SAMPLE ONLY

Austin Community College Syllabus

Texas Government 2306

 

Professor:                               Veronica Vega Rodriguez

Office Location:                    Riverside Campus, Building A #2270

Contact Information:            512-223-6390 vrodrigu@austincc.edu 

Office Hours:                         APPOINTMENTS VARY EACH SEMESTER

 

***This is a sample syllabus.  Each semester there may be changes to course requirements, the textbook, etc.  When students sign up for the course they will receive their current syllabus in class or via blackboard on the first day of class.***

 

Course Description – This course is an introduction to Texas state and local government.  The course includes an introduction to a framework for analyzing Texas government and politics, the constitutional basis for Texas government and politics, the processes of Texas government and politics, the institutions of Texas government and politics, and the policies of Texas government and politics.

Politics is not just something we watch on TV or read about, it is something we do or don’t do. You don't purchase this course and "consume" it. The Professors don't deliver a product to you. Instead, the students and the professors engage together in a semester of learning. 

Class discussions often move freely from assigned readings to the latest news. Because our subject matter includes issues and events that are unfolding as we discuss them the lecture may become modified.

If you would prefer not to engage in respectful & spirited discussions about issues that can (and probably will) arouse strong feelings, and, most of all, if you are not willing to give it a try, then this is not the course for you.  You should consider dropping the course.

 

Course Goals -

 

1.         To understand the nature of the Texas political systems as it relates to its citizens,

            interest groups, and political institutions.

2.         To understand the principles in which the Texas political system is based upon,

            how these principles are expressed in the Texas Constitution, and

            how they guide the functioning of our institutions; specifically, the Texas

            Legislature and the Governor.

3.         To understand the Texas political process as it relates to governmental        institutions with a basic understanding of the role of these institutions

in the political process and how these institutions influence the process.  It is important that students have an appreciation for political parties, interest groups, as well as, the importance of political participation in the political process.

Student Prerequisites: curiosity, initiative, adaptiveness, and a willingness to examine ideas and facts critically and through class discussion as well as in written assignments.  You must have respect for your classmates & the Professor.

Course Elements - Students are required to have one textbook. The required book is:

Kramer,Newell, Prindle. “Texas Politics.” 10th edition. Wadsworth Thomson Learning,

            2009.

 

ISBN # 978-0-495-55510-0

 

Essay accounts for 20% of your total grade.

 

Essay- Students are required to write a 5 page (min.) essay, typed, 12-point font and double spaced. As in any research paper a bibliography is required, if you do NOT include a bibliography 10 points will automatically be deducted. You are required to have at least 4 credible sources. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A CREDIBLE SOURCE.

I prefer MLA style for bibliography.  See websites below for assistance.  You can also go to the ACC library for handouts on bibliographies & citations.

 

STAPLE ALL WORK  & include a coversheet or points will be deducted.  Your coversheet and your bibliography are not counted towards your 5 pages.

THE PAPER IS DUE IN CLASS, ANY THING TURNED IN AFTER THIS CLASS TIME HAS FINISHED WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE!  Students will not be allowed to leave class to finish or work on their paper.  There will be 5 points off if you turn in your paper after class or later in the day on the due date up till 4pm.  After 4pm of the due date you might as well turn it in the following day because you will receive 10 points off.  And students will be deducted 10 points off for every day that it is late (weekends count, each day as 10 points off).  So, you will be allowed to turn in your essay late, but each day is 10 points & you will not be allowed to go past 5 days (50 points). 

 

NEVER put papers under Professor’s door.  Late work is to be turned into room #2209 in building A (where faculty boxes are located).  Make sure you give it to a staff member so that they will have it stamped the date/time.  If you turn in late work without a stamped date/time then whatever day I pick it up will be the day….and there are times I pick mail up days later. And no stamped date/time is minus 5 points off.

 

**I do not count your last page as a 5th page if the page is not complete, meaning that if your last page is only half a page then your paper is 4.5 pages long, not 5.

