HILL COLLEGE
112 LAMAR DR.
HILLSBORO, TEXAS 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number:
GOVT 2306
Course Title:
Texas State and Local Government
Date: August 1, 2015
ACGM Description:
GOVT 2306
An examination of the origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of
state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation,
the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.
Catalog Description:
This course surveys state and local government in Texas, its people, history, and culture. The
nature, organization and general principles of government in the state of Texas and on the local
level will be examined including the state constitution, state political parties, voting, and elections,
spending and services, taxation and budgeting, rural and urban problems, and local government.
Also includes an analysis of the legislative, executive, and judicial functions. This course shall
strive to increase your knowledge and understanding of the processes and workings of our state
and local government, and also emphasize to students the importance of participating in politics
and civic life at the state and local levels. Sophomore standing or completion of HIST 1301 and
1302 recommended. This course may be taken before or after GOVT 2305.
Lecture Hours 3
Lab Hours 0
Semester Credit Hours 3
Pre-Requisite: None, however, it is recommended student have sophomore classification.
Introduction and Purpose
A study of the Texas Constitution and the nature, organization and general principles of
government in the state of Texas and on the local level. Topics include federal and city
government, political processes, rural and urban problems with special reference to legislation,
executive and judicial aspects of Texas state government.
a. Help the student understand the state government and its relation to every-day life.
b. Show the uniqueness of Texas and Texans in regards to the American Federal system.
c. Prepare Texans to be participating citizens.
d. Provide a background for more in-depth and/or independent study of Texas and its many
aspects.
e. Meet requirements for core curriculum/transfer course.
f. Provide students with a greater understanding of the nature, organization, and general
principles of government in the state of Texas and on the local level as well.
g. Show students how to think critically, asses and analyze legislative, executive, and judicial
functions.
h. Strive to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the processes and workings of our
state and local government, and also emphasize to students the importance of voting and
participating in politics and civic life at the state and local levels.
This course gives partial fulfillment for academic graduation and is transferable to senior colleges.
Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Government and Politics in the Lone Star State by L. Tucker Gibson and
Clay Robison. Books a la Carte Edition Plus REVEL -- Access Card Package,
9/ed. ISBN: 9780134138510.
Supplies and additional materials: Scantron forms and Blue Books for quizzes, exams, and
final exam. Writing materials (pens/pencils), textbook, paper, notebook for notes, and audiovisual materials provided by the instructor.
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course students will:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
2. Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
6. Analyze the state and local election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s):
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account
global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will
develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education
Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42-semester credit hour core
curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose:
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are
essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluates the objectives included in the
Foundational Component Area of Government/Political Science.
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical
Thinking Skills
CT1: Generate
and
communicate
ideas by
combining,
changing or
reapplying
existing
information
Communication
Skills
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through written
communication
Communication
Skills
CS2: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through oral
communication
Course SLO
General Learning
Activities
Demonstrate a
Throughout the course,
mastery and
students will be
knowledge of
introduced to the
essential political
workings of Texas state
terms, concepts,
and local government
and ideas. Also
through a wide array
demonstrate an
of activities, including
understanding of
class lecture, video
state and local
presentations, research
political systems
assignments, text and
and their
ancillary readings to
relationship with
help students learn
the federal
and identify different
government. Also
methods of studying
Demonstrate an
the varying
understanding of
components of political
state and local
science. With
political systems
information they have
and their
been given in class and
relationship with
from outside sources,
the federal
students will be asked
government.
to analyze, critique,
Explain the origin and interpret that
and development
information and
of the Texas
provide a formal
constitution. SLO: written conclusion in
1,2, & 3.
an assignment (paper).
Demonstrate
Throughout the
knowledge of the
semester students will
legislative,
be introduced to the
executive, and
various elements of the
judicial branches
Texas political system.
of Texas
Students will learn the
government.
evolution and
Demonstrate
development of the
knowledge of the
Texas state political
legislative,
system and the
executive, and
processes that are
judicial branches
involved in the
of Texas
policymaking system.
government.
Students will write
Analyze the state
brief papers, and
and local election
essays and also take
process. SLO: 4, 5, short answer quizzes
& 6.
over assigned readings,
and exams.
Describe
Students will
separation of
demonstrate their
powers and checks ability to orally express
and balances in
ideas and answer
both theory and
questions, as well as
practice in Texas.
discuss (in class)
Demonstrate
current events and
knowledge of the
assigned outside
Assessment
Questions
embedded within
Exams, quizzes,
and a Final Exam
will determine
student's
competency and a
mastery of the
subject matter.
