GOVT-2306 Texas State and Local Government

Deborah Hoag

Credit Fall 2026

Section(s)

GOVT-2306-048 (39459)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

GOVT-2306-049 (39460)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

GOVT-2306-050 (39461)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Course Requirements

Course Requirements…

This course introduces the basics of Texas State, County and Local government including a focus on the Texas Constitution, governmental operations, institutions, policies and politics. The course includes a framework for understanding Texas government, politics, processes, institutions, and policies. ENGL 1301 is recommended before enrolling in GOVT 2306.

NO EXAMS or QUIZZES

Online Students Will Complete the Following...

100 pts. = “Making Connections” Presentation #1 (PowerPoint slide on an interesting topic)
100 pts. = “Making Connections” Presentation #2 (PowerPoint slide on an interesting topic)
300 pts. = 15 weekly discussion answers
400 pts. = weekly post to discuss interesting issues
100 pts. = responses to unit videos (5 total paragraphs of 3-5 sentences)
010 pts. = submission of class agreement by Friday of the 1st week

1000 Total Points plus a 10 point bonus for the course agreement

On Campus/In Classroom Students Will Complete the Following...

100 pts. = “Making Connections” Presentation (PowerPoint slide on an interesting topic)
100 pts. = Mock Trial
300 pts. = 15 weekly answers to a class discussion (each student will keep a notebook from class discussion that will be graded)
400 pts. = 200 for voluntary participation in discussion, 200 for small group participation (combined)
100 pts. = responses to unit videos (5 total paragraphs of 3-5 sentences)
010 pts. = submission of class agreement by Friday of the 1st week

1000 Total Points plus a 10 point bonus for the course agreement

1000 Total Points

Readings

READINGS: All readings will be from FREE and OPEN resources, which will be at NO COST to students.

In addition to chapter readings from our FREE textbook, we will read some interesting core-texts and documents relating to Texas state, county and local government.

For example:

Declaracion del Pueblo de Tejas, Travis' Letter from the Alamo, The Treaty of Velasco, Joint Resolution Annexing Texas, Texas Ordinance of Secession, excerpts from the U.S. Constitution; interesting Supreme Court cases, excerpts from various Texas constitutions, county documents and city incorporation documents.

Course Subjects

Course Topics for Fall 2026… SUBJECT to CHANGE

Introduction to Course, Texas History & Political Culture

The Texas Constitution

The Justice System

Law and Due Process

The Executive

The Governor

The Legislature

The Legislative Process

Elections, Voting & Campaigns

Interest Groups

Political Parties

Spending and Services

Taxing and Budgeting

Public School Finance Discussion

The Bureaucracy

Local Government

*Schedule subject to modification based on class discussion.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Students will debate key issues and learn how daily governmental decisions affect their lives. Students will increase their understanding of the functions of Texas state and local government and their place within this framework through in-class lectures, various media presentations, on-line discussions, reading of the text and reading of core Texas documents. Good study skills and critical thinking are essential to success in this course.

Students will increase their understanding of the purpose, functions, structure and processes of government and their own place within this framework; which will be accomplished through online class discussions and various student presentations. Students will also have access to lecture notes, readings, handouts, and a free online textbook as additional resources. Good study skills and critical thinking are essential to success in this course. Reading the provided materials and posting assignments either on or before any listed due date are required for success in this course. Good grammar and good manners are not negotiable.

Required Textbook, Technology & Supplies...

We will be using free on-line materials.

Details available the first week of class. We will have a FREE textbook!

A computer with reliable internet availability and modern web browser along with an active ACC e-mail account is essential.

If you are in a section on campus, you will need a notebook with lined paper as well as a pen or pencil.

Academic Freedom...

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions via Bb Discussion Board. In any online classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, particularly about political ideas, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the instructor’s hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn from each other. Therefore, be assured that students’ grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions (www.austincc.edu/handbook).

Scholastic Dishonesty Policy...

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarism (using another author’s words or arguments without attribution), and collusion (the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement). Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic works is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes (whether taken electronically or on paper), projects (either individual or group), classroom presentation, papers, and homework. If a student commits any of the above actions, the instructor will seek disciplinary action in the form of an academic penalty (which will include a zero on the academic work in question and may include a course grade of ‘F’). Such disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the instructor following College procedures outlined in the Student Handbook (available on the ACC website at www.austincc.edu/handbook/).

Attendance Policy...

For Asynchronous Sections: The points awarded for participation are based on instructor observation of a student’s consistent participation in the online discussion forum based on audio recordings for each week.

For on campus or synchronous students: the points are awarded for both attendance and participation during class meetings.

Student Discipline Policy...

Students will be expected to comply with ACC policies for academic honesty and academic freedom (www.austincc.edu/handbook).

Students who fail to follow stated campus policies for the health and safety of fellow students and instructors will be subject to the penalties described in the ACC student handbook as well as the student handbook for their particular campus.

No electronic devices are allowed in class except per ACC Student Services recommended accommodation… NO RECORDING of lectures, no photography & no video! Signing the course agreement is an acknowledgment of your compliance.

No use of AI to write or formulate papers, presentations, assignments. No use of AI voices for presentation recordings.

Student accessibility services...

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical, cognitive, or psychological accessibility needs. Students must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Student Accessibility Services on the nearest or most convenient campus. Students are encouraged to do this at least three weeks before the start of the semester (http://www2.austincc.edu/osd/index.html).

AI Artificial Intelligence Policy

Class AI (Artificial Intelligence) Policy

Artificial Intelligence: NO GENERATIVE AI IS ALLOWED FOR THIS CLASS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Definition & Usage Permissions--This policy covers any generative AI tool, such as ChatGPT; Elicit, Grammarly, etc. This includes text and artwork/graphics/video/audio. You may only use spell check embedded in word processing software such as WORD.
Rationale—this is a discussion-based course; therefore, you must use only your own opinion on the readings and topics of discussion. The course would be meaningless if you use AI to generate an opinion for you. Since I do not count off for spelling and grammar, the use of AI tools is not necessary to succeed in this class.
Assessment--No use of generative AI is permitted. Meaning a student’s paper and paper content should be generated by the student and should reflect the students’ own original ideas.
Penalties--Using AI to generate your paper will be considered an act of plagiarism. You will receive a grade of “0“on the assignment or course; and will be subjected to the Academic Dishonesty process of ACC.
Exceptions--No exceptions to the policy will be considered.

Grade Dispute Policy

Grade Disputes

All course grades are awarded by the instructor of record. Instructors shall exercise professional judgment in the application of those policies and the awarding of grades. All grades are final except in the case of College error.

Specifically, if you have questions about your final course grade, you must contact your instructor within three months after the grade was awarded. If you cannot contact the instructor, contact the department chair. (If the department chair is also the instructor who awarded the grade, the appropriate dean or vice chancellor shall act in place of the department chair.).

Office Hours

M T W Th 4:20 PM - 5:00 PM Round Rock Campus Room 8303 in the 8000 Building

NOTE Also on Tuesday and Thursday between 2:50 and 3:00 pm in 8303, Monday and Wednesday between 8:30 and 9:00 am in 8303, and online in ZOOM meeting in Blackboard by appointment. Email dhoag@austincc.edu for an appointment.

M W 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Round Rock Campus Room 8303 in the 8000 Building

NOTE