G- 237, phone: 972-860-7159
GOVT 2306.43286 meets: A-Days, 7:30-8:35 a.m.
GOVT 2306.41287 meets: A-Days, 8:42-9:47 a.m.
GOVT 2306.41288 meets: B-Days, 7:30-8:35 a.m.
GOVT 2306.41289 meets: B-Days, 11:06 a.m. to 1:17 p.m.
Mr. Jim Haddox
972/240-3740, ext. 61866
jwhaddox@garlandisd.net
American Democracy Now (Texas Edition); McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 2013; (
One of the following must be met: (1) DREA 0093 AND DWRI 0093; (2) English as a Second Language (ESOL) 0044
AND 0054; or (3) have met Texas Success Initiative (TSI) in Reading and Writing standards.
GOVT 2306 Texas Government (3 Credit Hours)
Course Description: 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. (3 Lecture Hours)
Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 4510025125
Core objectives for GOVT 2306:
1.
Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, 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.
Personal Responsibility - to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making
4.
Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1.
Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the State of Texas.
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 Texas 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 Texas citizens.
8.
Analyze issues and policies in Texas politics.
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Date(s)
Assigned Reading Assignments Due
Week 1
January 7-10
Introduction to Texas Government
(Chapter 19)
Read Chapter 19 (by January 13 th )
Weeks 2-3
January 13-24
Weeks 4
January 27-31
Week 5-6
February 3-14
Weeks 7
February 17-21
Weeks 8-9
February 25 through March 7
Weeks 10-11
March 17-28
Weeks 12-13
March 31 through April 11
Weeks 14-15
April 14-25
Weeks 16-17
April 28 through May 9
Weeks 18-19
May 12-23
Weeks 20-21
May 27 through June 5
Texas Constitution
(Chapter 20)
Participation & Interest Groups in Texas Politics
(Chapter 21)
Political Parties & Elections in Texas
(Chapter 22)
Video: Last Man Standing: Politics Texas Style
The Texas Legislature (Chapter 23)
Review for Midterm Exam
Mock Legislature Simulation
The Office of Governor and State Agencies in Texas
(Chapter 24)
The Court System in Texas (Chapter 25)
Video: 12 Angry Men
Public Policy in Texas
(Chapter 26)
Local Governments in Texas (Chapter 27)
Video: The Education of Shelby Knox
Video: LBJ
Review for Final Exam
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Read Chapter 20 (by January 13 th )
Read Chapter 21 (by January 27 th )
Read Chapter 22 (by February 3 rd )
Video Comprehension Worksheet (by
February 20th)
Read Chapter 23 (by February 25 th )
***Midterm Exam (on March 6 th & 7 th )***
Mock Legislature Bill (by March 19 th & 20 th )
Read Chapter 24 (by March 31 st )
Read Chapter 25 (by April 14 th )
***Research Paper (on 21 st & 22 nd )***
Read Chapter 26 (by April 28 th )
Read Chapter 27 (by May 12 th )
***Final Exam (on June 4 th & 5 th )***

There will only be two exams during this semester – a midterm exam and a final exam. Both exams will include multiple choice questions, true-false questions, matching questions, and one essay question (5-paragraphs or more). Each exam will be graded on a 100-point scale. The midterm exam & final exam each will be worth 20 percent of the overall course grade for Eastfield College. For Garland ISD, the midterm will be worth 20 percent of your 2 nd grading period grade. The final exam grade will be worth 20 percent of the overall course grade for
Eastfield College, while for Garland ISD it will be worth 10 percent of your semester grade. The midterm exam will be comprehensive for the first half of the course, and the final exam will be comprehensive for the second half of the course.
