Texas Government
GOVT2306
South Texas College
Political Science Department
Spring 2016
MTWRF 1:33 p.m. – 2:18 p.m.
Bldg. 200, Room 206
Ruben G. Flores, MPA
Sharyland ISD Govt Dual Enrollment Instructor
STC Adjunct Faculty – Political Science Department
Office: SHS Bldg. 200, Room 206
Office phone: (956) 580-5300 ext. 1392
Email: rflores@sharylandisd.org or rgflores@southtexascollege.edu
Office hours:
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 12:44 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:44 p.m.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
The students will explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
The students will demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems
and their relationship with the federal government.
The students will describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both
theory and practice in Texas.
The students will demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of Texas government.
The students will evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political
parties in Texas.
The students will analyze the state and local election process.
The students will describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
The students will analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
Class Policies
Please refer to the “Government DE Classroom Procedures” PowerPoint posted on
my webpage on the Sharyland ISD website.
Course Requirements
1.
2.
3.
4.
Attend class.
Participate in class discussions.
Read assigned materials by due dates.
Completion of three (3) exams, ten (10) short quizzes and a cumulative final
examination (see schedule below).
5. Completion of written paper on chosen political topic.
6. Additional guidelines and procedures will be disseminated in class.
The four (4) scheduled exams assigned in the syllabus are 60% of the final grade. The
ten (10) short quizzes will be unannounced, will focus on current course reading
assignments and will be 10% of the final grade. If you miss a quiz, exam or
assignment it is your responsibility to arrange for a make-up with me. The
cumulative final examination is 20% of the final grade. The written paper will be
10% of the final grade. The course grading scale is:
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
As mentioned above there will be short objective quizzes consisting of short answer
and multiple-choice questions. The quizzes will be for the purpose of testing you on
your reading assignments.
There will be four exams comprised of objective, multiple-choice, short-answer and
essay questions. The final exam will be cumulative in nature, in other words, it will
test you on all the material that we will have covered in the semester.
There will be an assigned political activity where you will have the option to choose
researching the platform of a political candidate running this season, some
referendum on a ballot or some salient political issue. You will be expected to write
a paper on your findings.
The South Texas College website warns that it is a violation of the STC Student
Code of Conduct to plagiarize. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and be penalized if
you are found to have plagiarized in any of the material that you submit for this
class. Please refer to the site at
http://library.southtexascollege.edu/services/reference/Pages/writing.aspx .
Plagiarism is when you takes someone else’s language, ideas, or thought and
present them as your own without proper acknowledgement. It includes taking
someone else’s work or a portion of their work and submitting it as your own. It can
also include submitting a work that does not contain sufficient citation or the
misuse of source material.
It is also wrong to submit a paper that you have written for another class as your
fulfillment of an assignment in another class unless you have discussed it with the
professor and have obtained prior permission from the professor to submit the
paper.
It is also improper to list an author, title or page reference as the source for
obtained material, when the material came from another source or from another
location. This includes the use of fictitious material and passing it off as a real
source.
The following are some guidelines:
You may only use two quotations in the paper. When you do use quotations those
quotes must be identified as quotations by either surrounding it with quotation
marks or by being clearly indented, and the complete source must be cited either in
the text or in the references page.
Any material that is summarized, restated, or reworked must be cited as such,
whether it is used in written or oral form. Even if you cite the work from which you
took the idea you must properly paraphrase it and not use the exact wording in your
source or just change a few words. You must write it completely in your own words.
It is best to put the original source aside and write the material in your paper in
your own words without referring to the original source so that it is your words and
wording from the original source does not creep in to your final submission.
All sources that are cited in-text must be cited in the references page of the paper.
For some more direction on plagiarism and examples of how the proper use of
quotations and paraphrasing please refer to
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/ .
Students with an excused absence from school (including off-campus suspension)
will have the opportunity to make up missed work at the rate of one day for one day
missed, with a maximum of five days. Students who are absent but had prior notice
of a major or minor assignment must complete the assignment on the first day back
to school. Students will receive a zero for any major or minor assignment not made
up within the allotted time. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements
to take any missed assignments not the teacher’s nor the counselor’s responsibility.
Students with an unexcused absence may not make up missed work; however, if the
unexcused absence is determined to be caused by an extenuating circumstance,
makeup work may be allowed, but the grade for the makeup work will be no higher
than a grade of 70. This policy only applies to Sharyland High School grades and is
not applicable to South Texas College grades.
Students will be given up to three additional school days to redo a failing major
assignment, which in this course is one of the four exams, but the grade will be no
higher than a grade of 70. This policy only applies to Sharyland High School grades
and is not applicable to South Texas College grades. The initial grade that is
earned by the student will be the grade submitted for the student to South Texas
College.
Students will be given 3 additional days to make up a major assignment, which in
this course is one of the four exams, but the grade will be no higher than a grade of
70. This policy only applies to Sharyland High School grades and is not applicable
to South Texas College grades. The initial grade that is earned by the student will
be the grade submitted for the student to South Texas College.
If 50% or more of students in a class fail a major assignment, which in this course is
one of the four exams, the entire class will receive reteaching of the content using a
different instructional strategy from the original presentation. All students will be
given an alternative major assignment. The students will receive the higher of the
two grades earned. This policy only applies to Sharyland High School grades and is
not applicable to South Texas College grades. The initial grade that is earned by
the student will be the grade submitted for the student to South Texas College.
Since Sharyland High School requires a minimum of two grades per week and that
exceeds the number of South Texas College assignments there will be more
Sharyland High School grades than South Texas College grades issued for the
course.
The will be no extra credit assignment offered for either the high school grades or
the South Texas College grades.
Students are responsible to submit assignments in a timely manner. Should you
not be able to submit your work in a timely manner it will be your responsibility to
contact the instructor to notify the instructor why you will not be able to submit the
work in a timely manner. If the instructor approves a late paper then fifteen points
will be deducted for the assignment.
Student Responsibilities




Come to class on time, and refrain from packing up belongings before class ends.
Turn off all electronic devices that might create a disruption in class.
Be quiet and give full respectful attention while either instructor or another student is
speaking.
When speaking, use courteous, respectful language and keep comments and questions
relevant to the topic at hand.
Instructor Responsibilities



Treat all students with courtesy and respect.
Be open to constructive input from students in the course.
Ensure that opportunities to participate are enjoyed equally by all students in the course.
Required Textbook
Texas Government, 11th Edition by Neil Tannahill
Course Outline
(All dates are tentative and subject to change)
Class Date
Jan.
07
Day
R
8
F
11
M
Class Topic
Class Guidelines and Procedures
Research project and Plagiarism
Class Guidelines and Procedures
Research project and Plagiarism
Class Guidelines and Procedures
Assignment/Due Date
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12
13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
27
27
28
29
Feb.
01
02
03
04
05
08
09
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
22
23
24
25
26
29
Mar. 01
02
Class Date
03
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
W
R
F
M
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
R
F
M
T
W
Day
R
Research project and Plagiarism
The People, Economy and Political
Chapter 1
01/12
Culture of Texas
The People, Eco and Political (cont’d) Chapter 1
01/12
The People, Eco and Political (cont’d) Chapter 1
01/12
The People, Eco and Political (cont’d) Chapter 1
01/12
The Texas Constitution
Chapter 2
01/18
The Texas Constitution (cont’d)
Chapter 2
01/18
The Texas Constitution (cont’d)
Chapter 2
01/18
The Texas Constitution (cont’d)
Chapter 2
01/18
Texas and Federalism
Chapter 3
01/22
Texas and Federalism (cont’d)
Chapter 3
01/22
Texas and Federalism (cont’d)
Chapter 3
01/22
Texas and Federalism (cont’d)
Chapter 3
01/22
****** Research Paper Topic and Outline Due ********
Exam Review
01/28
Exam#1, Chapters 1-3 (Objective Portion)
01/29
Exam #1, Chapters 1-3 (Subjective Portion)
01/30
Texas Legislature
Chapter 8
02/02
Texas Legislature (continued)
Chapter 8
02/02
Texas Legislature (continued)
Chapter 8
02/02
Texas Legislature (continued)
Chapter 8
02/02
Texas Executive Branch
Chapter 9
02/08
Texas Executive Branch (continued)
Chapter 9
02/08
Texas Executive Branch (continued)
Chapter 9
02/08
Texas Executive Branch (continued)
Chapter 9
02/08
Texas Courts
Chapter 10
02/12
Bad Weather Day
02/15
Texas Courts (continued)
Chapter 10
02/12
Texas Courts (continued)
Chapter 10
02/12
Exam Review
02/18
Exam Review/Early Release
02/19
Exam#2, Chapters 8-10 (Objective Portion)
02/22
Exam#2, Chapters 8-10 (Subjective Portion)
02/23
Political Participation
Chapter 4
02/24
Political Participation (continued)
Chapter 4
02/24
Political Participation (continued)
Chapter 4
02/24
Political Participation (continued)
Chapter 4
02/24
Interest Groups
Chapter 5
03/01
Interest Groups (cont’d)
Chapter 5
03/01
Class Topic
Assignment/Due Date
Interest Groups (cont’d)
Chapter 5
03/01
04
F
Interest Groups (cont’d)
Chapter 5
03/01
07
M
Political Parties
Chapter 6
03/07
08
T
Political Parties (cont’d)
Chapter 6
03/07
09
W
Political Parties (cont’d)
Chapter 6
03/07
10
R
Political Parties (cont’d)
Chapter 6
03/07
11
F
Elections
Chapter 7
03/11
*********************Spring Break March 14-18, 2016 ******************************
21
M
Elections (cont’d)
Chapter 7
03/11
22
T
Elections (cont’d)
Chapter 7
03/11
23
W
Elections (cont’d)
Chapter 7
03/11
24
R
Research Paper Due/Exam Review
03/24
25
F
STUDENT HOLIDAY
03/25
28
M
Exam #3, Chapter 4-7 (Objective Portion)
03/28
29
T
Exam #3, Chapter 4-7 (Subjective Portion)
03/29
30
W
City Government
Chapter 11
03/30
31
R
City Government (cont’d)
Chapter 11
03/30
Apr.
