To Whom it May Concern,
The person bearing this letter is a student in my State and Local Government class at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. As a part of this class, the student will complete a short volunteer or internship project with an organization that fits one of these descriptions:
• Any unit of government of a state, a county or a city. This includes entities that are outsourced to do the work of a state or local governmental unit.
• An interest group, providing that the group is sufficiently large and well established that it interacts with state or local governmental entities on a variety of levels and/or mounts significant efforts to enforce or challenge a law or regulation of any state or local government, and/or seeks to educate about or enforce existing rights that may not be secure at the state or local level.
The student should plan to spend approximately 12 hours with his or her partner organization, and the 12 hours can be completed according to any schedule mutually convenient to both the student and the organization (examples: all 12 hours over one long weekend, or 4 hours every Friday for 3 weeks, etc.) The student should additionally spend approximately 24 hours finding, researching, communicating with, reflecting on or doing homework assigned by his or her partner organization. Please feel free to recommend some outside reading or other study that you feel would be helpful.
The activity the student engages in should be something that is useful to the organization and also involves some learning on the part of the student. If you would like to participate in the evaluation (grading) of the student’s performance, you are very welcome to do so; however, out of respect for your time, it is not mandatory that you do so.
My hope is that, by interacting with you on this level, the student will learn about some aspect of the operation of state and local governments from experience rather than learning solely from our textbook.
Please feel free to contact me if any problems arise or you have any questions about this project.
Sincerely,
Patti Andrews
Dept. of History and Political Science
Notre Dame de Namur University
pandrews@ndnu.edu
(650) 339-0904
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
How Long, Not Long... & others
MLK on non-violence in Selma to Montgomery march
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2oQDo04NTY
MLK How Long Not Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIT0ra9-mTc&feature=related
Birmingham campaign - childrens' protests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggUt0gJh9U8
Sit ins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHjBQectseo&feature=related
Emmett Till case
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMdSYxZqIXc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2oQDo04NTY
MLK How Long Not Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIT0ra9-mTc&feature=related
Birmingham campaign - childrens' protests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggUt0gJh9U8
Sit ins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHjBQectseo&feature=related
Emmett Till case
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMdSYxZqIXc&feature=related
Another idea for your CBL project
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
1663 Mission Street, Suite 602
San Francisco, CA 94103
http://www.ilrc.org/
1663 Mission Street, Suite 602
San Francisco, CA 94103
http://www.ilrc.org/
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Paid internship opportunity
Please read through the description of this opportunity, which was forwarded by our department chair, Ali Ferdowsi. This would certainly count for your CBL requirement and there's a paycheck associated with it!
PA
========================
For sharing with students.-- Ali
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas, Kimberly [mailto:Kimberly.Thomas@mountainview.gov]
Sent: Tue 1/17/2012 4:42 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Job Opportunity: City of Mtn. View Intern for City Manager's Ofc. (Silicon Valley Col./Univ. Dist. List.)
Dear Silicon Valley Colleges & Universities: This is a request post and/or circulate this job opportunity (please see attached). Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
The City of Mountain View invites applications for:
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE*
STUDENT - ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
(PART-TIME, HOURLY $15.49 - $22.66)
Limited-Term Until June 30, 2012
THE CITY AND THE POSITION:
The City of Mountain View is a progressive, full-service city that operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City is just over 12 square miles and is home to approximately 75,000 residents. This part-time, hourly position in the City organization provides support-level administrative and analytical assistance to the City Manager's Office and will work on projects related to general City Administration, Human Resources, and Finance. The City provides an excellent environment for learning and professional growth. This position is part-time, hourly and without benefits. The position has flexible scheduling and College/University credit may be provided, as applicable. The position receives direction and guidance from the City Manager's Office management staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
Under supervision, the Administrative Intern supports the City Manager's Office on a variety of multifaceted projects. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
· Perform entry-level administrative work in support of the City Manager's Office for general Administration, Human Resources, and Finance projects
* Assist with research, analysis, and gathering and interpreting data
* Prepare graphics and visual displays
* Develop a variety of written materials, communications and public information
* Use standard office and graphics software, maintain E-mail, telephone, and standard communications and filing procedures
* Other related administrative work as assigned
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of experience and training will qualify if it provides for the required knowledge and abilities. A Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or closely related field is preferred. Completion of, or Enrollment in a Master's Degree Program is strongly desired. The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, learn, retain and use technical terminology, equipment, and computer applications is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License with a good driving record.
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please apply on-line through www.calopps.org and "click on" member agencies, followed by the City of Mountain View. Please provide the City via www.calopps.org your application and résumé. A maximum of 100 applications will be accepted for this position. This recruitment will close at the 100th application, or on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., whichever comes first.
Regards, Kimberly
Kimberly S. Thomas
Assistant to the City Manager, City of Mountain View
E-Mail: kimberly.thomas@mountainview.gov
Phone: (650) 903-6210 / Cell: (650) 537-8187
Visit Ask Mountain View to ask a question, make a suggestion, note a concern, offer a compliment, or get more information!
PA
========================
For sharing with students.-- Ali
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas, Kimberly [mailto:Kimberly.Thomas@mountainview.gov]
Sent: Tue 1/17/2012 4:42 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Job Opportunity: City of Mtn. View Intern for City Manager's Ofc. (Silicon Valley Col./Univ. Dist. List.)
Dear Silicon Valley Colleges & Universities: This is a request post and/or circulate this job opportunity (please see attached). Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
The City of Mountain View invites applications for:
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE*
STUDENT - ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
(PART-TIME, HOURLY $15.49 - $22.66)
Limited-Term Until June 30, 2012
THE CITY AND THE POSITION:
The City of Mountain View is a progressive, full-service city that operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City is just over 12 square miles and is home to approximately 75,000 residents. This part-time, hourly position in the City organization provides support-level administrative and analytical assistance to the City Manager's Office and will work on projects related to general City Administration, Human Resources, and Finance. The City provides an excellent environment for learning and professional growth. This position is part-time, hourly and without benefits. The position has flexible scheduling and College/University credit may be provided, as applicable. The position receives direction and guidance from the City Manager's Office management staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
Under supervision, the Administrative Intern supports the City Manager's Office on a variety of multifaceted projects. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
· Perform entry-level administrative work in support of the City Manager's Office for general Administration, Human Resources, and Finance projects
* Assist with research, analysis, and gathering and interpreting data
* Prepare graphics and visual displays
* Develop a variety of written materials, communications and public information
* Use standard office and graphics software, maintain E-mail, telephone, and standard communications and filing procedures
* Other related administrative work as assigned
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of experience and training will qualify if it provides for the required knowledge and abilities. A Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or closely related field is preferred. Completion of, or Enrollment in a Master's Degree Program is strongly desired. The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, learn, retain and use technical terminology, equipment, and computer applications is required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License with a good driving record.
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please apply on-line through www.calopps.org
Regards, Kimberly
Kimberly S. Thomas
Assistant to the City Manager, City of Mountain View
E-Mail: kimberly.thomas@mountainview.gov
Phone: (650) 903-6210 / Cell: (650) 537-8187
Visit Ask Mountain View
Monday, January 16, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Schedule of Activities & Assignments
This class will meet only two days per week… the day-off schedule will vary, so please be sure to check it each week. Generally, for example, we will take Fridays off; but sometimes, such as during Founder’s Week, we will take the Monday off instead. In total, there will be 12 days off. These weekly days off from normal class meetings are designed to compensate for the time you will spend with your Community Partner (CP). ALL students MUST make satisfactory progress with their CBL projects in order for the class to qualify for the weekly days off. If even one student falls behind, the schedule for the entire class may be revised.
WEEK ONE
January 11
Introductions, syllabus & course overview. CBL project.
January 13
What are state & local governments? Syllabus quiz.
DUE: Chapter 1 New Directions for State & Local Government. Also, create your blog site using blogger.com or another blog service & email url to me at pandrews@ndnu.edu.
WEEK TWO
January 16
No class, MLK, Jr. Day holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in an organized MLK Day event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 1/18.)
January 18
How are state and local governments different from government at the Federal level? Why do we have them?
DUE: Chapter 2 Federalism & the States. Also, make final choice of CP for CBL project.
Blog Topic #1: In what sense did your CP grow from a local need or perspective? Is your CP constrained or otherwise affected by Federal policies? To whom is your CP ultimately accountable?
January 20
Conflicts between Federal, state and local authorities.
DUE: Explore in detail the website of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama: http://www.nvrmi.com
Blog Topic #2: What is the legacy of Dr. King with regard to the enforcement of voting rights at the local level for African Americans? Are these rights still in danger for African Americans and other people of color?
WEEK THREE
January 23
The importance of citizen participation within a democracy.
DUE: Chapter 4 Citizen Participation & Elections
Blog Topic #3: What is the relationship between citizens and your CP? On what level do they interact? How can citizen participation affect your CP?
January 25
The importance of citizen participation within a democracy.
DUE: Excerpt from Thomas Massaro, Living Justice, Chapter 5… for this week read the Introduction, Section 1 (The Dignity of Every Person and Human Rights) and Section 2 (Solidarity, Common Good, and Participation).