**YOU MUST follow the above instructions or points will be deducted

Your essay is a political issue debate over specific questions which are relevant to political controversial issues of the day.  Your paper should include an introduction giving an overview of the history of the political issue.  You may include court cases, new articles, or any other relevant periodicals.  After your introduction you must look at the issue from both sides of the argument.  A general example would be the issue of abortion, you should look the reasons women should be granted the right to have an abortion and then you should give a work up of the reasons women should not be given the right to have an abortion.  Then you are to give a summary of both sides of the argument.  You are welcome to give your own opinions in your paper, but keep them limited.  Your opinions may be given in your introduction and in your summary.

You are allowed to choose from one of the following questions:

A) Does the Religious Right Threaten American Freedoms?

B) Should the United States Put More Restrictions on Immigration?

C) Is Justice for Sale in Texas?

D) Could Online Voting be a Means to Increase Voter Turnout?

E) Is Capital Punishment Justifiable?

 

F) Has the Patriot Act given the Government the right to act like “big brother’?

 

G) Should Gay Marriage be Legalized?

 

H) Should Marijuana for medicinal purposes or otherwise be legalized?

 

 

                                    Participation/Roundtables are worth 15%

 

Roundtables- In order to facilitate discussion and encourage engagement all students will participate in roundtables.  Students will sign up for a date to present an article & discuss it with the class.  The entire presentation should last no more than 5 minutes.  After the student has presented their news article we will open up to the class for any questions or comments. More information is to follow.

SEE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON BLACKBOARD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 

Participation:  There may be in-class assignments.  These grades will go towards your participation/roundtable grade --- worth 15% of your entire grade.  It is imperative to come to all classes, if you miss an in-class assignment then you MUST have documentation (dr’s note, court report, accident report) in order to make up the assignment.  And some assignments may not be possible to make up due to the nature of the assignment. 

Lastly, you will receive a grade for your overall participation in the class.  This means asking questions, getting involved in conversations, & attendance.

 

 

 

Interest Group Presentations are worth 20%

 

Interest Group Presentation – Students will be broken into groups & together will choose an interest group.  Then they must do the following work & present their findings to the class. Aside from answering the questions below you are to present your information in a creative manner. 

 

You may present it in a play format, as a game show, news reporter, etc.  A power point presentation alone or poster boards are not the type of creativity I have in mind, points may be deducted.  If you are not sure about what I am looking for PLEASE come talk with me. 

 

1) You must interview (either by phone, in person, or e-mail) a member of the organization.  If you are unable to get an interview you must speak with me immediately.

2) Research the history of the interest group

3) Why was the group started?  If there was an individual who started the organization give biographical information of the founder.

4) Do people know about your organization?  What do think of this organization, what do they know about it?  (You could tape interviews with people, or show stats) BE CREATIVE.

5) Who are the members? Also, who are the supporters (political leaders, celebrities, other interest groups)?  You should be both specific and general in naming members.  A general example could be that that the group appeals to educated, middle class, professionals.

6) What are any current or past cases of litigation that the group was involved in or supported?

7) You may provide any other relevant or interesting information related to the group.

8) What issue is the primary concern or chief issues of the group? If you want to make your presentation more informative, creative, and impressive you should use a debate style tactic to explain what the group stands for, and also discuss what the controversial issues are against the group.  FOR EXAMPLE:  If you chose a pro-life group you should make arguments that the organization gives to support their cause and on the flipside make counterarguments from the pro-choice movement.

 

Interest groups:

1. NAACP – texasnaacp.org                          2. League of Women Voters – lwvtexas.org

3. LULAC – txlulac.org                                 4. NRA: Texas State Rifle Assoc. – tsra.com

5. Sierra Club – sierraclub.org/Austin 6. Am. Civil Liberties Union – aclutx.org

7. Justice For All – jfa.net                               8. MALDEF - maldef.org

9. Equality Texas – equalitytexas.org             10. Christian Coalition – texascc.org

11. Texas Moratorium Network – texasmoratorium.org

12 NARAL Pro-Choice Texas – prochoicetexas.org

13. Common Cause – commoncause.org       

14. Texas Alliance for Life - texasallianceforlife.org

 

