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: ypark@rangercollege.edu
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
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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 (C5)
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)
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



X.
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)
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
2 Mid-term Exam= 50% (25%+25%) of your semester grade
3
(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:
Second Mid-term Exam:
Final Exam:
Essay:
Participation/Attendance:
Total:
25
25
30
10
10
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.
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XIII. COURSE SCHEDULE
Week
1st week (Jan. 13-17)
Chapter
Syllabus
Title
Introduction and Basic
Knowledge
2nd week (Jan. 20-24)
Chapter 1
The Environment of
Texas Politics?
3rd week (Jan. 27-31)
Chapter 2
Federalism and the
Texas Constitution
4th week (Feb. 3-7)
5th week (Feb. 10-14)
Chapter 3
First Midterm
Exam
6th week (Feb. 17-21
7th week (Feb. 24-28)
)Chapter 4
Chapter 5
8th week (Mar. 3-7)
Chapter 6
9th week (Mar. 10-14)
Spring Break
Local Government
Covers Basic
Knowledge, Chapter 1,
2, and 3
Political Parties
Campaigns and
Elections
The Politics of Interest
Groups
No Class
10th week (Mar. 1721)
11th week (Mar. 2428)
12th week (Mar. 31Apr.4)
13th week (Apr. 7-11)
Chapter 7
The Legislature
Second Midterm
Examination
Chapter 8
Covers Chapter 4, 5, 6
and 7
The Executive
Chapter 9
14th week (Apr. 1418)
Chapter 10
Public Policy and
Administration
Laws, Courts, and
Justice
15th week (Apr.2125)
16th week (Apr.28May 2)
17th week (May 5-10)
Chapter 11
Finance and Fiscal
Policy
Conclusions
Final
Examination
Covers Chapter 8,9,10,
and 11)
Remark
Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Holiday
Spring Break
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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: __________________________________________
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