Syllabus For Ken Kemp’s Gov’t 2306
(Texas State & Local Government)
Fall Term 2001
Mr. Ken Kemp
College 940-668-7731
Email kenyon@texoma.net
Class Web Site:
http://www.texoma.net/~dawnThe student will gain a good overall perspective of the nature of government in the Texas. The student will also gain insight into the world of Texas politics and the increasing role of mass media. Hopefully, students will feel empowered and become participants in the political process while staying informed on current events.
Required Text: Maxwell & Crain: Texas Politics Today (7th Edition) Wadsworth Publishing, 10th Edition
Suggested Media:
Daily Print: Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gainesville Daily Register, Austin American Statesman
Monthly/Weekly Print: Texas Monthly
WWW: Most branches of the Texas government now have home pages that can be found with a simple search.
TV:ABC CBS NBC KERA or a Fox news Affiliate
Radio: WBAP 820 AM KERA 90.1 FM
Rough Course Outline
Chapter 1 "Texas Culture"
Chapter 2 "Texas Constitution"
Chapter 3 "Voting & Elections" Exam One
Chapter 4 "Political Parties"
Chapter 5 "Interest Groups"
Chapter 6 & 7 "Legislature Organization & Structure & Legislative Process"
MIDTERM EXAM
Chapter 8 "The Governor"
Chapter 9 "Bureaucracy"
'Chapter 10 & 11 "Judiciary & Law & Due Process" Exam Three
Chapter 12 & 13 "Taxes & Budgets & Spending & Services"
Chapter 14 "Local Government"
FINAL EXAM
Grading Policy
Tests & Quizzes = 50 (includes class presentations)
Research Paper = 20
Attendance = 10
Project = 20
TESTS
The number of the tests in the course may vary but the student is expected to take all tests, as no exemptions will be given. Students are responsible for contacting the instructor about making up a missed exam. Most exams will be multiple choice and/or true false some will contain essays. Tests will include lecture & text material not covered in class.
ATTENDANCE
Every class missed will cause the student to lose five points from their attendance grade, which starts at 100. Student who miss more than three classes will be dropped from the class. Each student must bring a current event every week on the topic of state and local government and be prepared to discuss it.
RESEARCH PROJECT
A research paper of seven to ten pages is required of every student in the course. The topic must focus on politics or government in Texas and be approved by the instructor. Students are expected to follow the standard format for references and citations. In addition, the student should be aware that plagiarism will not be tolerated.
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
The class will be divided into groups and each group will be responsible for presenting a chapter of material. This will be equal to 20% of your final grade. Presentations should cover the chapter and can include items like handouts, overheads etc. Each group will have one hour to present their material and all members must participate. The instructor will follow up each group presentation with a discussion on the material.
Extra Credit:
Students have several opportunities to improve their course grade. Any student who attends or participates in any government or political activity will receive additional 5 points up to a maximum of 15 points on a test grade. Student must turn in an index card with the activity, date, length of participation, and signature of an appropriate governmental or political official who was also in attendance.
Student Responsibilities:
Disruption of class will result in your removal at my discretion. I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior of any kind.
Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" being assigned for that particular test or assignment or for the course.
If a student decides to drop the class it is the responsibility of the student to fill out the official withdraw forms in the Registrar’s Office in order to receive a grade of "W" instead of an "F". Students should be aware of the drop dates listed in the schedule of classes.
Important Notice:
This course outline and grading policy is for your information and reference. It does not constitute a binding agreement. The instructor is free to alter it or make adjustments as necessary at any time.