January 27
No class, Comp Day #1 for CBL project
WEEK FOUR
January 30
No class, Comp Day #2 for CBL project
February 1
Political parties, interest groups and campaigns.
DUE: Chapter 5 Political Parties, Interest Groups & Campaigns
Blog Topic #4: Does your CP participate in political campaigns or take public stands on campaigns or candidates? Why or why not?
February 3
Ethical factors of campaigning.
DUE: Attend or participate in an organized Founder’s Week event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity.
Blog Topic #5: Discuss how the charism of the Foundresses of the SND de Namur might influence the career choices and professional activities of an NDNU Political Science graduate.
WEEK FIVE
February 6
State Legislatures.
DUE: Chapter 6 State Legislatures
Blog Topic #6: Does your CP seek any legislative changes or has it in the past? What process does it use to attempt to make those changes? What challenges has it encountered in its attempt to do so?
February 8
State Legislatures.
DUE: TBA
February 10
No class, Comp Day #3 for CBL project
WEEK SIX
February 13
State-Local relations. Oral communication and presentation techniques.
DUE: Chapter 10 State-Local Relations
Blog Topic #7: Does your CP ever get caught up in conflict relating to its various local and state relationships?
February 15
State-Local relations: the notion of subsidiarity and the “proper” role of the various levels of government.
DUE: Excerpt from Massaro… for this week, read Section 4 (Subsidiarity and the Proper Role of Government)
February 17
No class, Comp Day #4 for CBL project
WEEK SEVEN
February 20
No class – Presidents’ Day holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in an organized Presidents’ Day event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 2/22.)
February 22
1st half semester review & prep for midterm exam
DUE: CBL Essay: Summarize what you have learned about your CP so far. How/why did you choose this organization? What is the particular project involved? What challenges have you faced with this assignment so far and how have you addressed them? (3 pages)
February 24
No class, Comp Day #5 for CBL project
WEEK EIGHT
February 27
Formal presentations (5-8 minutes): Introducing your Community Partner & CBL project
DUE: Notecards or other preparation for formal presentation
February 29
Midterm exam
DUE: Study for midterm
March 2
No class, Comp Day #6 for CBL project
SPRING BREAK WEEK
March 5-9
Enjoy your week off!
WEEK NINE
March 12
One-on-one mid-semester reviews. In-class writing activity TBA.
DUE: TBA
March 14
Local government structure and leadership.
DUE: Chapter 11 Local Government Structure & Leadership
Blog Topic #8: How does your CP interface with local governmental units? Are there any leaders in particular who’ve had a key impact on the success or development of your CP?
March 16
No class, Comp Day #7 for CBL project
WEEK TEN
March 19
Taxing and spending.
DUE: Chapter 12 Taxing & Spending
Blog Topic #9: Does your CP have authority to raise funds through taxation? If so, what factors or processes are involved? Discuss the ways in which your CP is associated with taxing, spending, or both.
March 21
Research project / write-up assigned. Develop a question about your CP that can be answered through a small quantitative or qualitative primary research project – a survey, statistical analysis, series of interviews, etc. Conduct the research. Write up your results in a 5-page paper that uses your original research to answer the question you developed.
DUE: Brief project proposal (2 pages). What is the question you propose to answer? What has already been written about it? How is your question unique? What kind of research will help you answer the question? How will this research be conducted? How might your findings be used?
March 22 is CTA Day
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in one of NDNU’s Call to Action Day events & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 3/26.)
March 23
No class, Comp Day #8 for CBL project
WEEK ELEVEN
March 26
Public administration: budgeting and service delivery.
DUE: Chapter 8 Public Administration: Budgeting & Service Delivery
Blog Topic #10: Does your CP rely on money or services provided by any public entity? Are the money and services provided in a consistent and reliable manner or is the CP subject to periodic application, approval, re-application, etc.? How does this consistency, or lack thereof, affect your CP’s operations? Do other people or organizations rely on your CP to provide funding?
March 28
Budgeting and service delivery in crisis.
DUE: Read articles about city and county level governments in
1) Jefferson County, Alabama ( http://news.yahoo.com/alabama-county-seeks-file-biggest-municipal-bankruptcy-001117903.html ),
2) Highland Park, Michigan ( http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Unable-to-pay-bill-Mich-city-apf-2920161472.html ), and
3) Vallejo, California (use the internet to find one or more articles about the Vallejo bankruptcy).
March 30
No class, Comp Day #9 for CBL project
WEEK TWELVE
April 2
The Judiciary.
