Syllabus
GOVT 2306-035 (23053)
Texas State and Local Government
Campus: Riverside
Fall 2008
GOVT 2306-035 (23053)
Texas State and Local Government
Campus: Riverside
Fall 2008
Texas Republican Party
The Handbook of Texas
Texas Politics Today
Companion Site
State of Texas
On the IssuesTexas
Democratic Party Texas
Libertarian Party
Political Science
Resources
Critical Thinking
MLA Formatting and Style
Guide
Campus Compact's 2008
Campus Vote Initiative
The Handbook of Texas
Texas Politics Today
Companion Site
State of Texas
On the IssuesTexas
Democratic Party Texas
Libertarian Party
Political Science
Resources
Critical Thinking
MLA Formatting and Style
Guide
Campus Compact's 2008
Campus Vote Initiative
| Helpful links |
GOVT 2306-035
(23053)
Texas State and Local
Fall 2008
________________________________________
David Hinkelmann
Office hours: M,W 2:50-3:20
Office # 9139
Office phone # 393-6805
email dhinkelm@austincc.edu
Home phone 376-2909
Class room: # 8132
Class Time: M, W 1:25-2:40
Class Website dhinkelmann.com
Campus: Riverside
________________________________________
GOVT 2306 Texas State and Local: DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to Texas state and local government. The course includes an introduction for
analyzing the Texas government framework and politics, the constitutional basis for Texas government and politics,
the processes of Texas government and politics, and the policies of Texas government and politics.
TEXT:
Texas Politics Today Thirteenth EDITION by William Earl Maxwell, Ernest Crain ISBN (top) 13 978-0-495-41067-6
(bottom) 9 780495410676. I recommend the use of this book’s companion website that contains chapter-by-chapter
tutorial quizzes, outlines, website links, flashcards, and practice exams. There is a class website, www.dhinkelmann.
com a copy of the syllabus, class assignments, and essay questions. There are also links to the book’s website, plus
other helpful links for this class.
(23053)
Texas State and Local
Fall 2008
________________________________________
David Hinkelmann
Office hours: M,W 2:50-3:20
Office # 9139
Office phone # 393-6805
email dhinkelm@austincc.edu
Home phone 376-2909
Class room: # 8132
Class Time: M, W 1:25-2:40
Class Website dhinkelmann.com
Campus: Riverside
________________________________________
GOVT 2306 Texas State and Local: DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to Texas state and local government. The course includes an introduction for
analyzing the Texas government framework and politics, the constitutional basis for Texas government and politics,
the processes of Texas government and politics, and the policies of Texas government and politics.
TEXT:
Texas Politics Today Thirteenth EDITION by William Earl Maxwell, Ernest Crain ISBN (top) 13 978-0-495-41067-6
(bottom) 9 780495410676. I recommend the use of this book’s companion website that contains chapter-by-chapter
tutorial quizzes, outlines, website links, flashcards, and practice exams. There is a class website, www.dhinkelmann.
com a copy of the syllabus, class assignments, and essay questions. There are also links to the book’s website, plus
other helpful links for this class.
COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR’S OBJECTIVIES
This course will not only cover the mechanics of state and local government, but also raise the awareness of the power the common voting citizens has in these
governments and the Realpolitik involved in these governments and how history and culture has shaped Texas Governments such as:
1. The 1876 Constitution.
2. The Progressive Movement in Texas
3. The influence of the KKK in Texas.
4. The Civil Rights movement in Texas.
This course is primarily a lecture course, but there will be videos, audios, handouts on topics in your book and current affairs. Class discussions are encouraged
as discussions are the corner stone of democracy. “If you have the privilege of living in one of the world’s relatively free societies, use the freedom” Salman
Rushdie.
GRADING POLICY:
A 400-360 B 359-320 C 316-280 D 276-240 F 239 and below.
There will be 4 exams the first exam is worth 40 points, the 2nd, exam will be worth 60 points, the third 100 points, and the fourth will be worth 100 points. The
five quizzes will account for 40 points with the lowest quiz score being thrown out. Exams consist of 25 multiply choice question, 10 true or false, and two essay
questions. Essay questions are given two weeks prior to the exam so they can be discussed in class and students can write a more detailed paper (usually length
3-4 pages per question). Quizzes and exams will be given during class time. The first quiz is a take home quiz on critical thinking and MLA style the material for
this quiz can found at the class website under the links marked ‘Critical Thinking and MLA.’ The remaining four quizzes will consist of matching ten terms to their
meanings, a list of terms is given at the end of every chapter, and quizzes usually cover three or four chapters. The special project accounts for 52 points. There
is 8 bonus points for class participation. One bonus question will be given with each quiz and exam these questions may come from your text book, handouts,
current events, and discussions in class.