Students will write
brief papers over
assigned topics,
take short answer
quizzes over
assigned readings,
and exams over the
assigned text
chapters and
lecture notes.
Students will
receive grades
based on their
participation and
responses to
questions and in
class discussions
from assigned
Communication
Skills
CS3: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through visual
communication
Social
Responsibility
SR2: Identify
civic
responsibility
Personal
Responsibility
PR1: Evaluate
choices and
actions and
relate
consequences to
decisionmaking
legislative,
executive, and
judicial branches
of Texas
government. 5.
Evaluate the role
of public opinion,
interest groups,
and political
parties in Texas.
SLO: ,3, 4, & 5.
Demonstrate an
understanding of
state and local
political systems
and their
relationship with
the federal
government.
Explain the origin
and development
of the Texas
constitution.
Analyze issues,
policies, and
political culture of
Texas. SLO: 1, 2,
& 8.
Describe the rights
and
responsibilities of
citizens.
Demonstrate an
understanding of
state and local
political systems
and their
relationship with
the federal
government.
Analyze issues,
policies, and
political culture of
Texas. SLO: 1, 2,
7, & 8.
Describe the rights
and
responsibilities of
citizens. Analyze
issues, policies,
and political
culture of Texas.
SLO: 1, 7,& 8.
readings on a regular
basis throughout the
duration of the
semester.
topics and
readings.
Through the use of
pictures, charts,
illustrations, and
videos students will be
asked to develop ideas,
demonstrate and
demonstrate a basic
knowledge to a wide
array of data, facts, and
information. Students
will answer objective
type questions and
compare & contrast
questions regarding
the visual assignment
they have been given.
Students will be
graded via quizzes,
and short writing
assignments.
Have students
volunteer in different
activities, and attend
political forums and
meetings. Also assist
students in getting
registered to vote.
Prepare students to
take their place as
participatory U.S.
citizens and as a
resident of Texas.
A portion of the
student's grade will
be based upon
their participation
and completion of
the various
assigned activities.
Class discussions,
lectures, papers and
video presentations,
quizzes, and tests. Use
current politics or
events to relate the
current political
consequences to
decision-making?
Students will be
graded on the
aforementioned
class assignments.
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of examinations
and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed “Method of
Evaluation.” An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review this course.
Methods of Instruction:
Government 2306 will be taught by using lecture, critical thinking and problem solving activities,
class discussions and projects, independent study, guest speakers, and audio-visual materials and
presentations.
Methods of Evaluations:
The students' success in completing the core objectives within the Foundational Component Area
of Government/Political Science will be measured using rubric, exam, or embedded assessment
activity.
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
I. Testing: Major Exams – objective and essay, and short answer will make up 25% of grade.
II. Course Work: Written assignments including papers, quizzes, class projects, and participation
based on supplemental readings of assigned topics will make up 50% of grade.
III. Final Examination (comprehensive) of an objective and essay nature will make up 25% of
grade.
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Disruptions in class will not be tolerated.
Important - All work must be completed and submitted by the student in time before credit is
given in course.
Topic Outline:
1.
Describe and define the role of Texas as a state and compare her relationship in the federal
system.
2.
Identify the political system/process in regards to Constitutional development, proposals for
revision, the reasons why Texas has remained a state dominated by the legislature.
3.
Compare and contrast the three branches of the Texas State government (legislative,
executive, judicial) in regards to election, powers, weakness, and their role in the political
process.
4.
Identify the financing and expenditures of state government: compare and contrast success
and failures and what is being done to alleviate state problems.
5.
Differentiate the role and effect of city and county government, and how they relate to Texas
State government.
6.
Examine the organization of county government and its effect on rural/urban Texas.
7.
Compare and contrast the types of government used by our cities (mayor, council, city
manager, commission).
8.
Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social
structures, and cultures.
9.
Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social
issues.
10. Comprehend the origins and evolution of U. S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the
growth of political institutions the constitutions of the U. S. and Texas, federalism, civil
liberties, civil and human rights.
11. Differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing
points of view.
12. Analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems.
13. 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 the
news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy.
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone: (254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which
will enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities.
Students should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at
(254)659-7655 in Hillsboro, and (817) 760-5650 in Cleburne for additional information.
EEO Statement:
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The
college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, genetic information or veteran status in the administration of its
educational programs, activities, or employment policies.