Texas
Government
GOVT. 2306 - Web
DISCUSSION
We will have two discussion topics in this course. The discussions are not 'at will' but are considered an integral part of your learning. The selected topics will be posted online with specific instructions and due date. You will receive a grade for your discussion and responses to the other students' comments. You must participate in both discussion topics. To enter into the discussion area you will go to Blackboard. To post your initial comments click on the "Communication" button and then on the "Discussion Board. "At the end of the discussion period, you must post your final "Summary" of the discussion topic on Blackboard. Click on the "Tools" button and then on the "Digital Drop Box" and then "Send Files" to post all assignments. . Please follow the instructions as given. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor. Your grade will be based on the more detailed SUMMARY you will write on the discussion topic--elaborating on your initial comments and adding your views based on reading the posted comments of fellow students in the class.
There are a few important rules to remember as you participate in online discussions.
No obscene language is permitted
No racist, sexist, or homophobic language is permitted
Show respect and do not ridicule the opinions of others
Violation of these rules will be grounds for removal from the discussion area, which would affect your grade in the course.
DISCUSSION ON BLACKBOARD:
The first discussion topic will have several starter questions. Each topic will be posted at the start of that unit on the appropriate Monday.
Follow the directions to sign on with Blackboard.
There will be two (2) topics posted for discussion during the semester.
Each topic will be online--usually--for 3 days only.
Post your initial thoughts, comments, and reaction to the discussion topic (at least 10 sentences) and post your comments to the posted comments of at least one other student (at least 5 sentences).
Failure to post either comment will result in a deduction of a minimum of 5 points from your Summary grade. The reason for this policy is to encourage as much student interaction and comments as possible. Failure to post your initial comments and respond to the comments of another student reduces the class interaction and student learning and defeats the whole purpose of the Discussion Board and having discussion topics. They take the place of the in-class discussion that occurs in a traditional on-campus class.
Post a final summary (500 words minimum) at the end of the discussion period. The summary should include your reactions to the topic and the comments of others based on readings and Internet surfing.
This summary will determine your discussion grade. REMEMBER: Your grade will be based on the more detailed SUMMARY you will write on the discussion topic--elaborating on your initial comments and adding your views based on reading the posted comments of fellow students in the class.
To receive credit for a Summary, you MUST post it in the digital drop box.
Each topic will be posted at the start of that unit.
The "Discussion Board" on Blackboard will take the place of regular classroom discussion. You will be expected to have read the relevant textbook readings concerning that topic and may also do some research on the web to browse news and information sources. This will challenge you to use your critical thinking skills, to search and read, and to analyze and evaluate what you find. You should determine such things as:
Who wrote this?
What company/organization posted this information online?
Are they trying to sell me something?
How credible is this source?
Does what they say make sense?
Does it reinforce or contradict what other sources state?
You will use a combination of your personal knowledge and opinions, your textbook, your online resources, other books, pamphlets, etc. to share information you have found, ask questions of your fellow students, and respond to their questions and comments. I will be a facilitator and jump in there from time to time, but I really want to see what you as a student group can do.
Post a final summary (400-500 words minimum) at the end of the discussion period. The summary should include your reactions to the topic and the comments of others based on readings and Internet surfing
Your grade will be determined on both the quality and quantity of your postings and especially--the "Summary" you email in at the end of the discussion period, summarizing your thoughts and opinions on the topic--based on what you learned from the comments of other students and your textbook readings.
This summary will determine your discussion grade. REMEMBER: Your grade will be based on the more detailed SUMMARY you will write on the discussion topic--elaborating on your initial comments and adding your views based on reading the posted comments of fellow students in the class. Think of your posting on the Discussion Board as your "rough draft" and the Summary posted in the Digital Drop Box as your "final draft."
When you share something that you have found online, please remember the rule to cite the source. This means to share the URL, or web site address, where others can follow up if desired.
All assignments are to be in Microsoft Word.
Include your name, last 4 numbers of your social security number, date, & assignment title at the top of page 1 of ALL assignments.
All assignments are to be posted in Blackboard's Digital Drop Box.
Click on the "Tools" button and then on the "Digital Drop Box" and then "Send Files" to post all assignments.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
DISCUSSION TOPIC 1-FROM UNIT 2
The current Texas state constitution, the 1876 Constitution, has been roundly criticized as being very defective and unsuitable for the urban, industrial, populous state that Texas is today. Imagine you were appointed to a committee to revise the 1876 Constitution. What recommendations would you make and WHY? Make sure you include recommendations on improving the governor, the legislature, the courts, and the bureaucracy.
DISCUSSION TOPIC 2-FROM UNIT 7
It has been argued that the governor should be to a state what the president is to the nation. In a 1970s study, the Texas governor ranked 50th in terms of formal powers, when compared to the other 49 state governors. In a 1990s comparative study, the ranking of the Texas governor moved up to #35. Write an essay discussing what reforms are needed to improve the effectiveness of the Texas governor and allow him to be an effective leader of the executive branch and an effective leader of the state. Be as specific as possible in your recommendations.
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