Fall 2017
Angelina College Liberal Arts Division
Government 2306 Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics)
General Syllabus
A Thought for Our Course-
“A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.”
Barbara Jordan
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Course Description: Government 2306 is a study of origin and development the Texas Constitution, structure and powers of state, local government. It includes concepts of federalism, intergovernmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy and the political culture of Texas.
B. INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course will meet the certification requirement for prospective teachers, as required by Texas law. The course is required of all students seeking an Associate in Arts or Science degree or who plan to transfer to a four-year school.
C. Instructor: Olivia Wilson
Office Location: Social Behavioral Sciences Building 202H
Office Hours: By Appointment
Phone: 936-633-3234
E-mail Address:
Address: Angelina College Liberal Arts Division
P.O Box 1768
Lufkin, Texas 75902-1768
Fax: 936-633-5269
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking Skills to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation and synthesis
2. Communication Skills to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through
written, oral and visual communication.
3. Social Responsibility to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to
engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
4. Personal Responsibility to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical
decision-making.
B. Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual) Students will be able to:
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 for Texas.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies, and the political culture of Texas.
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES:
A. Assessment for Core Objectives
1. Critical Thinking Skills—Students will review Course Modules and provide a series of writing assignments.
2. Communication Skills— Students will review Course Modules and provide a series of writing assignments.
3. Social Responsibility— Students submit a writing assignment designed to assessment social awareness.
4. Personal Responsibility—After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, students write a brief paper called “Personal Responsibility Agreement. The paper will also include student’s agreement concerning course expectations, rules and consequences. (Assignment attached—Addendum 1)
B. Assessments for the Course Learning Outcomes will include students demonstrated ability to:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution after focused discussions. There will be assigned reading, review activities and an exam.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government after a series of focused discussions and an exam.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas after a series of activities related to the legislative, executive and judicial branches in Texas. There will be focused discussions and an exam.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government after a series of lectures on the legislative, executive and judicial branches in Texas. Material will be covered on a major exam.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas instruction will include assigned reading, focused discussions and an exam.
6. Analyze the state and local election process after completing assigned reading and an exam.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students will have assigned readings, focused discussions and exam.
8. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas. Current events including issues and policies are covered throughout each section of the Course.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: Methodologies that are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) focused discussions, responsive assignments, review questions and response to media / visual presentations. All assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Assignment submission and exams must be submitted through Blackboard as outlined by the instructor. Assignment / exam submission due dates will be specified with date and time.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbook and Recommended Readings, Materials, and Equipment: Text is “Government and Politics in the Lone Star State” by Gibson, Robison, and Green. Tenth Edition—2016 Presidential Election Edition. Companion access code for entry to REVEL site is required. ISBN0134625773
B. Course Policies: This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.
1. "Academic Assistance – Students with a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) who feel it may affect participation in this class, should see Sellestine Hunt Associate Dean of Student Services, Student Center, Room 200. At a post-secondary institution, students must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Hunt will provide assistance with the necessary information. To report any complaints of discrimination related to disability, contact Mr. Steve Hudman, Dean of Student Affairs, in Student Center, Room 101,(936) 633-5292or by .
2. Attendance—Attendance is required by the college. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences may be reported to Angelina College for possible dismissal from class; (4) cumulative absences may be judged as excessive absences from the class and the student may be dropped from the class. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course. A student must officially drop a class or risk receiving an “F” in the course.
3. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor. Students should note that these expectations should be included in the instructor / student agreement assignment for this course.
Students will use the course message system to communicate with instructor
Ø Students will complete reading assignments.
Ø Students will prepare course notes to summarize points and facilitate positive learning outcomes.
Ø Students will get the textbook and access code to prepare for course work and exams.
Ø Students will follow the course TIMELINE posted on their page to submit assignments and course activities as listed on the TIMELINE.
Ø Students will commit to academic integrity, ethical behavior and personal responsibility.
Ø The Final Exam will be taken through Proctor U or an instructor approved testing center.
Ø Assignments – Assignments will be due on the date / time specified by the instructor. Arrangements can be made to submit assignments early. A Course Timeline with all assignments and exam dates is provided. Late assignments will not be accepted. The student is responsible for ensuring the assignment is submitted to the instructor no later than the due date and time. Failure to do so will result in a “0” for the exam or assignment grade.
Ø Academic Integrity- Student conduct concerning assignments and exams are expected to meet the highest standard of academic integrity. If a violation is confirmed, various consequences may result as most appropriate. The student may be required to re-submit a new assignment, take a new exam or receive a zero for the exam / assignment. Violations deemed serious by the instructor may result in the student receiving an “F” for the course. Academic honesty is essential. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Dishonesty such as - cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a better grade on an exam (cell phones or website, etc.) (2) copying/pasting excessive amounts of information for writing assignments (3) using unacceptable materials on assignments, or omitting appropriate citations, and/or (4) helping or attempting to help another individual in an act of cheating or plagiarism. Computerized exams will be submitted after one attempt. The student must ensure that the internet connection is reliable and secure. There will be no opportunity to begin an exam, exit and re-enter. Should there be an irregularity with an exam, the instructor will determine the appropriate manner of assessing the submission attempt.
Ø Plagiarism is presenting the words, works or ideas of another person as one’s own work. Examples of plagiarism include: (1) submitting an assignment which is the work of another; (2) submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained from another source; and (3) inserting the words or ideas of an author into one's paper without giving the author due credit (4) altering another’s work in any way in order to submit it as one’s own. (5) “copy/paste” insertions which exceed what the instructor determines is an acceptable percentage of the submission.
