State & Local Government, Spring 2013

PSC 2301-01 State & Local Government (4 units)           

Spring 2013 – MWF 10:00 am           

Cuvilly 7     

http://SLGSpring2013.blogspot.com      

Patricia Andrews, MA

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.     Demonstrate knowledge of the running of state, local and regional government units, recognize the influence of global forces on these units, and identify their connections to local developments;

2.     Understand how decisions made at these levels shape society and political discourse;

3.     Demonstrate knowledge of the recurring issues and systemic problems that arise at the state, local and regional levels;

4.     Demonstrate knowledge of the inter-relationships between state, local, regional and federal units of government;

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;

6.     Effectively communicate social scientific knowledge and reasoning orally and in writing; and

7.     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.

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. Participation in a minimum of 15 hours of field work 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 @ 172 points = 172

            Attendance                                                                  41 days @ 4 points = 164

            Participation                                                                41 days @ 4 points = 164

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 the NDNU Student Handbook regarding consequences of misrepresenting your work.

Note to Students with Disabilities

Notre Dame de Namur University 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.