Austin Community College	Spring 2012	Dr. Edward J. Mullen
Section 45614	Pinnacle 403	MW 10:30 – 11:50 A.M.

TEXAS STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

17 January – 13 May 2012

GOVT 2306

Section 45614

Required reading: Brown, Langenegger, et al.  Practicing Texas Politics.  2011-2012 edition. Houghton-Mifflin, 2011.

Grading criteria: There will be four essay examinations and one oral presentation. A research paper may be substituted for the final exam. There will also be frequent topical quizzes.

· Each examination (4)	22.5%
· Presentation	10%
· Quizzes & assignments	Extra Credit

The essay exams are based on the methodology outlined in the paper “How to Write the Essay Answer” found on the main page. As we will discuss frequently in class, I will grade on the completeness of your answer, the accuracy of your answer and your adherence to the writing format specified. I will give you written feedback after each exam to help you to improve your writing ability. The purpose of this is to teach you to write in the descriptive manner, to answer the question asked, and to provide full and complete information. One of the great skills needed in a college education is the ability to write well. By writing these four essay exams and additional ad hoc quizzes during the semester, your writing skills will improve.

Quizzes and assignments are extra credit topical short writing exercises based on the news of the day. They are designed to give you writing practice. You will receive feedback on each in order to improve your writing skills for the exams.

The oral presentation is designed to assist you presentation skills, another critical skill to be learned in college. The requirements are outlined in the paper linked in the main page.

Research paper requirements are in the paper of the same name linked on the main page.

Testing: There are no Make-Up exams. You must take each exam on schedule.

Office hours	Virtual Office	ejmullen@austincc.edu
		http://www.austincc.edu/ejmullen/
		Pinnacle 415; telephone 223 8136
	PINNACLE OFFICE:	MW 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM M 1:20 PM – 4:00 PM
		Virtual anytime.
		Th & F by appointment
		Home telephone: (254) 698 2304

Attendance Policy Beginning with your fourth absence, one percentage point will be deducted from your final grade for each absence.

Withdrawal Policy The instructor will not withdraw you. If you wish to drop the course, you must take action. The last day to withdraw from this course is 23 April. Incompletes will be approved only for the most dire reasons. See Dr. Mullen before the withdrawal date.

Academic Freedom

"Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical writing, particularly about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions."

Scholastic Dishonesty: As described in the ACC Student Handbook, scholastic dishonesty constitutes a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable according to the procedures outlined in the Handbook. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam (either providing answers to or stealing answers from another student), plagiarism, and collusion. Plagiarism includes use of another author's words or arguments without attribution. Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement. If a student commits any of the above actions, the instructor may seek disciplinary action in the form of an academic penalty, which may include a course grade of 'F'. Such disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the instructor."

Goals and Objectives: This course is an introduction to Texas state and local government. It consists of learning through discussion and readings. The course includes an introduction to a framework for analyzing Texas government and politics, and the constitutional basis, the processes, and the institutions of Texas government and politics. It studies procedural aspects of Texas government with particular attention to current issues and problems. It emphasizes methods by which citizens can affect processes on all levels of government. The objective is to compare the intent of the original Constitution with the realities of modern economic and political life. The student will analyze the effects of government structure and regulation on our society, compare those effects with the original intent, and determine why differences exist and how they affect the student’s world.

Office for Students with Disabilities:

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical, cognitive, or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the course.

My Sympathy Policy:
(We are all solely responsible for our own results.)	"It seems a shame,' the Walrus said
	'To play them such a trick.
	After we've brought them out so far,
	And made them trot so quick!"
	"I weep for you,' the Walrus said:
	'I deeply sympathize.'

Lewis Carroll

COURSE SCHEDULE

DATE	DAY	CLASS #	Chapter	Introduction/ How to Study/Write
18 Jan	Wednesday	1	1	The Environment of Texas Politics
23 Jan	Monday	2	1	The Environment of Texas Politics
25 Jan	Wednesday	3	2	Federalism & The Texas Constitution
30 Jan	Monday	4	2	Federalism & The Texas Constitution
01 Feb	Wednesday	5	2	Federalism & The Texas Constitution
06 Feb	Monday	6	1 & 2	FIRST EXAM
08 Feb	Wednesday	7	3	Local Governments
13 Feb	Monday	8	3	Local Governments
15 Feb	Wednesday	9	4	Political Parties
20 Feb	Monday	10	5	Elections
22 Feb	Wednesday	11	6	Interest Groups
27 Feb	Monday	12	3 - 6	SECOND EXAM
29 Feb	Wednesday	13	7	The Legislature
05 Mar.	Monday	14	7	The Legislature
07 Mar.	Wednesday	15	7	The Legislature
19 Mar.	Monday	16	7	The Legislature
21 Mar.	Wednesday	17	7	The Legislature
26 Mar.	Monday	18	7	The Legislature
28 Mar.	Wednesday	19	8	The Executive
02 Apr.	Monday	20	8	The Executive
04 Apr	Wednesday	21	8	The Executive
09 Apr	Monday	22	7 & 8	THIRD EXAM
11 Apr	Wednesday	23	9	Public Policy and Administration
16 Apr	Monday	24	9	Public Policy and Administration
18 Apr	Wednesday	25	9	Public Policy and Administration
23 Apr	Monday	26	10	Law, Courts, & Justice
25 Apr	Wednesday	27		Current Event Analysis
30 Apr	Monday	29	10	Law, Courts, & Justice
02 May	Wednesday	28	11	Fiscal Policy
07 May	Monday	30	11	Fiscal Policy
09 May	Wednesday	32	9 - 11	FOURTH EXAM