Ø Communications: Communication concerning a student’s grade or progress in the course will remain between the instructor and the student enrolled in the course. Requests for information concerning distance students should be submitted through the Distance Learning Office. By law, the instructor cannot share grades or course progress information with unauthorized individuals.
V.
Date TopicsModule 1 / Aug 28- Sept 14
Assigned Reading / Chapter 1 – Social Economic Environment TX Government
57pts / Pearson Assignment8/ 30/17 / REVEL Chapter 1
100pts / AssignmentDue9/ 5/17 / Student Agreement
Assigned Reading / Chapter 14 Public Policy Issues
60pts / Pearson Assignment9/7/17 / REVEL Chapter 14 Public Policy Issues
Assigned Reading / Chapter 9 Political Socialization
45pts / Pearson Assignment9/11/17 / REVEL Chapter 9 Political Socialization
Journal Entries 9/13/17
50pts / Exam I Sept 14
Module II / Sept 15-Oct 10
Assigned Reading / Chapter 2 Texas Constitution
42pts / Pearson Assignment9/19/2017 / REVEL Chapter 2
40pts / Discussion 9/23/17 / Discussion The Texas Constitutions
Assigned Reading / Chapter 3 Federal System
36pts / Pearson Assignment9/25/17 / REVEL Chapter 3
Assigned Reading / Chapter 10 The Party System
60pts / Pearson Assignment9/28/17 / REVEL 10 The Party System
Assigned Reading / Chapter 11 Elections / Campaigns
30pts / Pearson Assignment 10/2/17 / REVEL 11 Elections / Campaigns
Journal Entries 10/09/17
50pts / Exam II Oct 10
Module III- / Oct 11- Oct 25
100pts / Assignment10/12/2017 / Know Your Representative:
Assigned Reading / Chapter 5 – The Legislature
75pts / Pearson Assignment10/16/17 / REVEL Chapter 5
Assigned Reading / Chapter 6 The Executive Branch
60pts / Pearson Assignment 10/18/17 / REVEL Chapter 6
40pts / Discussion 10/20/17 / The Governor
Journal Entries 10/24/17
50pts / Exam III Oct 25
Module IV / Oct 25– Nov 15
Assigned Reading / Chapter 8The Judiciary
57pts / Pearson Assignment10/30/2017 / REVEL Chapter 8 The Judiciary
40pts / Discussion11/2/2017 / Discussion The Death Penalty
Assigned Reading / Chapter 7 Bureaucracy /Public Policy
45pts / Pearson Assignment11/7/17 / REVEL Chapter 7 Bureaucracy / Public Policy
Assigned Reading / Chapter 4 Local Government
60points / Pearson Assignment11/10/17 / REVEL Chapter 4 Local Government
100pts / Assignment 11/13/17 / Local Government Meeting Assignment
Journal Entries 11/14/17
50pts / Exam IV Nov 15
Module V- / Nov 15- Dec 6
Assigned Reading / Chapter 12 The Media
45pts / Pearson Assignment11/28/17 / REVEL Chapter 12 The Media
Assigned Reading / Chapter 13 Interest Groups
45pts / Pearson Assignment12/1/2017 / REVEL Chapter 13 Interest Groups
40pts / Discussion Assignment12/5/2017 / Interest Groups
200pts / FINAL
Instructor may alter the Timeline at her discretion with updates posted.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING: Grades will be determined by total points earned through submission of the student agreement, REVEL assignments, Journal Entries, Discussions, Assignments, Exams and a comprehensive final exam. Assignments are submitted through the appropriate Blackboard portal as provided by the instructor. The final exam must be completed in an Angelina College Testing Center or another testing center can be used with prior instructor approval. Proctor U is a third option for completing the final exam. Please note Proctor U requires students pay a fee. Students using Proctor U must inform the instructor two weeks prior to the final exam. Course Grade is earned by assessment of the following within a point accumulation system worth 2000 points:
1. Student Agreement Assignment– 100 points
2. REVEL Assignments (15) = 900 total points
3. Journal Entries (20) = 200 points
4. Discussions (4) – 200 points
5. Other Assignments (2) - 200
6. (4) Exams (50 points each) = 200 total points
7. Comprehensive Final Exam = 200 points
Determination of Final Grade with accumulated points is as follows:
Ø Mastery of Content- 1800 points and above = A
Ø Development-1600- 1799 points =B
Ø Introductory -1400 – 1599 points =C
Ø Low Level – 1200 – 1399 points =D
Ø 1199 points – below = F
The instructor may modify specific provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance of changes through the Blackboard message system.
Addendum 1
Writing Assignment: Student Agreement
The Student Agreement Assignment affirms your agreement to the course requirements and understanding of course expectations. The paper should be written after a thorough review of the course syllabus.This agreement involves accepting PersonalResponsibility for time and effort needed to be successful in our course.After reading the “Getting Started Section”, course syllabus, and Timeline. Write a paper called “Student Agreement”.The paper should include a discussion of your understanding of the course expectations, rules and consequences as appropriate.The papermust be CLEARLY organized in the following manner.
I: Introductory Biographical Paragraph— this should be a biographical sketch. Write about your college experience, successes, challenges and future goals. Explain you philosophy of education and its value to you personally.
II: Course Agreement Paragraph--After review of the syllabus and Course Orientation this should be an explanation ofunderstandingof the requirementsandthepurpose of the requirements. There must a discussion of ALL the following: