Faculty Syllabus

GOVT-2306 Texas State and Local Government

John McDonald


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

GOVT-2306-007 (16955)
LEC TuTh 1:30pm - 2:50pm HLC HLC1 2211

Course Requirements

Quizzes                                                                                                                                             50%

 

There will be four quizzes given throughout this course, one at the end of each unit. Each quiz will be worth 12.5% of your final grade. The quizzes will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions based on the lecture material from the given unit.

 

 

In Class Assignments                                                                                                                       30%

                                                                                                                                                            

There will be three in-class assignments that students will complete over the course of the semester, with one assignment due at the end of each unit. The assignments may involve writing a response to material covered in the unit, a response to a film shown in class, and/or a group project.

 

Group Project                                                                                                                                    10%

 

To help build camaraderie with your classmates and learn about aspects of local government in a hands-on manner, there will be a group project due at the end of the semester. Groups will choose a department of city government, visit the local office, research how the department operates, and then present their findings to the class.

 

 

Attendance/Participation                                                                                                                10%

 

It is often said that 90% of success in life is simply just showing up. So, to that end, you can earn 10% on your final grade just by coming to class every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-2:50PM CT! Students will be granted ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. What a time to be alive!

Readings

Government 2306: State and Local Government, OER Textbook (Available for free on Blackboard)

Course Subjects

This course is one of two Government courses that belong to the Austin Community College core curriculum, and as such, is required for all students.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

  • To develop a fundamental understanding of the history and structure of Texas and local government.

 

  • To comprehend the rationale that went into the development of the state’s political institutions.

 

  • To gain understanding of how everyday citizens form groups or coalitions that ultimately impact the political process.

 

  • To gain insight into how public policy is formed.

Office Hours

T Th 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM HLC; Building 1000, Faculty Suites

NOTE

Office Hours

T Th 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM HLC; Building 1000, Faculty Suites

NOTE

Published: 01/20/2026 10:47:07