             

TESTS: Tests are worth 20%

 

Tests: You will have 4 tests which will be scheduled ahead of time (see course schedule), along with which chapters you will be tested over.  These tests will have True/False, matching terms to definitions & multiple choice questions.  You will have at least one test that will have an essay component.  Again, these tests will be over only the chapters we have covered, notes on blackboard/taken in class, & any handouts given for the unit.  Tests may include questions we may have not directly discussed, so it is of the most importance that you read the chapters.  You may also be tested on items not covered in the text, but were covered in the lecture, so it is very important to attend class. Bring a scantron (green) for each test & a pencil.

 

 

Final are worth 25%

 

Final Exam - The final exam will cover the chapters discussed in class. Students will be advised to review study guides & past exams for the final.  Questions in the final come from notes & the text. NO MAKE-UP ALLOWED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

 

Make Up Policy:  You will be allowed to make-up ONE test, and only ONE test.  You must give me at least 24 hours notice that you will need to make up a test.  You will need to leave me a voicemail explaining why you need to make up a test or send me an email.  Make sure that you leave that information 24 hours in advance or you will not be able to make up your exam.  If you do not provide a 24 hour notice then you will need documentation --doctor’s note, court letter, hospital note, etc. to show you could not provide a 24 hr notice.  Also, without documentation there is a penalty for a taking the test late, you will be deducted 5 points --- no exceptions.  Make up exams will be taken at the end of the semester, the week before finals.  I will have tests available in the testing center or you can come to my office to take it.

 

 

THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UPS ALLOWED on Interest Group Presentations, Roundtables, or the Final. You are allowed one exception to one test, read requirements above.  THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE, YOU KNOW AHEAD OF TIME WHEN YOUR PRESENTATION, ROUNDTALBLE & ESSAY IS DUE, SO DO NOT COME QUESTION ME ON THIS.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

 

Incompletes:  Incompletes are rarely given & only for extreme circumstances.  If you are in need of an incomplete I will need documented evidence that you have an extreme situation that would qualify for an “incomplete”.  It will be hard for me to consider an incomplete without documentation.  If you qualify you will have a strict deadline to complete your work.  I will look at these on a case by case basis

 

 

 

A=90-100        B=80-89          C=70-79          D=60-69          F=59 & below

I= Incomplete, these are rarely given & only used in extreme cases.

 

                        Assignment                                        Percentage of Grade

 

                        Final Exam                                                      25%

                        Essay                                                               20%

                        Interest Group Presentation                            20%

                        4 Tests                                                             20%

                        Participation/Roundtables                               15%

                       

                                                                       

                        Total                                                                100%

 

Scholastic Dishonesty: Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty.  Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarism (using another author’s words or arguments without attribution), and collusion (the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement).

 

Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions.  In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, 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 Professor may also find that they have contrasting views on sensitive and volatile topics.

It is the Professor’s hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and Professor alike will be encouraged to think and learn from each other.  Therefore, be assured that students’ grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments.  Rather, we will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

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 three weeks before the start of the semester.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR MY CLASS: Attending lectures is just as important as any assignments.  Your tests come from the text & lecture notes.  You should not miss more than 4 days (which is equal to 2 weeks of class), as this will affect your grade.  You are graded on your participation & attendance on a daily basis, & of course if you are not in attendance it affects your grade.  If you miss class & we have a group project you will not be allowed to make this up --- UNLESS YOU HAVE DOCUMENTATION. 

 

 

For each day that you are absent after 4 days you MAY be deducted ½ a point from your overall final grade.  The only exceptions will be documented proof – doctor’s note, court record, funeral program, etc.  If you have problems you need to come see me, email me, or call me immediately.  If I don’t hear from you or have any documentation then the above will be applied.

 

Over 6 absences is seen as excessive --- you should speak with me immediately.  I reserve the right to drop a students for excessive absences (that is someone who has no documentation or hasn’t spoken to me about their attendance problem).

