This course is a survey of Texas state government, including local governments, all of which are created by the state government. Texas has had many forms of government as its political status changed many times during the last two hundred years. In fact, Texas has had an extremely varied and colorful history which has had a huge influence on the politics and government of Texas. Indeed, it would be hard to understand the politics and government of Texas today without first understanding its unique history and culture. This is why we begin our study with a look at some of the aspects of Texas history and culture that make it truly unique in many respects.

This course will require weekly readings of the chapters in your textbook. Your grade will consist of quizzes, exams, and essays. There will be 12 quizzes (one for each chapter), 2 exams (Mid-Term and Final), and 2 essays. The 12 quizzes together will make up 30% of your grade. The two exams will each count 20% of the grade, and the two essays will each count 15% of the grade. The quizzes will be accepted up to a week late, but will be deducted 10 points per day. The exams will not be accepted late. The essays will be accepted up to a week late, but will be deducted 10 points per day. The course will consist of an introductory module called the "Getting Started Module." It includes the "Getting Started Quiz," which you should take before beginning the regular course work. There will be four content modules -- Module 1 consists of Chapters 1 - 3; Module 2 consists of Chapters 4 - 6; Module 3 consists of Chapters 7 - 10; and Module 4 consists of Chapters 11 - 12. The "Getting Started Module" and Modules 1, 2, AND 3 are open now, so feel free to work ahead and get things done as quickly as you would like. The questions on the exams will come from the Quizzes. You may use your book to answer the quiz questions.

We will have one introductory Zoom meeting at the beginning of the semester. I will send out a message soon concerning the date, time, and link for the meeting.

We are going through a very odd and difficult period in our nation's history right now, and I do understand that many of you might be facing challenges at work because of Coronavirus, or be caring for children who are now home from school because of this. Please know that we will get through this, and come out on the other side better than before. I hope to meet some of you in face-to-face classes in the future. Canvas is the best way to contact me, but you may also contact me by email at akyle@tvcc.edu. I hope everyone is staying safe & healthy.

ASSIGNMENTS IN MODULES 1, 2, and 3 ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW. I WILL MAKE MODULE 4 AVAILABLE LATER.

-Al Kyle

Do "Start Here Quiz" by 11:59 pm Thursday, Jan 20

Read Chapter 1 out of the textbook [beginning of Module 1]

Do the Quiz over Chapter 1 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Jan. 26

Read Chapter 2

Do the Quiz over Chapter 2 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Feb. 2

Read Chapter 3

Do the Quiz over Chapter 3 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Feb. 9 [end of Module 1]

Read Chapter 4 [begin Module 2]

Do the Quiz over Chapter 4 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Feb 16

Read Chapter 5

Do the Quiz over Chapter 5 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Feb. 23

Read Chapter 6

Do the Quiz over Chapter 6 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Mar. 2

Take Mid-Term Exam by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Mar 9

Do Essay I by 11:59 pm Monday, Mar 21 [end of Module 2]

Read Chapter 7 [begin Module 3}

Do the Quiz over Chapter 7 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Mar 23

Read Chapter 8

Do the Quiz over Chapter 8 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Mar 30

Read Chapter 9

Do the Quiz over Chapter 9 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Apr 6

Read Chapter 10

Do the Quiz over Chapter 10 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Apr 13 [end Module 3]

Read Chapter 11

Do the Quiz over Chapter 11 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Apr 20 [begin Module 4]

Read Chapter 12

Do the Quiz over Chapter 12 by 11:59 pm Wednesday, Apr 27

Do Essay II by 11:59 pm Monday, May 2

Take Final Exam by 11:59 pm Friday, May 6