State & Local Government, Spring 2015

PSC 2301-01 State & Local Government (4 units) Patricia Andrews, MA

Spring 2015 – 10:50-12:05 T/Th http://SLGSpring2015.blogspot.com

Cuvilly 7 pandrews@ndnu.edu

Course Summary

This course is an introduction to the structure, functions and inter-relations of state and local governments, emphasizing real-world problem solving through personal engagement.

Texts

Bowman & Kearney, State and Local Government: The Essentials

Additional readings as assigned by Community Partner and in class

Learning Outcomes

Students will…

1. Understand how state, local and regional government units are run, recognize the influence of global forces on these units, and identify their connections to local developments (PLO 1)

2. Understand how decisions made at these levels shape society and political discourse (PLO 5)

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the recurring issues and systemic problems that arise at the state, local and regional levels (PLO 4)

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the inter-relationships between state, local, regional and federal units of government (PLO 1)

5. Weigh, interpret and evaluate the actions and experiences of actual state, local and regional governmental units, and the agencies doing their work, and present a sustained argument supported by evidence (PLO 6)

6. Use the tools of social science research to formulate a meaningful research topic relating to their engagement experience, collect and analyze original evidence, and present their results to the class and, if desired, to the Community Partner (PLO 6 & ILO 5)

Requirements

Consistent attendance, reading and note-taking are always essential to college success. Students’ preparedness will be assessed at every class session through quizzes and class participation.

1) Students will produce a minimum of 32 pages of written work. All formal papers must be submitted in MLA format. Late papers will be penalized by one full letter grade per week.

2) An online reading and Community Engagement reflection journal will be kept on a weekly basis.

3) Oral communication opportunities develop confidence and skill in public speaking. Students will be responsible for specific contributions at every class meeting.

4) This class incorporates a Community Engagement component. A minimum of 15 hours of field work and 30 hours of study relating to this component will be required. Students will choose their Community Partners and define mutually beneficial engagement projects under the guidance of the instructor. Community Partners may, if they wish, participate in the evaluation of student learning.

Evaluation

A total of 1000 points is possible, broken down into the categories below. Students are encouraged to keep track of their progress on a regular basis throughout the semester.

Exams 2 @ 100 points = 200

CBL Assignment & Essay 1 @ 100 points = 100

Online Reading & Community Engagement Journal 1 @ 200 points = 200

Research Project & Paper 1 @ 100 points = 100

Attendance 25 days @ 8 points = 200

Participation 25 days @ 8 points = 200

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is a cornerstone of our values at NDNU. If any words or ideas used in an assignment submission do not represent your original words or ideas, you must cite all relevant sources and make clear the extent to which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citation include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. Consult Student Handbook regarding consequences of misrepresenting your work.

Note to Students with Disabilities

NDNU complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students who have a disability that might affect academic performance in this class are encouraged to confer with the instructor at the beginning of the semester and to contact Dr. Peggy Koshland Crane in the Program for Academic Support and Services (PASS) (650-508-3670; mcrane@ndnu.edu). In order to receive accommodations, students must register with the PASS office.

Average Student Workload Expectations: Class time consists of 45 hours & students are expected to attend. Students are expected to engage in an additional 15 hours with a Community Partner & approximately 120 hours of out-of-class homework over the 15 weeks, or approximately 8 hours per week.

Workload Distribution: Hours in Class 45 Hours with CP 15

Readings 40 CP Preparation 30

Written Work 45 Exam Preparation 5

Program Learning Outcomes – Political Science

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American governmental institutions and processes that enable him or her to be an active and effective citizen
acquire familiarity with and understanding of the variety of political systems in the world at large, their social and historical contexts, and their relation to the global political order
identify and critically examine the major political theories and ideologies
employ historical perspectives to evaluate contemporary domestic and international conflicts and issues,
analyze political and policy problems and formulate policy options
use the tools of social science research – statistical and qualitative – in formulating a research topic, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results

Mission, Values, and Engagement

1. understand the Mission of the University and recognize how it is embedded in the course work and throughout the institution

2. are afforded multiple opportunities, feel invited to engage in the Mission and Core Values of the University and recognize how they encourage personal and social growth

3. examine, develop and express their own values inside and outside of the classroom and recognize ethical implications of course content and their personal choices

4. engage in and absorb diverse perspectives and appreciate and value human diversity

5. enjoy a full college experience and engage in and are edified by a variety of outside-of-the-classroom experiences, including clubs, student government, sports, community-based learning, cultural events and recreational activities

6. Develop the tools, habits and intellectual curiosity to become lifelong learners

Course Evaluations/Teaching Effectiveness Surveys

Teaching Effectiveness Surveys (course evaluations) will be available online through Campus Portal from April 27 to May 15. Your feedback regarding courses and faculty is very important to NDNU and to me as the instructor for this course. Your feedback helps us review and improve teaching, helps departments/programs review and improve program content, and is used by the university in making decisions about tenure, promotion, and hiring decisions for faculty. To access, please enable pop-ups in your browser (uncheck pop-up blocker), then in Campus Portal look for the "You have an active survey" link in the left sidebar. Click that link to open the Course Evaluation Surveys page, which has a link to a survey for each course in which you're enrolled. Your feedback is very important! Please complete your evaluations for all your courses promptly. Remember: Your responses are anonymous.

State & Local Government, Spring 2015

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Article: California's Redistricting Success in Jeopardy

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

A website to help find volunteer opportunities - if you're still looking

Monday, January 19, 2015

Schedule - Weeks 1 and 2

Syllabus