In addition to the two exams (see above: Examinations), you will also write a 10-page research paper that is to be typed, double-spaced, and follow the A.P.A. style manual. This paper will be 20 percent of your course grade for
Eastfield College, and 20 percent of your 3 rd grading period grade for Garland ISD. Additionally, you will have several cooperative activities assigned to you during most class periods. The grades for these assignments will be averaged and equate to 15 percent of your course grade for Eastfield College. Once a week, you will read a primary source document, using the marking the text reading comprehension strategy. Grades for these assignments will be averaged and equal 10 percent of your course grade at Eastfield College. About once every other week, you will be given a writing prompt for one of your marking the text readings. These are called quickwrites and, averaged together, they will represent 5 percent of your course grade for Eastfield College. There will be 3 videos viewed during this course and all have video comprehension worksheets that go along with the video. These worksheets will be averaged together and become 5 percent of your course grade for Eastfield
College. The remaining 10 percent of your grade for Eastfield College will be dedicated to your class participation grade. For your Garland ISD class grade, all grades assignments for the first grading period will be considered classwork grades, and equal 100 percent of your grade for the 1 st grading period, and then 80 percent of your grade for the 2 nd & 3 rd grading periods. It is important to note that it is possible to receive a grade for Eastfield
College that is different from your Garland ISD grade.
All work is due on the dates posted in this syllabus, unless the instructor changes the due dates. No work will be accepted after the posted due date – no exceptions. Planned absences such as fieldtrips are not a sufficient excuse. Arrangements need to be made to turn in the assignment early. Excused absences on due dates will result in the student being required to submit his or her assignment on the day they return to the campus. All assignments are to be turned in to the brown hopper in the classroom. Work submitted without the student’s first
& last name, class & period, date, and underlined title will be discarded and NOT graded.
Tests –
Midterm Exam & Final Exam
Assignments
Research Paper on a former Texas
Governor -- 10-pages, typed, doublespaced, APA style manual.
Class Participation – includes attendance, in-class assignments, class discussions, group work, and active listening.
Cooperative group topical presentations
Marking the text of primary source
Student
Learning
Outcomes
N/A
Student
Learning
Outcomes
Various, depending on topic 1 - 8
Various, depending on topic 1 - 8
1-8
2-6
3
Core Objectives % of Grade
N/A
Core Objectives % of Grade
1, 2, 3
1-4
1-4
1, 2
40%
20%
10%
15%
5%

documents
Quickwrites
Video worksheets
2, 3, 4
5, 6
1, 2
1-4
Total
5%
5%
100%
For your course grade, your average will be averaged up to the next highest grade if it is .5 or higher. For example, 89.5 will be considered an “A.” You can track your progress throughout the semester in the grade book. Grades will not be discussed on the phone or through email. After the semester is over, you can check your grades on-line using eConnect or Garland ISD’s online grade book.
A = 90-100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = lower than 60%
Extra Credit: There will be no extra credit offered under any circumstances.
Attendance Policies: Students are expected to be present at each and every class. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to meet with the instructor during after-school tutorials to inquire about what they missed. Class time is NOT the proper time to make such an inquiry.
Support Services: If you have difficulty with this course, please contact me as soon as possible. I may be able to offer suggestions on reading, studying, note taking or test taking or assist you in finding help elsewhere on campus.
I want you to succeed in this class and have an enjoyable experience. If there are difficulties, please talk with me as soon as possible. Eastfield College offers Academic Skills Centers, such as the Math Spot (in C-201), the Writing
Center (in the Library) and the Science Corner (on 2 nd floor mezzanine of the S building) which are free resources that can help you hone your study skills, improve your writing and assist with assignments.
Student Conduct: Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself with regard for the rights of others.
Behavior that is rude, annoying to others, or disruptive may result in the student being directed to leave the class, failing the course, and/or being referred to the Principal and/or College Dean. Please do not talk during class—it really makes it difficult on other students as well as the instructor. And of course, it is just not acceptable for students to receive or make telephone calls, sleep, smoke, listen to music, read the newspaper, or eat during class.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this class one where there is an atmosphere of respect and friendliness.
Classroom Etiquette: Keep your comments civil and cordial even when you disagree with a classmate’s perspective. A key part of your development in college is being able to disagree agreeably and to engage in robust intellectual discussions with people who hold opposing or different viewpoints.
Withdrawing From or Dropping Class: If you are unable to complete this course, it is your responsibility to withdraw formally. The withdrawal request must be received in the Registrar’s Office by Thursday, April 17,
2014. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a performance grade, usually an “F.” If you drop a class or withdraw from the college before the official drop/withdrawal deadline, you will receive a “W” (Withdraw) in each class dropped.