01
F
City Government (cont’d)
Chapter 11
03/30
04
M
City Government (cont’d)
Chapter 11
03/30
05
T
Counties, School and Special Districts Chapter 12
04/05
06
W
Counties, School and Special Districts Chapter 12
04/05
07
R
Counties, School and Special Districts Chapter 12
04/05
08
F
STUDENT HOLIDAY
04/08
11
M
State Budget Policy
Chapter 13
04/11
12
T
State Budget Policy (cont’d)
Chapter 13
04/11
13
W
State Budget Policy (cont’d)
Chapter 13
04/11
14
R
State Budget Policy (cont’d)
Chapter 13
04/11
15
F
Criminal Justice/Early Release
Chapters 14 04/15
18
M
Criminal Justice (cont’d)
Chapters 14 04/15
19
T
Criminal Justice (cont’d)
Chapters 14 04/15
20
W
Criminal Justice (cont’d)
Chapters 14 04/15
21
R
Political Science Film
04/21
22
F
Political Science Film
04/22
25
M
Political Science Film
04/25
26
T
Political Science Film
04/26
27
W
Exam Review
04/27
28
R
Exam #4 Chps 11-14 (Objective Portion)
04/28
29
F
Exam #4 Chps 11-14 (Subjective Portion)
04/29
May 02
M
Final Exam Review
05/02
03
T
Final Exam Review
05/03
04
W
Final Exam Review
05/04
05
R
Final Exam Review
05/05
06
F
Final Exam Review
05/06
09
M
Comprehensive Final Exam
05/09
Program Learning Outcomes
This class contributes to the following program learning outcome within the
Political Science major:
- Students will identify the topics studied with regards to state and local
government and the tools used to study those topics.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution;
- Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their
relationship with the federal government;
- Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and
practice in Texas;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of
Texas government;
- Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in
Texas;
- Analyze the state and local election process;
- Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens;
- Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
Core Objectives
In completing this course, the students will demonstrate the following core
objectives:
- Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry,
and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information;
- Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation
and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication;
Title IX Statement
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from
discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by
recipients of federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of
sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. More
information on Title IX policy and procedures can be found at
http://www.southtexascollege.edu/about/notices/title-ix.html. Questions regarding
Title IX or concerns about accommodations, including complaints of sexual
harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, or other sexual misconduct should be
directed to our Conflict Resolution Center at 956-872-2180 or
crc@southtexascollege.edu.
Pregnant Parenting Students
South Texas College does not discriminate against any student on the basis of
pregnancy, parenting or related conditions. Pregnant or parenting students seeking
accommodations should contact the Conflict Resolution Center immediately at 956872-2180 or crc@southtexascollege.edu.
Developmental Studies Policy Statement
The College’s Developmental Education Plan requires TSI Liable students who have
not met the college readiness or exemption standards in reading, writing, and/or
mathematics to enroll in Developmental Studies courses including College Success.
Failure to attend these required classes may result in the student's withdrawal
from ALL college courses.
Statement of Equal Opportunity
No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be
subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by
South Texas College on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age,
gender, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Alternative Format Statement
This document is available in an alternative format upon request by calling 872-2536.
ADA Statement
Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance or access to receive services
should contact disABILITY Support Services at (956) 872-2173.