Spring 2022 Course Syllabus Course: GOVT-2306- Section: 1C 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.
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. * Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. * Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	Students will be able to read and comprehend the various readings, legal documents, and information regarding course study. Students will be able to connect personal and collective political actions with the culture, history, legislative and political activity in the state.
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, 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: Chapters 1, 9 Week 3: The Texas Constitution; Texas Government and Politics in the Federal System Week 4: Chapters 2, 3 Group Name/Members/Topics – Due in Writing Week 5: Exam 1(Chapters 1-3, 9) Week 6: The Texas Legislature, The Texas Executive, Texas Judicial System Week 7: Chapters 5, 6 Week 8: Chapters 7, 8 --NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK 03/14-03/18/22 Week 9: Chapters 7, 8 Week 10: Exam 2 (Chapters 5 – 8) Week 11: 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: Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 13: Presentation Group 1, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 14: Presentation Group 2, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 15: Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 16: Final Examination Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1: Course Introduction, Syllabus Review, The Social and Economic Environment of Texas Politics; Political Socialization, Political Behavior and Public Opinion Week 2: Chapters 1, 9 Week 3: The Texas Constitution; Texas Government and Politics in the Federal System Week 4: Chapters 2, 3 Group Name/Members/Topics – Due in Writing Week 5: Exam 1(Chapters 1-3, 9) Week 6: The Texas Legislature, The Texas Executive, Texas Judicial System Week 7: Chapters 5, 6 Week 8: Chapters 7, 8 --NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK 03/14-03/18/22 Week 9: Chapters 7, 8 Week 10: Exam 2 (Chapters 5 – 8) Week 11: 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: Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 13: Presentation Group 1, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 14: Presentation Group 2, Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 15: Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14 Week 16: Final Examination Chapters 4, 12, 13, 14
Final Exam Date	May 11, 2022 - 5:30 PM   Through  May 11, 2022 - 8:30 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	3 Examinations = 300 points Presentation = 100 points Class exercises = 50 points additional extra credit exercises, pop quizzes, etc. may be given for credit. Attendance and completion of all assignments will be considered in grading.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Students are required to follow the course syllabus even if the class does not meet. Absent students are not automatically entitled to make up a missed assignment, but will do so at the discretion of the instructor.
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. Students should alert Mr. Smith, and if possible the instructor, of any anticipated absences.
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.
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.