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Students with Disabilities: It is the policy of the Eastfield College, Garland ISD, and your instructor to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Students requesting accommodations due to a disability must identify themselves in a timely fashion and demonstrate/document the need for accommodation with the Disability Services Office (DSO), or Garland
ISD’s special education office. Students with a physical, mental or learning disability who require accommodations should contact the college Disability Services Office in C237. Call 972.860.8348 or email efcdso@dcccd.edu. For more information: http://www.eastfieldcollege.edu/SSI/DSO/index.html.
Absences for Religious Reasons: Eastfield College and Garland ISD support the free exercise of religious beliefs.
Please contact me as soon as possible about anticipated absences for religious reasons, so that I may seek appropriate accommodations.
Academic Dishonesty: Eastfield College and Garland ISD adhere to a strict policy on cheating and plagiarism.
Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct for both organizations. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Please remember that rules against cheating apply to homework, papers, and attendance sign-in as well as tests. As a college student, you are considered a responsible adult. Your enrollment indicates acceptance of the DCCCD Code of Student Conduct
published in the DCCCD Catalog at http://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0506/ss/code.cfm
and attached to this syllabus, as well as the student code of conduct for Garland ISD. Please read the attached statement from the Student Code of
Conduct and bear in mind the penalties for such actions. The usual minimum penalty for cheating or plagiarism is failure in the course, notification to the College Dean of Humanities, notification of the Principal, and notification of your parent or guardian. Remember, personal character & reputation are things to be safeguarded in life, and not tarnished.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA): In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the College may release information classified as “directory information” to the general public without the written consent of the student. Directory information includes: (1) student name, (2) student address, (3) telephone numbers, (4) date and place of birth, (5) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (6) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (7) dates of attendance, (8) educational institution most recently attended, and (9) other similar information, including major field of student and degrees and awards received. Students may protect their directory information at any time during the academic year. If no request is filed, directory information is released upon written inquiry. No telephone inquiries are acknowledged. No transcript or academic record is released without written consent from the student, except as specified by law.
STOP BEFORE YOU DROP: For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time in the fall of 2007, and for students enrolling for the first time after that, Texas Education Code 51.907 now limits the number of courses these students may drop. It is important to note that these students may drop no more than 6 courses during their entire undergraduate career, unless their drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling/advising center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions.
Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any other courses with a “W.”
Therefore, please exercise caution when dropping courses in any Texas public institution of higher learning, including all seven of the Dallas County Community Colleges. For more information, you may access: https://www1.dcccd.edu/coursedrops.
Repeating This Course/Third Attempt to Enroll in a Course: Effective for the 2005 Fall semester, Dallas County
Community Colleges will charge additional tuition to students registering for the same course a third time or more.
All third & subsequent attempts of most courses – including courses in Continuing Education & Workforce Training
-- will result in additional tuition to be charged. Developmental Studies and some other courses will not be charged a higher tuition rate. Third attempts include courses taken at any of the Dallas County Community
Colleges since the Fall 2002 Semester. See Third Attempt to Enroll in a Course at:
http://www.dcccd.edu/thirdcourseattempt/.
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Financial Aid Statement: Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid
Office prior to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or participate after the drop date are also subject to this policy.
***The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus as necessary.***
A Note about Plagiarism: Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, is a very serious offense and will result in a grade of ‘F’ on the assignment. The student will be given a chance to improve their work and will receive the average of the first and second grades. A second offense of plagiarism will result in an immediate “F” for the course and possible referral to the College Student Discipline process. Plagiarism is taken seriously in college classes and will not be tolerated.
Dallas County Community College District
Student Code of Conduct
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
STUDENT CONDUCT
"Cheating on a test" shall include: a. Copying from another student's test paper. b. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test. All forms of academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and collusion. c. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator. d. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an administered test. e. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the administered test. f. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one's self, to take a test. g. Bribing another person to obtain an administered test or information about an administered test.
"Plagiarism" shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another's work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own written work.
"Collusion" shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.
Discipline: Any student violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions, which may include suspension from the dual credit program, Eastfield College, or both. A "violation" means an act or omission which is contrary to a published college regulation or policy. For more information about sanctions for violations of prohibited conduct, please visit the website below. http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/057501/pol.cfm?DisplayPage=FLB(LOCAL).html
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