DUE: Chapter 9 The Judiciary
Blog Topic #11: Does your CP ever have recourse to the judicial process as a way of resolving problems? Describe one example.
April 4
The Judiciary.
DUE: TBA
April 6
No class, Good Friday holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Using arguments from any faith-based, philosophical or other moral reasoning tradition, write a 500-word essay on the subject of ethical leadership in government. (Due 4/9.)
WEEK THIRTEEN
April 9
Constitutions.
DUE: Chapter 3 State Constitutions
Blog Topic #12: Is your CP constitutionally mandated? Does it seek any kind of protection relating to its existence or scope, or any guarantee relating to its area of interest, under a state constitution?
April 11
Final exam study guide.
DUE: Research project write-up
April 13
No class, Comp Day #10 for CBL project
WEEK FOURTEEN
April 16
Governors.
DUE: Chapter 7 Governors.
Blog Topic #13: To what extent does the Governor interact with your CP? Does he/she have the authority to make an impact on your CP’s operations?
April 18
Final exam
DUE: Study for the final
Blog Topic #14: How useful was the CBL component of this course? Did interaction with your CP make the content areas of the course more meaningful to you?
April 20
No class, Comp Day #11 for CBL project
WEEK FIFTEEN
April 23
Final research project presentations
April 25
Final research project presentations
April 27
No class, Comp Day #12 for CBL project
WEEK ONE
January 11
Introductions, syllabus & course overview. CBL project.
January 13
What are state & local governments? Syllabus quiz.
DUE: Chapter 1 New Directions for State & Local Government. Also, create your blog site using blogger.com or another blog service & email url to me at pandrews@ndnu.edu.
WEEK TWO
January 16
No class, MLK, Jr. Day holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in an organized MLK Day event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 1/18.)
January 18
How are state and local governments different from government at the Federal level? Why do we have them?
DUE: Chapter 2 Federalism & the States. Also, make final choice of CP for CBL project.
Blog Topic #1: In what sense did your CP grow from a local need or perspective? Is your CP constrained or otherwise affected by Federal policies? To whom is your CP ultimately accountable?
January 20
Conflicts between Federal, state and local authorities.
DUE: Explore in detail the website of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama: http://www.nvrmi.com
Blog Topic #2: What is the legacy of Dr. King with regard to the enforcement of voting rights at the local level for African Americans? Are these rights still in danger for African Americans and other people of color?
WEEK THREE
January 23
The importance of citizen participation within a democracy.
DUE: Chapter 4 Citizen Participation & Elections
Blog Topic #3: What is the relationship between citizens and your CP? On what level do they interact? How can citizen participation affect your CP?
January 25
The importance of citizen participation within a democracy.
DUE: Excerpt from Thomas Massaro, Living Justice, Chapter 5… for this week read the Introduction, Section 1 (The Dignity of Every Person and Human Rights) and Section 2 (Solidarity, Common Good, and Participation).
January 27
No class, Comp Day #1 for CBL project
WEEK FOUR
January 30
No class, Comp Day #2 for CBL project
February 1
Political parties, interest groups and campaigns.
DUE: Chapter 5 Political Parties, Interest Groups & Campaigns
Blog Topic #4: Does your CP participate in political campaigns or take public stands on campaigns or candidates? Why or why not?
February 3
Ethical factors of campaigning.
DUE: Attend or participate in an organized Founder’s Week event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity.
Blog Topic #5: Discuss how the charism of the Foundresses of the SND de Namur might influence the career choices and professional activities of an NDNU Political Science graduate.
WEEK FIVE
February 6
State Legislatures.
DUE: Chapter 6 State Legislatures
Blog Topic #6: Does your CP seek any legislative changes or has it in the past? What process does it use to attempt to make those changes? What challenges has it encountered in its attempt to do so?
February 8
State Legislatures.
DUE: TBA
February 10
No class, Comp Day #3 for CBL project
WEEK SIX
February 13
State-Local relations. Oral communication and presentation techniques.
DUE: Chapter 10 State-Local Relations
Blog Topic #7: Does your CP ever get caught up in conflict relating to its various local and state relationships?
February 15
State-Local relations: the notion of subsidiarity and the “proper” role of the various levels of government.
DUE: Excerpt from Massaro… for this week, read Section 4 (Subsidiarity and the Proper Role of Government)
February 17
No class, Comp Day #4 for CBL project
WEEK SEVEN
February 20
No class – Presidents’ Day holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in an organized Presidents’ Day event & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 2/22.)