 

TARDINESS

When students are tardy it is a distraction to both professor & the class.  Sometimes I am in the middle of a lecture & become thrown off by students entering the class late.

If you accrue more than 3 tardies this will constitute an absence.  Attendance, as per the syllabus, may play a part in your overall final grade.  It is imperative to be on time, attend class, & avoid whenever possible leaving early.

 

LEAVING CLASS EARLY:

If a student is leaving early then they must notify the professor before class begins. If a student only attends 45 minutes of class or less than a student will be counted as absent for that day.

 

As already stipulated in your syllabus attendance is as important as any of your other work.  I do reserve the right to drop students for excessive absences, as defined in the syllabus.  When students leave the class early it often times can be a distraction to both professor & the class.  It is not fair to all if a student leaves early & is allowed to be counted present for the class, while the other students are attending the entire class lecture. 

 

EMAILING ASSIGNMENTS/TYPED WORK

I will not accept any work through email.  All assignments, as per the syllabus, are due during class time & any thing else is late & may not be accepted.  If the syllabus says that you may turn in late items you must turn them into my faculty box in room #2209, building A.  All late work must be time/date stamped by a staff member in room #2209.

 

All work that you turn in, all of it, MUST BE TYPED, double spaced, with 12 pt. font.  In college all your work should be typed unless told otherwise by professor.

 

Additional Information:

Ÿ IMPORTANT NOTE: Absences can affect your grade either by lowering it with excessive absences or it could be raised a few points if you have 0-1 absence.

 

Ÿ  You may refer to me as Professor Rodriguez or Ms. Rodriguez.  Please DO NOT refer to me by my first name.

 

.

Ÿ  Students are expected to have respect for their fellow classmates, as well as their Professor.  I will not tolerate sleeping in class or reading other course material. If improper behavior occurs I will be forced to ask you to remove yourself from the class and count you as absent for that class.

 

Ÿ  It is the student’s responsibility to drop the class. Do not count on me to drop you from class.  Do not expect me to remember that you were no longer in the course, if your name is on the roster at the end of the semester I will give you an “F”.

 

·         All work, no matter how big or small, should always be typed.  College is your job & it is unprofessional to turn in work that is handwritten & not typed. All college work should be typed unless you are told otherwise

 

·                     There will be no accommodations made for students for vacations or time off.  Dates are set & I can not make individual accommodations for students. 

 

·                     The syllabus & course schedule are tentative.  Items may change, but only when it is in the best interest of the students.  Students will be told immediately when a change does occur.

 

·                     All students who are signed up for this course have access to blackboard.  I will have all the course lecture notes that I use in class available for you on blackboard.  You will be able to review & print these notes for your use in class & to study. See information below.

 

BLACKBOARD

We will be using Blackboard, http://www.acconline.austincc.edu/, for this course.  You should look at this website as soon as possible to become comfortable & familiar with it.  I would encourage you to first look at the Student Guide.  The Student Guide will be listed when you go to the above website.  There it will tell you how to log on.  The course can be found listed on Blackboard once the semester begins.

 

You must first log in at http://acconline.austincc.edu.  To log in you are to use your user name which is your ACC Online Services ID.  You can find this out by reviewing the “Student Guide” & clicking on “What’s My User ID?” Your password is your birthdate (mmddyy).  I will have your lecture notes and much more on blackboard.  I may post Announcements on blackboard which will tell you about extra credit opportunities or notify you that class will be cancelled.  It would be great if you make it a regular part of your work to check blackboard. 

 

When you first log on you must enter an up-to-date email address.  This is very important because this allows me to send emails to all students based on the email address provided in blackboard, & if you send me an email from the blackboard page I can not reply to it.  To add your email address go to the main Blackboard page for this class & click on “Tools” then click “Personal Information” and then “Edit Personal Information.”  Please make sure to do this because if you email me your email address it will do no good.  I can not keep track of all 125 + student’s email addresses, but if you put it on blackboard than all I need to do is click on your name & I can email you fast & easy.