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Government 2306
Texas and Local Government
CLASS SYLLABUS
M3 Semester
Internet Class – Winter Session
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Elizabeth McLane, M.A., M.S.
E-MAIL:
[email protected]
G-236.
PHONE:
281-756-3742
Monday-Wednesday, 11 am-1 pm, virtual; Tuesday-Thursday, 2-4 pm, virtual;
and Friday 10-12 noon, virtual.
COURSE DESCRIPTION – (3 Credits). 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.
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES – On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of 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.
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
PRE-REQUISITES/CO-REQUISITES COURSES
2305 P-DIRW/DIRR 0310 or ENGL 0310 & READ 0310
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
Practicing Texas Politics, Brown, et. al. Please get this one early before the winter break to make sure you have
a book. Do not get any edition but the most recent one offered in the ACC bookstore. Period.
1. COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR
The preferred method of communicating with your instructor is through e-mail, or messages on Blackboard.
Since the college is closed for winter holiday, I will not be answering my office phone. Explain what you need
to discuss with me and leave your first and last name, a phone number or e-mail address/BB message where I
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can contact you. I will normally respond within 24 hours Monday-Thursday and by the next business day on
Friday-Sunday.
DISCLAIMER
The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes
using the ACC e-mail or MyBlackboard e-mail or announcements.
LATE COURSE WORK POLICY
Students are expected to have their assignments completed by the due dates. Late work will not be accepted.
EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
Students are expected to obtain a textbook and send the instructor an e-mail (on the ACC e-mail
system) stating that they have read the syllabus and schedule and they understand what is expected
of them. This e-mail should be by the third day of class. Include your first and last name and student
ID number in the e-mail.
Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 20 hours per week on textbook readings, interacting
with course materials, participating in class discussions and completing any other assignments and
exams. This is a very FAST class (three weeks)
Students are expected to have a workable computer that can access the Internet and the course
website/MyBlackboard or they can access the Internet through the computers in one of the many
ACC or high school computer labs. Technical problems such as slow or no Internet connection at
home WILL NOT be an acceptable excuse for late work.
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
We will meet online in class. You work at your own pace, but the due dates for each item on the Assignment
Schedule will still apply.
EXAMS
Exams are given online according to the course schedule. There are no make ups for tests.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY PRESENTATION
The comparison and contrast essay or presentation may be on the political parties (role, ideology, platform) in
Texas compared and contrasted to three other states. Each presentation would be on YouTube
Percentage of grade: 20%.
RESEARCH/WRITING ASSIGNMENT
In order to improve written communications skills generally, and critical thinking skills specifically, it is
required that every class taught at ACC contains a written assignment.
Further, a random process will be used to draw papers from the student body and they will be evaluated by a
college committee in order to assess the quality of writing among our students, and measure improvement. A
set of instructions on how to submit your paper to this committee will be provided to students later in the
semester.
This assignment will meet the following criteria:
- It must be at least 750 words long; please do not write over 1,000 words.
- It must contain at least five valid references; Wikipedia and the course textbook are not acceptable
references.
- It must be 12 point, Times Roman font, with one inch margins.
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- It must be double spaced.
-It must be stapled and cannot be emailed to the instructor.
- It must conform to the rubric described below.
- Each essay will consist of an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
-Remember to run spell and grammar check on your paper, follow the outline provided, and have a family
member or friend review it for readability and issues you may have overlooked.
-It constitutes 20% of the course grade.
The rubric provides a consistent mechanism for scoring papers. It contains three
categories. The first evaluates whether the assignment adhered to the assignments
requirements.
The second evaluates its organization, and the third judges the paper’s
mechanics – its grammar, spelling and other mechanical errors. The paper’s grade will
be based on whether the paper scores excellent, good, competent, marginal, or poor
on each of these three categories.
Students are to follow MLA guidelines in submitting work. These are described in this website:
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocMLA.html.
The ACC writing lab and the Alvin College library at the main campus can also help students with their work. I will
determine their schedule and let you know.
Here are your options:
1) What is meant by the plural executive in Texas government? Explain the reasons that this came about.
What affect does this have on the executive branch of government in Texas? Briefly describe three offices
in the plural executive and their basic functions. Do you think this process is an effective way to govern?
2) Compare and contrast the two major parties in Texas. What is their history of involvement? What does
each stand for? How are they faring in Texas politics today? What do you project for these parties in the
future?
3) Discuss the current constitution of Texas; it was written in 1876. Define its strengths and weaknesses.
Why is revision of the document so difficult? What do YOU think needs to be revised (if anything) and why
2. EXAM POLICY
Each exam is multiple-choice, covers a particular module and is worth 100 points each. There will be three of
these exams in class.
3. GRADING SUMMARY
Your grade is based on the TOTAL of the points you received on all course assignments and activities. Always
notify your instructor if you are concerned with your grades or your status in the class. Extra credit is at the
instructor’s discretion.
Points
Exam 1
100
4
Exam 2
100
Percent
Exam 3
100
Written Assignment
100
Personal
Responsibility Project
100
Total
Total Points
Grade
100-90%
450-500
A
89-80%
400-450
B
79-70%
350-400
C
69-60%
300-350
D
< 60%
<300
F
500
I.…..Incomplete. No Incompletes or “I” grades will be given for this course except under extreme
circumstances.
W.......Withdrawal. It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current
course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or
online at ACC Course WITHDRAWAL INSTRUCTIONS. Students who file withdrawal requests by the
published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.
4. CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge
through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of
academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity
is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves
with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be
tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.
5. ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
Americans With Disabilities Act
ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an
education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register with the
Office of Disability Services, A 136, and (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations
until the proper process has been followed.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – Letting someone know
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community
safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety concerns to the BIT
team by email, [email protected] or through the electronic reporting option located on the BIT
page of the college website.
6. Other Resources:
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∗The ACC Library website: http://www.alvincollege.edu/Library.aspx. The ACC Library is an excellent
source of assistance for writing the required research paper.
∗The ACC Learning Lab, http://www.alvincollege.edu/TutoringLearningLab.aspx, located upstairs in
building A, provides students with a variety of services including tutoring (math, writing papers, and other
disciplines); computers and printers; a testing facility; and tables/carrels for studying. Learning Lab hours are
M-TH 8:00am – 9:00pm and F 8:00am – 4:00pm. Testing hours are M-TH 10:00am – 7:30pm (Tests must be
completed by 8:30pm) and F 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tests must be completed by 1:00pm). Call 281-756-3566
for more information.
∗MyBlackboard - Any technical problems or issues with MyBlackboard should be directed to the Distance
Education Department at [email protected]. Include your first and last name, student ID number and a
description of the problem. Students will not be penalized if there is an interruption in MyBlackboard service
and the instructor is notified of such an issue by the Distance Education Department.
∗WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information - Help Desk Website or contact the IT Dept. Help
Desk at 281-756-3544.
Reading and Assignment Calendars will be given in class during the first ten days.