Deadline for makeup exams is one week past the date the exam was given, unless a student has a verifiable written excuse. All written excuses must be provided
within two weeks of exam. There will be no extensions for finals, unless a verifiable written excuse is handed to me prior to the final. In such case the student
will receive an incomplete grade until exam is taken if the student was passing up to final.
POLICY ON ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWALS
Each student is expected to attend and participate in each class meeting and to complete the assigned reading. If a student misses class, the student should
contact a class member for notes of the material covered. Attendance is required on test days and on oral presentation day.
Cell phones and text messaging devices must be turned off and should not be seen in the classroom unless you have prior approval from the instructor. Late
arrivals and early departures are disruptive so please be on time and plan to stay the entire period unless you have previously spoken to the instructor. Excessive
tardiness or failure to follow class policies on cell phones may result in the student being dropped from the course. All discipline problems will be address
accord to ACC discipline policies. As some discussions in government classes may challenge personal beliefs be respected of your fellow students.
If a student decides to withdraw from the course you must complete the required forms in the Admissions and Records office. I will not withdraw students from
this class. The college deadline for withdrawal is Nov 24, 2008. No incompletes will be given if the student is failing the course, unless the student notifies me
prior to their withdrawal.
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable
accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are
encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to
cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarism (using another author’s words or arguments without attribution), and collusion (the unauthorized collaboration with
another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement).
Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their though, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests,
quizzes (whether taken electronically or on papers, and homework.
If a student commits any of the above actions, the instructor will seek disciplinary action in the form of an academic penalty (which will include a zero on the
academic work in question and may include a course grade of ’F’). Such disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the instructor following College
procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic Freedom
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, particularly
about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor
may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics.
It is the instructor’s hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged
to think and learn from each other. Therefore, be assured that students’ grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in
assignments. Rather, we will all respect the view of others when expressed in classroom discussions. There is 8 bonus points for class participation.
Prerequisites
The government department strongly recommends that students complete ENGL 1301 or the equivalent with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in GOVT
2305 or GOVT 2306.
How to achieve the best grade you can in this class.
The formula for good grades: keep up with the reading, attend class, take good notes, form study groups, if you do not understand something ask questions. Use
the resources on line from our website www.dhinkelmann.com and the book’s website
www. Thomsonedu.com/politicalscience there is also a link on the class website for this website. Ask questions in class and email me if you do not understand
something or have additional questions. Be on time for class and attend all of the classes, especially for exams and quizzes. Also monitor current events, find
examples of lectures in current government activities, especially in regard to your special project. Be prepared for class and especially for quizzes, and exams.
My main goal is for as many students as possible to understand this course as well as they can.
Special Project
Students will be assigned one of the three topics for their special project.
1. The child custody battle between the Yearning For Zion Ranch members in Eldorado, and the State of Texas.
2. Governor Rick Perry’s executive order for mandating HPV shots for 14 year old girls.
3. Children's Health Insurance Program.
4. Austin Alterative Energy programs.
On the first day of class a more specific handout will be given out about the special project and students will be assigned a topic.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Aug 25, Discuss syllabus, and special project. Video: What is politics, and why so many dislike politics. Lecture on Chapter 1.
Assignment, Read Chapter 1, and pages 45-47, 62-67.define the key terms in chapter 1.
Aug 27, Lecture on Chapter 1.
Assignment: Read Chapter 2 and define Key Terms.
Sept 3, Due Date for Quiz 1. Lecture on Chapter 2.
Sept 8, Assign and pick students into groups for Special Project. Lecture on Chapter 2.
Assignment: Read Chapter 3 and define Key Terms.
Sept 10, Lecture on Chapter 3.
Assignment: Study for Term Quiz 2, (Chapters 1-3).
Sept 15, Term Quiz 2, (Chapters 1-3). Lecture on Chapter 3. Discuss Exam 1.
