Summer 2016
Angelina CollegeLiberal Arts Division
Government 2306Texas Government (State and Local Government)
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: Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.
B. INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course will meet the certification requirement for prospective teachers, as required by Texas law. 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: Conference by Appointment
Phone: 936-633-3234 E-mail Address:
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking Skills to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
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)
1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government 5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system
6. Analyze the election process
7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics
II. ASSESSMENT MEASURES A. Assessments for the Core Objectives:1. Critical Thinking Skills—1.Students will research an assigned topic emphasizing Critical Thinking Skills. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. The essay will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Critical Thinking Skills.(Assignment attached-Addendum 2) 2. Communication Skills— Students will research an assigned topic. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. Students will present their findings in small group settings (Discussion Board replies are utilized in internet courses). Communication skills will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Communication Skills. (Assignment attached—Addendum 2) 3. Social Responsibility—Students will research an assigned topic exploring Social Responsibility. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. The essay will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Social Responsibility. (Assignment attached—Addendum 2)
4. Personal Responsibility—After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, students will design a Personal Responsibility Contract between student and instructor. The contract will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Personal Responsibility. (Assignment attached—Addendum 1)
B. Assessments for the Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the origin and development of the Texas Constitution through study of text and a concluding exam.
2. Students demonstrate knowledge of state and local political systems through study of the text and a concluding exam
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of separation of powers, and checks and balances in both theory and practice through study of the text a writing project and concluding exam.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Texas through study of the text and concluding exam.
5. Students will evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas through study of the assigned text and a concluding exam.
6. Students will analyze the state and local election process through study of the text and a concluding exam.
7. Students will identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens through study of the text and a concluding exam.
8. Students will analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas through study of the text and a concluding exam
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: Methodologies that are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) lecture/ discussion, summary, learning activities, section quizzes , discussion activities visual media, visual presentations , writing projects and a comprehensive final exam. All assignments will be posted to assignment links through Blackboard. Assignment submission and quizzes must be submitted through Blackboard as outlined by the instructor by due dates and times noted on the course timeline. Email submissions are not acceptable. The official timeline for the course is posted on Blackboard throughout the duration of the course. The instructor reserves discretion in adjusting the timeline as needed. Students will be notified of any adjustments through the message system and the timeline posted on the course page in Blackboard.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbook and Recommended Readings, Materials, and Equipment. Text: “Government and Politics of the Lone Star State”, Gipson, Robinson and Green,( with Access Code) Pearson Publishing 2014; ISBN 13-978-0-13-4081724
B. Course Policies: This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook. 1. Academic Assistance—If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. As a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bower will assist you with the necessary information to do so. To report any complaints of discrimination related to disability, you should contact Mr. Steve Hudman, Student Center Building Room 205B or 936-633-5293.
2. Attendance—Attendance for our internet course is defined as logging into the course page each day of the course. Attendance will be taken. Classroom courses will maintain an attendance record for each regular class meeting. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences of a classroom session may be reported to Angelina College for possible dismissal from the class. A student with (4) cumulative absences from a classroom session may be judged as excessive absences and the student may be dropped from the class. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course or risk receiving an F in the course. Students in Internet Courses may be dropped for failure to log on to the course page and submit assignments as requested.
3. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor. The following are instructor expectations that will be a part of the progression of the course. Students should note that these expectations are part of the instructor /student agreement for this course. They should be acknowledged in the Student Contract Assignment.
Students will complete assigned reading as outlined in the course timeline.
Students will prepare personal notes which summarize key points and facilitate learning outcomes.
Students will acquire a text with an access code and register for the web activities as requested.
Students will adhere to the course timeline due dates for submitting assignments and completing course activities.
Students will commit to ethical behavior and personal responsibility for course work.
Assignments will be submitted by the due date and time specified by the instructor. Arrangements can be made to submit assignments early. A course timeline with all assignments and exam due 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 as noted on the course timeline posted on the course page. Failure to submit assignments as requested will result in a “0” for the assignment /quiz/ project / exam grade.
Students will schedule a test times for the final exam in an approved testing center as specified by the instructor. Failure to do so will result in a grade of “0” for the final exam.
