Instructor: Tieranny Decuir

Email: decuirts@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6548

Office Hours: Monday -9:00am-4:30pm Tuesday - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesday- 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday- 2:00pm-4:00pm Friday- Appointment Only

Additional Contact Information: None

Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.

Politics in State and Communities, 15th edition. Thomas R. Dye and Susan A. McManus eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9780137614721 ISBN-13: 9780205994717

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

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1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.

3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.

5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.

6. Analyze the election process.

7. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

8. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics. 

• Communication skills: students will demonstrate effective written, oral, and visual communication.
• Critical thinking skills: students will engage in creative and /or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
• Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional national and/or global issues.
• Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Empirical and Qualitative skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts

Chapter 1. Politics in States and Communities

Chapter 2. Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States

Chapter 3. States, Communities, and American Federalism

Chapter 4. Participation in State Politics

Chapter 5. Parties and Campaigns in the States

Chapter 6. Legislators in State Politics

Chapter 7. Governors in State Politics

Chapter 8. Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities

Chapter 9. Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy

Chapter 10. Governing America’s Communities

Chapter 11. Participation in Community Politics

Chapter 12. Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis 

Chapter 13. Community Power, Land Use, & The Environment

Chapter 14. The Politics of Taxation and Finance

Chapter 15. Politics and Civil Rights

Chapter 16. The Politics of Education

Chapter 17. The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health

Politics in States and Communities

Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States

States, Communities, and American Federalism

Participation in State Politics Exam1

Parties and Campaigns in the States

Legislators in State Politics

Governors in State Politics

Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities Project 1

Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy Exam 2

Governing America’s Communities

Participation in Community Politics

Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis 

Community Power, Land Use, & The Environment Exam 3

The Politics of Taxation and Finance

Politics and Civil Rights

The Politics of Education Project 2

The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health Final Exam (4)

December 4th, 2026 at 8:00am-December 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Student must make a 70 (C) or above in order to pass this class.

Discussions- 20%

Exams - 30%

Assignments/Projects - 30%

Final Exam - 20%

Weekly Expectations

1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

·        All exams will open during their designated week.

·        If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

·        Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

Exams may include:

·        Multiple-choice questions

·        True/False questions

·        Short answer questions

·        Essay questions

·        Fill-in-the-blank questions

Textbooks

Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

Grading

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages—instructors will not calculate averages for students.

Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor. 

Make-Up & Late Work

Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Conditional AI Policy

The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

1. Attribution Required: Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations. When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing: a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections. b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts). c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

2. Prohibited Use: AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved. Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

3. Responsible Use: Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter. You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations. AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

4. Academic Integrity: Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct. Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

Instructor Guidance: Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects. Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

Academic Integrity:

1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Student Responsibilities:

Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

Technical Issues:

Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson related issues cause delays in completing coursework.

This is an online course.

• Attendance is determined by your active participation in the class, which includes: Posting in weekly discussions.
• Responding to classmates in discussion threads Submitting all assignments by the posted deadlines.
• Failure to participate in discussions or submit assignments on time may result in being marked absent for that week. 

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Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.