Fall 2020 Course Syllabus Course: GOVT-2306- Section: 3C Texas Government

Instructor Information
Instructor	Dr. Albert Thigpen
E-mail	thigpenat@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6513
Office	Location: Madison Monroe Education - Room: 228 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.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Government and Politics in the Lone Star State, Fifth--Ninth Edition, L. Tucker Gibson, Jr. and Clay Robinson
Lecture Topics Outline	Lecture Topics in Government 2306 -- Texas Government Week 1 Course Overview and Introduction /The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics Week 2 The Texas Constitution Week 3 The Texas Constitution Week 4 Intergovernmental Relationships Week 5 Interest Groups and Political Power In Texas Week 6 The Mass Media in Texas Politics Week 7 The Party System in Texas Week 8 Elections, Campaigns, and Political Behavior Week 9 The Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation Week 10 The Texas Executive/The Texas Legislature Week 11 The Texas Executive/The Texas Legislature Week 12 The Judicial System in Texas Week 13 The Judicial System in Texas Week 14 Local Government in Texas: Cities, Towns, Counties and Special Districts Week 15 Local Government in Texas: Cities, Towns, Counties and Special Districts
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 5 - Exam 1 Week 10 - Exam 2 Week 15 - Exam 3/Final Week 15 - Individual Assignment Due
Final Exam Date	December 4, 2020 - 12:00 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests- 75%, Individual Assignment - 25% Extra points may be awarded to overall completeness and thoroughness of semester work and Individual Assignment. Grades will be in accordance with the Student Assignment Completion Agreement executed by students.
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.
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA 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 MyLSCPA.
Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.