Faculty Syllabus

GOVT-2306 Texas State and Local Government

Jared Chumsae


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

GOVT-2306-011 (34028)
LEC MW 1:25pm - 2:45pm SAC SAC1 1303

GOVT-2306-013 (16958)
LEC MW 9:05am - 10:25am SAC SAC1 1317

GOVT-2306-095 (17007)
LEC TuTh 3:00pm - 4:20pm DIL DLS DIL

Course Requirements

This course is designed to survey the study of government through the lens of state and local politics in Texas. This course will guide students as they study Texas’ Constitutions, the structure of state and local government, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political history and culture of Texas. Additionally, this course seeks to stimulate general curiosity for the ways in which politics govern our daily lives and thereby increase civic awareness and participation. This course is interdisciplinary, pulling from academic disciplines such as economics, sociology, history, poetry, and cultural studies. Critical thinking and the application of political knowledge to current and historical events are essential to fulfill course requirements.

Readings

The e-book for this Texas Government section is free of charge and will be made available at the start of the semester.

Textbook:  “GOVT 2306 Texas State and Local Government” OER (Open Educational Resource) Textbook Written and updated by ACC Professors Marylin Yale & Kris Seago. 2022

Other required readings will be provided by the instructor at no additional cost to the student.

Course Subjects

  • Texas Political Culture
  • Texas Constitutions
  • Political Parties
  • Texas Legislature
  • Texas Executive
  • Texas Judiciary
  • Criminal Justice
  • Local Government
  • Budgets & Revenue
  • Public Policy

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course each student will be able to:

A.    Explain development of Texas, from colonization to independence, and statehood.

B.    Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitutions.

C.    Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.

D.    Analyze Texas public policy in both theory and practice.

E.    Analyze the function, structure and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Texas government.

F.     Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.

G.    Analyze the state and local election process.

H.    Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

I.      Analyze the characteristics and political culture of Texas.

Office Hours

M W 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM South Austin Campus Room # 01329.00

NOTE These in-person office hours are reserved for GOVT 2306.011 and GOVT 2306.013

F 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual (via Zoom)

NOTE Or by appointment (see scheduling link in syllabus)

T Th 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hays Campus Room # 1204.04

NOTE These office hours are served for GOVT 2305.067

T Th 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Hays Campus Room # 1204.04

NOTE These office hours are served for GOVT 2305.067

Office Hours

M W 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM South Austin Campus Room # 01329.00

NOTE These in-person office hours are reserved for GOVT 2306.011 and GOVT 2306.013

F 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual (via Zoom)

NOTE Or by appointment (see scheduling link in syllabus)

T Th 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hays Campus Room # 1204.04

NOTE These office hours are served for GOVT 2305.067

T Th 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Hays Campus Room # 1204.04

NOTE These office hours are served for GOVT 2305.067

Published: 01/16/2026 09:13:35