Academic Integrity- Student conduct concerning assignments, discussions, quizzes, exams and projects are expected to meet the highest standard of academic integrity. If a violation of academic integrity is confirmed the student may be required to re-submit a new assignment or take a new quiz/ exam or receive a zero for the assignment, project quiz or exam. 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 or devices during exams(2) the creation of any information, or using unacceptable sources for assignments, including omitting appropriate citations (3) helping or attempting to help others in an act of cheating or plagiarism (4) distributing / receiving photos or copies of assessment materials, essays or projects from others to submit as their own (5) attempting to using alternate websites or search sites to completed quizzes or exams (6) any other form of dishonest activity used to complete course work. A confirmed case of cheating to advance the student’s assessment score will result in either a zero of the assignment, re-submission of the assessment or failure for the course. The instructor reserves the right to exercise discretion to determine the appropriate consequence for academic dishonesty in the course.
Plagiarism is presenting the words, works or ideas of another person as if they were your own. Examples of plagiarism are (1) submitting an assignment as if it were one's own work when, in fact, it is a copy of the work of another; (2) submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained from an internet source or another source; and (3) inserting the words or ideas of an author into one's paper without giving the author due credit. Altering another’s work in any way in order to submit it as your own. (4) “copy / paste” submissions for assignments. A confirmed case of plagiarism to advance the student’s assessment score will result in either a zero of the assignment, re-submission of the assessment or failure for the course. The instructor reserves the right to exercise discretion to determine the appropriate consequence for academic dishonesty in the course.
Communications: Communications concerning a student’s 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.
DateTopicsModule 1-190pts / May 31 –June 6
Assigned Reading / Chapter 1 –Social Economic Environment TX Government
100pts / Assignment Due6/2 / Student Contract
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/4 / REVEL Chapter 1
Assigned Reading / Chapter 9 - Political Socialization
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/4 / REVEL Chapter 9 Political Socialization
Assigned Reading / Chapter 14 Public Policy Issues
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/5 / REVEL Chapter 14 Public Policy Issues
10pts / Discussion Assignment6/5 / Public Policy
50pts / Quiz / June 6
Module II- 110pts / June 6 –June 10
Assigned Reading / Chapter 2 Texas Constitution
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/8 / REVEL Chapter 2
10pts / Discussion Assignment6/8 / The Texas Constitutions
Assigned Reading / Chapter 3 Federal System
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/8 / REVEL Chapter 3
10pts / Assigned Reading / Chapter 10 The Party System
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/9 / REVEL 10 The Party System
Assigned Reading / Chapter 11 Elections / Campaigns
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/9 / REVEL 11 Elections / Campaigns
50pts / Quiz / June 10
Module III- 240pts / June 10 –June 19
10pts / Assignment6/11 / Know Your Representative :
Assigned Reading / Chapter 5 –The Legislature
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/14 / REVEL Chapter 5
Assigned Reading / Chapter 6 The Executive Branch
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/14 / REVEL Chapter 6
10pts / Discussion Assignment6/14 / The Governor
100pts / Quiz / June 16
200pts / Special Project / June 19
Module IV- 160pts / June 17 --- June 27
Assigned Reading / Chapter 8 The Judiciary
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/27 / REVEL Chapter 8 The Judiciary
10tps / Discussion Assignment6/20 / The Judiciary
Assigned Reading / Chapter 13 Interest Groups
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/28 / REVEL Chapter 13
10pts / Discussion Assignment 6/24 / Interest Groups
Assigned Reading / Chapter 12- Media
10 pts / Assigned Discussion 6/24 / Impact of the Media
10pts / Pearson Assignment6/28 / REVEL Chapter 12
100pts / Quiz / June 30
Module V- 250pts / June 30 –July 6
Assigned Reading / Chapter 4 Local Government
10pts / Pearson Assignment 7/3 / REVEL Chapter 4
Assigned Reading / Chapter 7 Bureaucracy /Public Policy
30 points / Assignment / Local Government Meeting Assignment
10pts / Pearson Assignment7/3 / REVEL Bureaucracy/ Public Policy
200pts / FINAL / Final Exam July 7
Instructor may alter the Timeline at her discretion with updates posted.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING: Grading Criteria - Grades will be determined by point total for course activities. There will be participation points given throughout the course for assignments, discussions and Pearson Higher Education REVEL review activities. Other points will be given based on quizzes, exams and projects. The final exam will be proctored by the Angelina College Testing Center or another center can be used for the final exam with instructor approval. Quizzes will not be proctored. Course Activities and Points Distribution:
(1) Assignment / Participation Points
(2) Student Contract - 100 pts
(3) Quizzes – 50pts - 100 pts each
(4) Course Project - 200 pts
(5) Comprehensive Final Exam – 200 pts
Determination of Final Grade
Mastery of Content- 900 or more = A
Developmental Level of Knowledge -899- 800 =B
Introductory Level of Knowledge -799 - 700 =C
Low Level of Knowledge –699 - 600 =D
599 or less = F
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance of changes being made and providing notification through the course message system.
