Spring 2018 Sections (01/16/18 - 05/13/18)

Office Information & Office Hours:

Northridge 2132 C = 223-4805
web page: www.austincc.edu/frankjg
email: frankjg@austincc.edu
Fax: 223-4310

Monday & Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:30am & 1:20pm - 2:20pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am - 10:30am & Noon - 2:00pm

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course proposes to give students an overview of the structures and processes of the Texas State & Local Governments. The basic objectives of the course are for students to accomplish the following:

a. To obtain a broad understanding of the decision-making processes at the various levels of government in Texas.

b. To Understand how government affects and is affected by citizens.

c. To know some of the important controversial issues and to understand the arguments made for and against the adoption of specific policy alternatives.

d. To think in political terms and, therefore, become a better, more effective citizen.

Textbook Requirements: Governing Texas, by Champagne & Harpham, 3rd Edition, 2017, Norton Press. Texts may be purchased either by gong to an ACC or Bevo bookstores located near an ACC campus or through Norton http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294993068

Additional learning assistance with the text can be located on thethe publisher's web site. There is a link to the site on your Blackboard page -- click on "Course Materials".

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN THE COURSE:

Four In-Class Unit Exams:

Each scheduled in/classexam will consist of the materials covered in the assigned unit. The tests will consist of: true/false, multiple choice, short answer and fill-in-the-blank questions. The test questions will be based on the class notes, handouts, textual readings and key terms that are located at the end of each chapter of the textbook.

Make-up Exams: If you miss the scheduled in/class test, you will have to take a make-up exam within one week. Make-up exams are alternative objective exams that the student will have to take in the Northridge Testing Center. Make-up exams come from the publisher's Test Bank, and therefore, the questions come solely from the text materials.

Retests: For those who may wish to retest, students may retest on any two of the unit exams; all retests will be available at the Northridge Testing Center only. These retests cover the same materials as the regular in-class tests and will be all objective questions. Instructor's permission is not required for a retest. Only one retest per unit is allowed. All retesting must be completed by Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Testing at the Northridge Testing Center: Be sure to check your exam when you received it to be sure you have been given the right exam. On the top of the exam will be the instructor's name, test number & form, and GOVT 2306 In/class. Also, be sure that you test on the right test form: make-up or retest.

How to Determine One's Final Grade

Your scores for each of the exams will be added together and then divided by four. If retests are taken, the score for a particular unit will be determined by doubling your retest score and adding it to your original score and then dividing the sum total by three. For example, if you got a score of 70 on your first exam and then obtained an 85 on your retest, your unit average score would be: 70 + 85 + 85 = 240/3 = 80

The final class grades will follow the general principle of:

90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
70 - 79 C
60 - 69 D
Below 60 F

Borderline grades will be affected by the student's class participation (contributing to class discussions, awareness of the issues, attendance, informed questions, etc.)

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.
It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Attendance is strongly encouraged by the school. Excused absences will be given for medical reasons, personal emergencies, and by maintaining a "B" average in the course. It will not go well for those who miss classes and are having a difficult time with the course. Although one's physical presence is highly encouraged, it would prove most advantageous to yourself and the class if you would come to class alert and with the sections of the textbook to be covered already read.

The last day for Withdrawals Without Academic Penalties is Monday, April 23, 2018. If you decide to drop the course you must notify either the instructor or the Admissions & Record Office. If a student stops taking the course and does not officially withdraw, he/she will receive a course grade of 'F'.

A grade of "F" will be assigned to any student involved in scholastic dishonesty Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thoughts research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, or homework.

1. Read the textbook materials with the Chapter Objectives in mind.
2. Attend the class presentations on each unit.
3. Study the materials and take each exam as scheduled.
4. If necessary, take retests.
5. If you are having difficulties with the exams, classes, instructor, etc., which are affecting your class performance, please contact the instructor as soon as possible and try to get things resolved.

Introduction : Course Outline & Expectations

Unit 1: Foundations

The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas (1)*
The Texas Constitution (2)
Texas in the Federal System (3)

Unit 2: Political Participation

Political Parties (4)
Campaign & Elections (5)
Interest Groups and Lobbying (6)

Unit 3: Executive & Legislative Branches

The Legislature (7)
The Executive Branch (8)
Public Finance (11)

Unit 4: Judiciary & Local Governments

The Texas Judiciary (9)
Crime and Corrections Policy (13)
Local Government in Texas (10)

Wrap-Up: Review Test 4 & distribution of Grades

	MON & WED Classes		TUES & THUR Classes
Introduction	WED 1/17	TUES 1/16
Unit 1 Lectures	MON 1/22 - WED 2/7	THUR 1/18 - TUES 2/6
Unit 1 Exam	MON 2/12	THUR 2/8
Unit 2 Lectures	WED 2/14 - MON 3/5	TUES 2/13 - THUR 3/1
Unit 2 Exam	WED 3/7	TUES 3/6
	Spring Break 3/12-3/18
Unit 3 Lectures	MON 3/19 - MON 4/2	TUES 3/20 - TUES 4/3
Unit 3 Exam	WED 4/4	THUR 4/5
Unit 4 Lectures	MON 4/9 - MON 4/30 **	TUES 4/10 -TUES 5/1**
Unit 4 Exam	WED 5/2	THUR 5/3
Wrap - Up Day	MON 5/7	TUES 5/8

Retesting Deadline: Thursday, MAY 10, 2018 - Northridge Testing Center only.

* ()'s indicate chapters in your text to be covered.

**Withdrawal Deadline, Monday, APRIL 23, 2018