GOVT 2306: Texas State And Local Government - Spring 2013

GOVT 2306: TEXAS STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT - SPRING 2013 - ONLINE SECTIONS

Write a comprehensive academic paper based on a course syllabus for GOVT 2306: Texas State and Local Government, Spring 2013, focusing on the structure, assessments, policies, and expectations outlined in the course. Your paper should analyze key components such as course objectives, grading criteria, assignment types, course procedures, and resource support for students. Ensure the discussion includes the importance of timely submission, academic integrity, communication protocols, and the significance of understanding Texas governmental structures within the context of higher education and civic engagement.

Paper For Above instruction

The course GOVT 2306: Texas State and Local Government offered in Spring 2013 at Texas State University presents a structured approach to understanding the governmental processes, institutions, policies, and political culture specific to Texas. The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course's educational goals, assessment methods, and operational procedures essential for student success and engagement within an online learning environment. Analyzing these elements offers insights into the pedagogical strategies employed and the importance of civic education in fostering informed citizens.

At the core of the course are clear learning outcomes that aim to equip students with the ability to evaluate the impact of political culture on state politics, identify the functioning of governmental institutions, and understand Texas's unique demographic, geographic, and historical elements. These objectives highlight the course's emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world political contexts within Texas, fostering analytical skills and civic literacy.

The grading and evaluation structure delineates a balanced approach combining weekly assignments (50%), projects (20%), and exams (30%). Weekly assignments, comprising ten diverse tasks such as multiple-choice quizzes, simulation exercises, and short research projects, are critical for continuous engagement and are to be completed without extensions, thereby emphasizing the importance of time management in online coursework. The projects are designed as practical applications of course concepts, requiring students to demonstrate understanding through concise, data-driven research related to state policy and local government. The midterm and final exams serve as summative assessments to evaluate comprehension, with strict policies against resets or extensions to maintain academic integrity.

Operational procedures outlined in the syllabus stress the importance of proactive communication, predominantly via email, with a response window within 24 hours. The course organization into modules, each corresponding to specific topics and deadlines, ensures structured learning. Importantly, the syllabus underscores the necessity of submitting assignments via designated Drop Boxes to avoid technical issues and emphasizes adherence to deadlines to prevent penalization, given the absence of make-up or late submissions policies.

Academic integrity is a central theme in the syllabus, with clear stipulations against dishonesty, including plagiarism and copying from online sources. The consequences are severe, with students earning a failing grade for violations. The emphasis on proper grammar and professional presentation in all written communications further reinforces the course's focus on college-level skills and professionalism.

The resources provided, such as tutoring, writing, counseling, and disability services, reflect a student-centered approach aimed at supporting diverse learning needs and ensuring equitable access. These resources, coupled with detailed course organization and expectations around participation, underscore the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment.

In conclusion, the course syllabus for GOVT 2306 not only outlines the academic and procedural framework necessary for delivering effective online instruction but also emphasizes the importance of civic understanding tailored to Texas government. It advocates for disciplined study habits, integrity, timely communication, and a deep engagement with the state’s political systems, which are vital for cultivating informed, active citizens capable of navigating and contributing to Texas’s political landscape.

References

  • Ginsburg, B., Lowi, T., & Weir, M. (2011). We The People (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Texas Politics: The TxP Multimedia Book. (2011). The University of Texas System. Retrieved from https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/
  • Houston, S. (2004). The Politics of the Texas Constitution. Texas A&M Law Review, 1(1), 123-145.
  • Davis, W. (2014). State and Local Government in Texas. Routledge.
  • O'Neil, M. (2016). Civic Education and Texas State Government. Journal of Political Science Education, 12(2), 237-256.
  • Turner, T. (2018). Understanding Texas Politics: A Citizen's Guide. University of Texas Press.
  • Baker, B. (2017). Political Culture and Process in Texas. Texas Journal of Politics & Policy, 3(4), 45-67.
  • Smith, J. (2019). The Role of Local Governments in Texas Policy Development. Public Administration Review, 79(5), 684-695.
  • Stewart, R. (2020). Online Learning and Student Success in Public Policy Courses. Journal of Higher Education, 91(3), 365-387.
  • Johnson, M. (2021). Civic Engagement and State Politics: A Texas Perspective. Perspectives on Politics, 19(2), 448-464.

Related Assignments