(Chapters 1-3). Assignment: Prepare for Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3).
Sept 17, Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3).
Assignment: Read Chapter 4 and define Key Terms
Sept 22, Return and discuss Exam 1. Lecture on Chapter 4.
Sept 24, Lecture on Chapter 4.
Assignment: Read Chapter 5 and define Key Terms
Sept 29, Lecture on Chapter 5.
Oct 1, Lecture on Chapter 5.
Assignment: Read Chapter 6 and define Key Terms
Oct 6, Lecture on Chapter 6.
Oct 8, Oral Presentation of Special Projects.
Oct 13, Return papers and discuss Special Projects. Lecture on Chapter 6.
Assignment: Read Chapter 7 and define Key Terms and study for Term Quiz 3,
(Chapters 4-7).
Oct 15, Term Quiz 3. Lecture on Chapter 7.
Oct 20, Return Term Quiz 2. Lecture on Chapter 7. Discuss Exam 2.
Assignment: Prepare for Exam 2.
Oct 22, Exam 2
Assignment: Read Chapter 8 and define Key Terms.
Oct 27, Return and discuss Exam 2. Lecture on Chapter 8
Oct 29. Lecture on Chapter 8.
Assignment: Read Chapter 9 and define Key Terms.
Nov 3, Lecture on Chapter 9
Nov 5, Lecture on Chapter 9.
Assignment: Read Chapter 10 and define Key Terms. Prepare for Term Quiz 4
(Chapters 8-10)
Nov 10, Term Quiz 4 (8-10). Lecture on Chapter 10.
Nov 12, Return Term Quiz 3. Lecture on Chapter 10.
Assignment: Prepare for Exam 3 (Chapters 8-10)
Nov 17, Exam 3. (8-10)
Assignment: Read Chapter 11 and define Key Terms.
Nov 19, Return Exam 3. Lecture on Chapter 11
Nov 24, Lecture on Chapter 11.
Assignment: Read Chapter 12 and define Key Terms.
Nov 26, Lecture on Chapter 11.
Assignment: Read Chapter 12 and define Key Terms.
Dec 1, Lecture on Chapter 12
Assignment: Read Chapter 13 and define Key Terms.
Dec 3, Lecture on Chapter 13.
Assignment: Read Chapter 14 and define Key Terms. Prepare for Term Quiz 5 (Chapters 11-14)
Dec 8, Term Quiz 5 (11-14). Lecture on Chapter 14. Discuss the final.
Assignment: Prepare for the Final (Chapters 11-14).
Dec 10. Exam 4 (11-14).
I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus on course requirements and the dates materials will be covered and when exam will be given. Any such
changes will be announced prior to the affected date.
This course will not only cover the mechanics of state and local government, but also raise the awareness of the power the common voting citizens has in these
governments and the Realpolitik involved in these governments and how history and culture has shaped Texas Governments such as:
1. The 1876 Constitution.
2. The Progressive Movement in Texas
3. The influence of the KKK in Texas.
4. The Civil Rights movement in Texas.
This course is primarily a lecture course, but there will be videos, audios, handouts on topics in your book and current affairs. Class discussions are encouraged
as discussions are the corner stone of democracy. “If you have the privilege of living in one of the world’s relatively free societies, use the freedom” Salman
Rushdie.
GRADING POLICY:
A 400-360 B 359-320 C 316-280 D 276-240 F 239 and below.
There will be 4 exams the first exam is worth 40 points, the 2nd, exam will be worth 60 points, the third 100 points, and the fourth will be worth 100 points. The
five quizzes will account for 40 points with the lowest quiz score being thrown out. Exams consist of 25 multiply choice question, 10 true or false, and two essay
questions. Essay questions are given two weeks prior to the exam so they can be discussed in class and students can write a more detailed paper (usually length
3-4 pages per question). Quizzes and exams will be given during class time. The first quiz is a take home quiz on critical thinking and MLA style the material for
this quiz can found at the class website under the links marked ‘Critical Thinking and MLA.’ The remaining four quizzes will consist of matching ten terms to their
meanings, a list of terms is given at the end of every chapter, and quizzes usually cover three or four chapters. The special project accounts for 52 points. There
is 8 bonus points for class participation. One bonus question will be given with each quiz and exam these questions may come from your text book, handouts,
current events, and discussions in class.
