POSC 2306: American State and Local Government — Quick Reference Notes

Study political actors, institutions, functions, and processes shaping state and local governments
Critical analysis of why actors/institutions act as they do and consequences
Texas-focused with comparisons to other states for general understanding of Texas politics

1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution
2. Articulate understanding of state/local political systems and federal relationship
3. Describe separation of powers and checks & balances in theory and practice in Texas
4. Demonstrate knowledge of legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government
5. Evaluate role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas
6. Analyze state and local election processes
7. Identify rights and responsibilities of citizens
8. Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas

Program Objectives:
- Understanding US and other political systems
- Understanding disciplinary assumptions, methods, and analytical approaches
- Knowledge of scientific inquiry and research design with empirical analysis
- Ability to explain/comprehend major political philosophies through written/oral work and exams
Core Curriculum Learning Objectives:
- Critical thinking (analysis, evaluation, synthesis)
- Communication skills (written, oral, visual)
- Personal responsibility (ethical decision-making)
- Social responsibility (civic engagement, intercultural competence)

Exams:
- Four exams total; first three during the semester, Final on December 11 (10:15 AM) in CC401
- Exams are in-class in CC401 on scheduled days; bring Scantron Form 882-E and a #2 pencil
- Exam format: $50$ multiple-choice questions per exam; each exam worth $100$ points
- Cumulative: $400$ points total; Final grade component is $0.80$ of the final grade
Discussion Board Assignments:
- Worth $50$ points (40 points for original posts, 5 points each for two responses)
- Initial posts: at least two paragraphs (3–4 sentences each); cite sources as needed; posts in own words
- Due: Tuesday, October 7th, by 11:59 PM
Class Participation Grade:
- Worth $50$ points (10% of final grade)
- Based on Census Day attendance (log in by the 12th class day, Sept 10-ish), completion of all four exams, and adherence to due dates
- Daily attendance/participation tracked; excessive disruption may affect the grade
Late Work and Makeup:
- No late work accepted for Discussions
- Missed Exams: makeup on Makeup Exam Day, Tuesday, December 2, with a 10 ext{%} deduction
General Due Dates:
- Nothing accepted after Final grading date (Dec 12)

COVID-19 Policy:
- Encourages healthy habits; optional masking; stay home when sick
Academic Integrity:
- Work must be completed individually unless stated otherwise
- Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and sharing exam contents; refer to Student Handbook
Generative AI (AI) Policy:
- Generative AI is present; usage is allowed with attribution
- You must identify AI contributions (tool used, prompts, date) when submitting work
- Using AI without proper attribution is an academic integrity violation
Acceptable Student Behavior:
- Civil, respectful, no interference with others' learning; non-collaborative work unless stated
- AI detection may flag content; maintain proper grammar and citation
ADA Statement:
- Reasonable accommodations available; students should register with the Office of Student Accessibility and contact faculty early
Title IX:
- Commitment to a respectful, safe environment; resources listed (Title IX Coordinator, Counseling Services, WTAMU Police, 24-hour crisis hotline)
Evacuation Statement:
- Follow posted routes; evacuate promptly; alert instructor if assistance is needed

8/26: Read Jones & Crain; Introduction
9/3–9/17: Read Jones & Crain, Ch. 1–3; Note: First Class Day: log in and read syllabus; Discussion Assignment opens; Due Oct 7
9/18: Exam #1 in CC401 at 1:00 PM; bring Scantron 882-E and #2 pencil; Read Dr. Farmer's Notes on Exam 1 (Texas Political History)
9/10 (Twelfth Class Day): Census/attendance milestone emphasized
10/7: Discussion #1 due by 11:59 PM
10/16: Exam #2 in CC401 at 1:00 PM; Read Dr. Farmer's Notes on Texas Legislature, Governor, Bureaucracy, Criminal Law and Due Process
11/13: Exam #3 in CC401 at 1:00 PM; Read Dr. Farmer's Notes on Civil Law, Civil Rights and Responsibilities, Texas Regulation of Business, Taxing and Spending, Local Government in Texas
12/2: Makeup Day for missed exams; no class if not needed; those who’ve not missed an exam have no class
Dead Day: No class
Final Exam: 10:15 AM in CC401 (date shown varies between pages; commonly listed as December 11 or December 12 depending on the document)
Final Grades Posted: After the Final

Study the items on the Exam Reviews in detail
Use proper grammar and spelling on Discussion Posts; cite sources; summarize in your own words
You may use Generative AI for ideas with attribution; you may quote AI results if cited properly
Ensure compliance with academic integrity and attendance expectations