Addendum I
First of Semester: You will design a Personal and Social Responsibility Contractfor use in this class (it could also apply to other courses). Thoroughly read the Syllabus and any other first week information supplied by through course orientation and Blackboard postings. The State of Texas requires that Four Core Objectives be assessed for Government courses--Communication, Personal Responsibility, Social Responsibility, and Critical Thinking. This assignment is a contract between instructor and student to assess the student’s view of their Personal Responsibility and Social Responsibility for completion of this course. The Contract must be CLEARLY organized in the following manner:
I: Paragraph One - Introductory Biographical Paragraph—describe yourself, your college experience, and future goals
II: Paragraph Two -Contract Paragraph--After reading the syllabus and course orientation summary design a contract. The Contract must include ALL of the following (as addressed by the syllabus and orientation information:
1.Paraphrase rules regarding Collusion, Copying, Plagiarism, Cut and Paste, Quotations without quotation marks, and cheating in any manner
2. Paraphrase rules regarding quiz/exam submissions and written work, including due dates, time frames, and secure internet connections.
3. Paraphrase rules regarding respect for peers and instructor, including use of electronic devices (when and where use is appropriate), working on assignments for other classes, absences, and late submissions. 4. Paraphrase rules regarding appropriate documentation when documentation is called for (both parenthetical references and a clearly labeled sources cited section are required for research papers)
5. Discuss consequences for confirmed academic dishonesty.
III: Paragraph Three - Concluding paragraph(s):
(1)Paragraph on *Personal Responsibility in classroom conduct within today’s society, using the Angelina College Instructional Rubric below:
(2)Close your essay with an analysis section on why rules such as these are necessary. (a) Address why these issues are so prevalent in today’s classrooms and what can and should be done to alleviate cheating and respect issues (b) How Personal Responsibility will be expected in your future vocation.
*Personal Responsibility–The Angelina College Instructional Rubric are posted under INFORMATION on your page. They assess the following areas:
Ethical Issue Recognition: Exemplary analysis of the ethical issue at hand and ability to fully synthesize complex relationships within the issue
Commitment: Fully demonstrates the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner
Accountability: Accepts responsibility for actions, understands and accepts resulting consequences, and follows directions
* Paragraph on *Social Responsibility, using the Angelina college Instructional Rubric below: (a) How can Personal Responsibility help in our quest to be better citizens within the United States? (b) How can Personal Responsibility help in our quest to be better global citizens? (c) What is the most pressing, single issue (such as poverty or hunger) the United States faces in terms of global responsibility? (d) In what way are we as Americans better than other countries at being good global citizens? (e) In what ways can we improve the issue you chose in (c)—give specific ideas for improvement on the issue chosen. The Angelina College Instructional Rubric is posted under Information on our page. It assesses the following areas:
Intercultural Competencies: Recognizes specific commonalities and differences among/between cultures
Civic Responsibility: Demonstrates specific ability to apply knowledge to improve the quality of life in a community through political or non-political processes
Community Engagement: Demonstrates effective engagement in communities.
Checklist for Personal and Social Responsibility Contract: (The rubrics and related material on the Blackboard Toolbar will help you be successful with your contract:
_____One inch margins and 10-12 font, double-spaced
_____ Use of standard, appropriate, College-level English. No use of second person (you), or text-type lingo.
_____Appropriate format using MLA, Proofread for organization, flow, spelling, and grammar.
_____ Submit to Blackboard Assignment Student contract link. Use documents with doc. or dox extensions preferred.
This project is worth 100 points.
Addendum II
Government 2306 (Federal Government) Project/Essay –Summer 2016