Deadline for makeup exams is one week past the date the exam was given, unless a student has a verifiable written excuse. All written excuses must be provided
within two weeks of exam. There will be no extensions for finals, unless a verifiable written excuse is handed to me prior to the final. In such case the student
will receive an incomplete grade until exam is taken if the student was passing up to final.
POLICY ON ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWALS
Each student is expected to attend and participate in each class meeting and to complete the assigned reading. If a student misses class, the student should
contact a class member for notes of the material covered. Attendance is required on test days and on oral presentation day.
Cell phones and text messaging devices must be turned off and should not be seen in the classroom unless you have prior approval from the instructor. Late
arrivals and early departures are disruptive so please be on time and plan to stay the entire period unless you have previously spoken to the instructor. Excessive
tardiness or failure to follow class policies on cell phones may result in the student being dropped from the course. All discipline problems will be address
accord to ACC discipline policies. As some discussions in government classes may challenge personal beliefs be respected of your fellow students.
If a student decides to withdraw from the course you must complete the required forms in the Admissions and Records office. I will not withdraw students from
this class. The college deadline for withdrawal is Nov 24, 2008. No incompletes will be given if the student is failing the course, unless the student notifies me
prior to their withdrawal.
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable
accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are
encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to
cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarism (using another author’s words or arguments without attribution), and collusion (the unauthorized collaboration with
another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement).
Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their though, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests,
quizzes (whether taken electronically or on papers, and homework.
If a student commits any of the above actions, the instructor will seek disciplinary action in the form of an academic penalty (which will include a zero on the
academic work in question and may include a course grade of ’F’). Such disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the instructor following College
procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic Freedom
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, particularly
about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor
may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics.
It is the instructor’s hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged
to think and learn from each other. Therefore, be assured that students’ grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in
assignments. Rather, we will all respect the view of others when expressed in classroom discussions. There is 8 bonus points for class participation.
Prerequisites
The government department strongly recommends that students complete ENGL 1301 or the equivalent with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in GOVT
2305 or GOVT 2306.
How to achieve the best grade you can in this class.
The formula for good grades: keep up with the reading, attend class, take good notes, form study groups, if you do not understand something ask questions. Use
the resources on line from our website www.dhinkelmann.com and the book’s website
www. Thomsonedu.com/politicalscience there is also a link on the class website for this website. Ask questions in class and email me if you do not understand
something or have additional questions. Be on time for class and attend all of the classes, especially for exams and quizzes. Also monitor current events, find
examples of lectures in current government activities, especially in regard to your special project. Be prepared for class and especially for quizzes, and exams.
My main goal is for as many students as possible to understand this course as well as they can.
Special Project
Students will be assigned one of the three topics for their special project.
1. The child custody battle between the Yearning For Zion Ranch members in Eldorado, and the State of Texas.
2. Governor Rick Perry’s executive order for mandating HPV shots for 14 year old girls.
3. Children's Health Insurance Program.
4. Austin Alterative Energy programs.
On the first day of class a more specific handout will be given out about the special project and students will be assigned a topic.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Aug 25, Discuss syllabus, and special project. Video: What is politics, and why so many dislike politics. Lecture on Chapter 1.
Assignment, Read Chapter 1, and pages 45-47, 62-67.define the key terms in chapter 1.
Aug 27, Lecture on Chapter 1.
Assignment: Read Chapter 2 and define Key Terms.
Sept 3, Due Date for Quiz 1. Lecture on Chapter 2.
Sept 8, Assign and pick students into groups for Special Project. Lecture on Chapter 2.
Assignment: Read Chapter 3 and define Key Terms.
Sept 10, Lecture on Chapter 3.
Assignment: Study for Term Quiz 2, (Chapters 1-3).
Sept 15, Term Quiz 2, (Chapters 1-3). Lecture on Chapter 3. Discuss Exam 1.
(Chapters 1-3). Assignment: Prepare for Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3).
Sept 17, Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3).
Assignment: Read Chapter 4 and define Key Terms
Sept 22, Return and discuss Exam 1. Lecture on Chapter 4.
Sept 24, Lecture on Chapter 4.
Assignment: Read Chapter 5 and define Key Terms
Sept 29, Lecture on Chapter 5.
Oct 1, Lecture on Chapter 5.
