San Antonio College

1300 San Pedro

San Antonio, TX 78212-4299

 

 

SYLLABUS

 

 

Department: Political Science                                                                                     

 

Course number and title 2306: American Government (State)

 

Credit Hours   3         Hrs/wk lec.   3            Hrs/wk lab 0               Lec/Lab comb.  0     

 

 

I.  Catalog description

 

            This is a general survey course in United States and Texas Constitutions, federalism, citizenship, voting, and local governments with an emphasis on Texas government.  Credit in both GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306 is necessary to satisfy the legislative requirement for graduation.  It is recommended that students enroll in GOVT 2306 if only three hours of government are needed to meet the requirements of a technical curriculum or to satisfy the state requirements for teacher certification.

 

II.  Required background

 

            Students must have a “C” (or above) or place out of Reading 0303 and English 0301.  Students should be reading at the 13.0 level and be qualified to take English 1301.

 

III.  Texts

 

            See individual syllabus for current text.

 

IV.  Methods of Instruction

 

            A professor may use one or more of the following:

 

                        Lecture - discussion

                        Assigned reading from texts

                        Guided collaborative learning

                        Media Assisted Instruction

                        Research projects

 

            Students should check with their professor in order to obtain the specific methods to be used in his/her class and materials that may be necessary for the course.

 

 

 

V.  Course Grade

 

            Some or all of the following methods may be utilized by professors to assess student progress: major exams composed of objective and/or essay questions, short quizzes, oral questions, research papers, oral presentation, attendance and a comprehensive final exam.

 

VI.  Course Content

 

            This is a general survey course covering the Texas Constitution and its relationship to the United States’ federalist system and the U.S. Constitution.  It covers the historical development of the Texas Constitution and its structure and functions.  It covers the operations of state government and the making of state public policy.  The theories of state governments and their place and role in the United States Constitutional system are covered.  The role of political parties and interest groups in state government is covered.

 

VII.  Objectives and Outcomes

 

            Course content listed above (VI) is a topical outline of American Government (State).  Student mastering of this subject matter will be assessed through his or her performance on the exams mentioned above and any additional work assigned by the instructor.

 

            Upon completion of this course, the student will have a working knowledge of the Texas Political system and its development over the state’s history.  The student will have an understanding of the state judiciary, its operation, and structure: the state legislative process and the operation of the legislative and executive bureaucracy of the state.  Students will be familiar with a history of the state’s government, the state system of checks and balances, the development of the State Constitution, its method of amendment and how the Texas Constitution compares to and operates within the United States Constitution. 

 

VIII.  Absence Policy

 

            Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required.  A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed.

 

            Absences of each student are recorded without exception from the official date of his/her enrollment.  The counting of absences begins on the first day of a student’s enrollment in the course after classes begin.  A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a regular semester may be dropped by the instructor.  If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W” (withdraw).  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

 

            Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism.  The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.

 

IX.  Academic Dishonesty Policy

 

            Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty.  Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.  For additional information, refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

 

X.  Children on Campus Policy

 

            Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab.  Minors under the age of 12 must not be left unattended on campus.

 

XI.  ADA Statement for Students Requiring Special Accommodations

 

            As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if accommodation is needed, students must make the request through the Office of Disabled Student Services, CAC 124C, Phone: 733-2347.

 

 

 

San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212-4299
Phone: 210/733-2000, Technology Hotline: 785-6031
One of the Alamo Community Colleges
GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE may be made through the ACCD FOUNDATION . . .The Fundraising Arm of the Alamo Community Colleges.

San Antonio College Mission Statement
The Alamo Community Colleges are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For special accommodations or an alternate format, contact the San Antonio College disABILITY Support Services at 733-2347


This Web site Last Updated 7/5/07