Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: GOVT-2305 (Section: 51, CRN: 93543)
Federal Government 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tieranny Decuir
Email decuirts@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6548
Office Student Center - Room: 415
Office Hours Monday -10:00am-4:30pm

Tuesday - 2:00pm-4:45pm

Wednesday- 10:00am-3:30pm

Thursday- 2:00pm-4:45pm 






 
Additional Contact Information None
Course Information
Description Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.
Required 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.

Politics in State and Communities, 15th edition. Thomas R. Dye and Susan A. McManus
eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9780137614721
ISBN-13: 9780205994717 
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.
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 federal 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 citizens.
8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics. 
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 issues.

Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

Empirical and Qualitative skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.
Lecture Topics Outline Chapter 1. Politics in States and Communities
Chapter 2. Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States
Chapter 3. States, Communities, and American Federalism
Chapter 4. Participation in State Politics
Chapter 5. Parties and Campaigns in the States
Chapter 6. Legislators in State Politics
Chapter 7. Governors in State Politics
Chapter 8. Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities
Chapter 9. Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy
Chapter 10. Governing America’s Communities
Chapter 11. Participation in Community Politics
Chapter 12. Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis
Chapter 13. Community Power, Land Use, & The Environment
Chapter 14. The Politics of Taxation and Finance
Chapter 15. Politics and Civil Rights
Chapter 16. The Politics of Education
Chapter 17. The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health
Major Assignments Schedule Week 1 Chapter 1. Politics in States and Communities
Week 2 Chapter 2. Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States
Week 3 Chapter 3. States, Communities, and American Federalism
Week 4 Chapter 4. Participation in State Politics
Week 5 Chapter 5. Parties and Campaigns in the States
Week 6 Chapter 6. Legislators in State Politics
Week 7 Chapter 7. Governors in State Politics
Week 8 Chapter 8. Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities
Week 9 Chapter 9. Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy
Week 10 Chapter 10. Governing America’s Communities
Week 11Chapter 11. Participation in Community Politics
Week 12 Chapter 12. Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis
Week 13 Chapter 13. Community Power, Land Use, & The Environment
Week 14 Chapter 14. The Politics of Taxation and Finance & Chapter 15. Politics and Civil Rights
Week 15 Chapter 16. The Politics of Education & Chapter 17. The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health
Week 16 Final 
Final Exam Date December 8, 2025 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 8, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale Student must make a 70 (C) or above in order to pass this class.
Determination of
Final Grade		 Discussions- 20%
Exams - 30%
Assignments/Projects - 30%
Final Exam - 20%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies

Weekly Expectations

  1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

  2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

  3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.
     

    Exams & Assignments

    • All exams will open during their designated week.

    • If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

    • Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

    • Exams may include:

      • Multiple-choice questions

      • True/False questions

      • Short answer questions

      • Essay questions

      • Fill-in-the-blank questions

    Course Materials

    The required textbook for this course is:

    Politics in State and Communities (15th Edition) by Thomas R. Dye and Susan A. McManus

    • eTextbook ISBN-13: 9780137614721

    • Print ISBN-13: 9780205994717

    Students are expected to have the textbook or eTextbook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it becomes available from the bookstore).

     

    Grading

    • Grades will be posted in Blackboard.

    • Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages.

    • Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor.
       

      Make-Up & Late Work

      • Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.
         

        Academic Integrity

        1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

        2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

      Student Responsibilities

      • Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

      • Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.
         

        Technical Issues

        • Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

        • Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson-related issues cause delays in completing coursework.
Attendance Policy

This is an on-campus course that meets Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Regular and punctual attendance is required for successful completion of the course.

  • Attendance is recorded each class session.

  • Students are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire class period.

  • Participation in class discussions and activities is a key part of your attendance.

  • If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor in advance (when possible) and obtain any missed materials or assignments.

  • Excessive absences or repeated tardiness may affect your grade.
Additional Information None
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431