Course Number and Title: GOVT 2306 Texas Government

RANGER COLLEGE Syllabus Spring, 2014

Course Number and Title: GOVT 2306—Texas Government Credit Hours: 3 Hours/WK LEC: 3 Hours/WKLAB:0 Instructor: Yong-Hee Park Telephone: 806-239-2311 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Mon/Wed. 15:00-17:00, Tue/Thur.: 15:00-16:00, or by appointments and email.

Special Notice from the Department of Education

“In case of fire or other emergency, the nearest exit from this classroom is ______.” Please remain outside the building until otherwise notified by college officials.”

I. CATALOG DESCRIPTION GOVT 2306--Texas Government (3-0): A study of the Texas government including: A study of the Texas State constitution; the organization and administration of the Texas governmental and political system; political participation by the individual and groups; and the principles which underlie the Texas political culture.

II. COURSE GOAL Goals of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of the both State and local government, to equip them to be active and productive citizens, and to develop students’ reasoning and analytical skills

III.LEARNING OUTCOMES: After taking this course, students are able to A. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution. B. Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government. C. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas. D. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government. E. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas. F. Analyze the state and local election process. G. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens. H. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.

IV. REQUIRED BACKGROUND/PREREQUISITE

1 Passing score on TSI reading or equivalent and approval of high school counselor or instructor

V. TEXTBOOK/READING MATERIALS (Required) Brown, Lyle C., Joyce A. Langenegger, Sonia R. Garcia, Ted A. Lewis, and Robert E. Biles. Practicing Texas Politics. 2013-2014 Edition. 2014. Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning

VI. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION Lecture, discussion, audio-visual materials, etc.

VII. EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES Social and Behavioral Sciences (S)  to develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues (S-4)  to analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study (S-5)  to comprehend the origins and evolution of Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the Texas, campaign and elections, political parties, interest groups, and local governments (S-6)  to understand the evolution and current role of the Texas in the nation (S-7)  to differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view (S-8)  to analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems (S-9)  to recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy (S-10)  to understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes though invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation (C-1)  to understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of exposition and argument (C- 5)

VIII.BASIC INTELLETUAL COMPETENCIES B1 Reading, B2 Writing, B4 Listening, B5 Critical thinking

IX. COURSE OBJECTIVES  Analyze the Texas government including the three branches at the state level in connection with their relationship to the federal government (S3, S7, S11, B1, B2, B4, B5)

2  Compare and contrast the various forms of democracy, with an emphasis on representative democracy and the uniqueness of the Texas government (S5, S6, S7, S10, B1, B4, B5)  Differentiate between the two major political parties and their impact on policymaking (S5, S6, S10, S11,S12, B1, B2, B4, B5)  Identify various governmental agencies and their functions (S4, S10, B1, B2, B4, B5)  Study the role of the judiciary in the decision-making process (S2, S4, S10, S11, B1, B2, B4, B5)

X. CLASS POLICIES A. Absence policy of Ranger College as specified in the catalog will be followed Students are expected to be punctual. B. All students are expected to participate in class discussions. C. Examinations and quizzes missed because of official absences may be made up within a two week period. Student may arrange with instructor for additional time. All make up work is to be completed by Meeting 14. Students must consult with instructor about dates and times. Make up work is the student’s responsibility. D. There is a No Tolerance policy for cheating and plagiarism. Students may be permanently dismissed from class and/or receive a grade of F for the semester. E. Disruptive behavior in class is not accepted and will not be tolerated. This is an advanced educational opportunity - it should be respected and appreciated. Students will be warned and directed to leave the classroom at the first occurrence; expelled from the course if disruptive behavior is repeated. Students are expected to remain in their seats, be polite and attentive, and contribute in an appropriate manner. F. ADA STATEMENT - Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and /or physical disabilities. The student is responsible for making the initial contact with the Range College Counselor. It is advisable to make this contact before or immediately after the semester begins. G. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Students are expected to come to class prepared. This means that students will have read the assigned chapters before class. This is a legislative year - a wonderful time to take State Government. Fifteen minutes of each class period will be devoted to current events. Students are expected to have read and be prepared to discuss a current event - which celebrity is currently in rehab or the status of the student’s fantasy football team do not count. Students are expected to use their best judgment on what qualifies as an appropriate current event. H. Support Services. In the event students have question or need additional academic help from the instructor, instructor is available by phone, e-mail, or appointment. It is the student’s responsibility to reach the instructor.

XI. GRADING PROCEDURES

3 2 Mid-term Exam= 50% (25%+25%) of your semester grade (Course objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Final Exam = 30% of your semester grade (Course objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Essay= 10% of your semester grade (Course Objective 1) Participation and Attendance= 10% of your semester grade (B5)

First Mid-term Exam: 25 Second Mid-term Exam: 25 Final Exam: 30 Essay: 10 Participation/Attendance: 10 Total: 100

Point/percentage-to-Grade Ratio 89 - 100 A 79 - 89 B 69 - 79 C 59 - 69 D 0 - 59 F

XII. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Admission, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are non-discriminatory in regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, and national origin.

4 XIII. COURSE SCHEDULE

Week Chapter Title Remark 1st week (Jan. 13-17) Syllabus Introduction and Basic Knowledge

2nd week (Jan. 20-24) Chapter 1 The Environment of Martin Luther Texas Politics? King, Jr. Holiday 3rd week (Jan. 27-31) Chapter 2 Federalism and the Texas Constitution 4th week (Feb. 3-7) Chapter 3 Local Government 5th week (Feb. 10-14) First Midterm Covers Basic Exam Knowledge, Chapter 1, 2, and 3 6th week (Feb. 17-21 ) Chapter 4 Political Parties 7th week (Feb. 24-28) Chapter 5 Campaigns and Elections 8th week (Mar. 3-7) Chapter 6 The Politics of Interest Groups 9th week (Mar. 10-14) Spring Break No Class Spring Break

10th week (Mar. 17- Chapter 7 The Legislature 21) 11th week (Mar. 24- Second Midterm Covers Chapter 4, 5, 6 28) Examination and 7 12th week (Mar. 31- Chapter 8 The Executive Apr.4) 13th week (Apr. 7-11) Chapter 9 Public Policy and Administration 14th week (Apr. 14- Chapter 10 Laws, Courts, and 18) Justice

15th week (Apr.21-25) Chapter 11 Finance and Fiscal Policy 16th week (Apr.28- Conclusions May 2) 17th week (May 5-10) Final Covers Chapter 8,9,10, Examination and 11)

5 RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS FORM

Legibly print the following information:

Name: ______Date: ______

I have received and read a copy of the syllabus for Government 2306 for the _____ Semester 20__ for Ranger College State Government Course and I agree to abide by the stated policies.

Signature of Student: ______