Fall 2019 Course Syllabus Course: GOVT-2306- Section: 5C Texas Government

Instructor Information
Instructor	Albert Thigpen
E-mail	thigpenat@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6513
Office	Location: Ruby Fuller - Room: 211 Hours: By appointment.
Department	Inmate Instruction Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
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.
Prerequisites	None.
Learning Outcomes	Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution. Describe 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. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas
Core Objectives
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	Government and Politics in the Lone Star State, Ninth Edition, L. Tucker Gibson, Jr. and Clay Robinson
Lecture Topics Outline	Week 1: Course Introduction, Syllabus Review, The Social and Economic Environment of Texas Politics; Political Socialization, Political Behavior and Public Opinion Week 2: Labor Day Holiday, Chapters 1,9 Week 3: The Texas Constitution; Texas Government and Politics in the Federal System Week 4: Chapters 2, 3 Week 5: Exam 1(Chapters 1-3, 9) Group Name/Members/Topics -- Due in Writing Week 6: The Texas Legislature, The Texas Executive Week 7: Chapters 5, 6 Week 8: Columbus Day Holiday, Texas Bureaucracy; The Judicial System in Texas Chapters 7, 8 Week 9: Chapters 7, 8 Chapter 5, 6, 7 8 Week 10: Exam 2 (Chapters 5 - 8) Week 11: Presentation Group 1, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Local Government, The Mass Media in Texas Politics Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas, Contemporary Public Policy Issues in Texas Week 12: Veterans Day Holiday, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 13: Presentation Group 2, 3, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 14: Presentation Group 4, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 15: Thanksgiving Holidays Week 16: Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 (Presentation makeup is necessary) Week 17: Final Examination Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 5 - Exam 1 Week 5 - Essay/ Analysis of a problem using cultural/sub-cultural norms Week 10 - Exam 2 Weeks 11-14 - Group Presentations Week 17 - Final Examination
Final Exam Date	December 11, 2019 - 12:0 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests- 60%, Presentation - 25%, Attendance, Participation, Essays, Quizzes - 15%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	The makeup of missed assignments will be strictly at my discretion.
Attendance Policy	Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Students with more than three absences from the course will receive an academic penalty. Students are required to follow syllabus assignments as noted even if class does not meet.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.