Assignment: Read Chapter 6 and define Key Terms
Oct 6, Lecture on Chapter 6.
Oct 8, Oral Presentation of Special Projects.
Oct 13, Return papers and discuss Special Projects. Lecture on Chapter 6.
Assignment: Read Chapter 7 and define Key Terms and study for Term Quiz 3,
(Chapters 4-7).
Oct 15, Term Quiz 3. Lecture on Chapter 7.
Oct 20, Return Term Quiz 2. Lecture on Chapter 7. Discuss Exam 2.
Assignment: Prepare for Exam 2.
Oct 22, Exam 2
Assignment: Read Chapter 8 and define Key Terms.
Oct 27, Return and discuss Exam 2. Lecture on Chapter 8
Oct 29. Lecture on Chapter 8.
Assignment: Read Chapter 9 and define Key Terms.
Nov 3, Lecture on Chapter 9
Nov 5, Lecture on Chapter 9.
Assignment: Read Chapter 10 and define Key Terms. Prepare for Term Quiz 4
(Chapters 8-10)
Nov 10, Term Quiz 4 (8-10). Lecture on Chapter 10.
Nov 12, Return Term Quiz 3. Lecture on Chapter 10.
Assignment: Prepare for Exam 3 (Chapters 8-10)
Nov 17, Exam 3. (8-10)
Assignment: Read Chapter 11 and define Key Terms.
Nov 19, Return Exam 3. Lecture on Chapter 11
Nov 24, Lecture on Chapter 11.
Assignment: Read Chapter 12 and define Key Terms.
Nov 26, Lecture on Chapter 11.
Assignment: Read Chapter 12 and define Key Terms.
Dec 1, Lecture on Chapter 12
Assignment: Read Chapter 13 and define Key Terms.
Dec 3, Lecture on Chapter 13.
Assignment: Read Chapter 14 and define Key Terms. Prepare for Term Quiz 5 (Chapters 11-14)
Dec 8, Term Quiz 5 (11-14). Lecture on Chapter 14. Discuss the final.
Assignment: Prepare for the Final (Chapters 11-14).
Dec 10. Exam 4 (11-14).
I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus on course requirements and the dates materials will be covered and when exam will be given. Any such
changes will be announced prior to the affected date.
GOVT 2305-035 Name ______________
United States Government
Fall 2008
Hinkelmann
Campus: Riverside
Quiz 1. Critical Thinking and MLA .
This is a take home quiz covering material that can be found on links on the class website. Each question is worth 10
points.
1. List your textbook as a work cited in MLA style.
2. True or False. (circle your answer) A Work Sited page should list sources in alphabetical order?
3. True or False. (circle your answer) Long quotes over 4 lines should be indented and should not have quotations
marks?
4. List your class website in MLA style as a work cited (using the date you completed this quiz)?
5. True or False. (circle your answer) When using a quote in your paper the author’s name and page number of the work
cited from should be set in parentheses?
6. Brooke Noel Moore and Richard Parker defined critical thinking as?
7. The statement, “If everyone jump off a cliff would you too?” is a example of what type of deceptive argument?
8. Why is stereotyping wrong, and give a example?
9. The statement, “I’m smart enough to know when I’m wrong if I was wrong I would know it” is a example of what type of
deceptive argument?
10. Define a straw man argument, and give a example?
United States Government
Fall 2008
Hinkelmann
Campus: Riverside
Quiz 1. Critical Thinking and MLA .
This is a take home quiz covering material that can be found on links on the class website. Each question is worth 10
points.
1. List your textbook as a work cited in MLA style.
2. True or False. (circle your answer) A Work Sited page should list sources in alphabetical order?
3. True or False. (circle your answer) Long quotes over 4 lines should be indented and should not have quotations
marks?
4. List your class website in MLA style as a work cited (using the date you completed this quiz)?
5. True or False. (circle your answer) When using a quote in your paper the author’s name and page number of the work
cited from should be set in parentheses?
6. Brooke Noel Moore and Richard Parker defined critical thinking as?
7. The statement, “If everyone jump off a cliff would you too?” is a example of what type of deceptive argument?
8. Why is stereotyping wrong, and give a example?
9. The statement, “I’m smart enough to know when I’m wrong if I was wrong I would know it” is a example of what type of
deceptive argument?
10. Define a straw man argument, and give a example?
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