in class. This is a major part of the college experience and learning
-Please be aware that this class is a college level course intended to expand thinking. Some topics may be difficult and even controversial. Please remember class rules!
-Syllabus and Schedule are subject to change by professor at any time.
-Check the Syllabus and Schedule PRIORTO EMAILING ME! – Please and Thank you
-Please review the student handbook online to access information on academic dishonesty, students with disabilities, classroom policies, withdraw policies, as well as other useful information.
CLASS SCHEDULE
DATE / SUBJECT / READING DUE / IMPORTANT !Constitutional Framework
1/17 / 1st day/Intro
1/19 / Ch 1
1/24 / Ch 2
1/26 / Ch 3
1/31 / Review
2/2 / Test 1
Input
2/7 / Ch 4
2/9 / Ch 5
2/14 / Ch 6
2/16 / Review
2/21 / Test 2
Institutions
2/23 / Ch 7
2/28 / Ch 8
3/1 / Ch 10
3/6 / Review
3/8 / Test 3
3/12-3/16 / Spring Break
Output
3/20 / Ch 9
3/22
3/27 / Ch 11
3/29 / Review
4/3 / Test 4
4/5 / Semester Review
4/10 / Presentations
4/12 / Presentations
4/17 / Presentations
4/19 / Presentations
4/24 / Presentations
4/26 / Presentations
5/2 / Overview and Vote / Class Election
5/4 / Final Review
5/8 or 5/10 / Final Exam