February 22
1st half semester review & prep for midterm exam
DUE: CBL Essay: Summarize what you have learned about your CP so far. How/why did you choose this organization? What is the particular project involved? What challenges have you faced with this assignment so far and how have you addressed them? (3 pages)
February 24
No class, Comp Day #5 for CBL project
WEEK EIGHT
February 27
Formal presentations (5-8 minutes): Introducing your Community Partner & CBL project
DUE: Notecards or other preparation for formal presentation
February 29
Midterm exam
DUE: Study for midterm
March 2
No class, Comp Day #6 for CBL project
SPRING BREAK WEEK
March 5-9
Enjoy your week off!
WEEK NINE
March 12
One-on-one mid-semester reviews. In-class writing activity TBA.
DUE: TBA
March 14
Local government structure and leadership.
DUE: Chapter 11 Local Government Structure & Leadership
Blog Topic #8: How does your CP interface with local governmental units? Are there any leaders in particular who’ve had a key impact on the success or development of your CP?
March 16
No class, Comp Day #7 for CBL project
WEEK TEN
March 19
Taxing and spending.
DUE: Chapter 12 Taxing & Spending
Blog Topic #9: Does your CP have authority to raise funds through taxation? If so, what factors or processes are involved? Discuss the ways in which your CP is associated with taxing, spending, or both.
March 21
Research project / write-up assigned. Develop a question about your CP that can be answered through a small quantitative or qualitative primary research project – a survey, statistical analysis, series of interviews, etc. Conduct the research. Write up your results in a 5-page paper that uses your original research to answer the question you developed.
DUE: Brief project proposal (2 pages). What is the question you propose to answer? What has already been written about it? How is your question unique? What kind of research will help you answer the question? How will this research be conducted? How might your findings be used?
March 22 is CTA Day
Extra Credit Opportunity: Attend or participate in one of NDNU’s Call to Action Day events & submit a 1-2 page written reflection on the activity. (Due 3/26.)
March 23
No class, Comp Day #8 for CBL project
WEEK ELEVEN
March 26
Public administration: budgeting and service delivery.
DUE: Chapter 8 Public Administration: Budgeting & Service Delivery
Blog Topic #10: Does your CP rely on money or services provided by any public entity? Are the money and services provided in a consistent and reliable manner or is the CP subject to periodic application, approval, re-application, etc.? How does this consistency, or lack thereof, affect your CP’s operations? Do other people or organizations rely on your CP to provide funding?
March 28
Budgeting and service delivery in crisis.
DUE: Read articles about city and county level governments in
1) Jefferson County, Alabama ( http://news.yahoo.com/alabama-county-seeks-file-biggest-municipal-bankruptcy-001117903.html ),
2) Highland Park, Michigan ( http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Unable-to-pay-bill-Mich-city-apf-2920161472.html ), and
3) Vallejo, California (use the internet to find one or more articles about the Vallejo bankruptcy).
March 30
No class, Comp Day #9 for CBL project
WEEK TWELVE
April 2
The Judiciary.
DUE: Chapter 9 The Judiciary
Blog Topic #11: Does your CP ever have recourse to the judicial process as a way of resolving problems? Describe one example.
April 4
The Judiciary.
DUE: TBA
April 6
No class, Good Friday holiday
Extra Credit Opportunity: Using arguments from any faith-based, philosophical or other moral reasoning tradition, write a 500-word essay on the subject of ethical leadership in government. (Due 4/9.)
WEEK THIRTEEN
April 9
Constitutions.
DUE: Chapter 3 State Constitutions
Blog Topic #12: Is your CP constitutionally mandated? Does it seek any kind of protection relating to its existence or scope, or any guarantee relating to its area of interest, under a state constitution?
April 11
Final exam study guide.
DUE: Research project write-up
April 13
No class, Comp Day #10 for CBL project
WEEK FOURTEEN
April 16
Governors.
DUE: Chapter 7 Governors.
Blog Topic #13: To what extent does the Governor interact with your CP? Does he/she have the authority to make an impact on your CP’s operations?
April 18
Final exam
DUE: Study for the final
Blog Topic #14: How useful was the CBL component of this course? Did interaction with your CP make the content areas of the course more meaningful to you?
April 20
No class, Comp Day #11 for CBL project
WEEK FIFTEEN
April 23
Final research project presentations
April 25
Final research project presentations
April 27
No class, Comp Day #12 for CBL project
Syllabus
PSC 2300-01 State & Local Government (3 units)
Spring 2012 – MWF 10:00 am
Cuvilly 1
Patricia Andrews, MA
pandrews@ndnu.edu
http://SLGSpring2012.blogspot.com
Course Summary
This course is an introduction to the structure, functions and inter-relations of state and local governments.
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 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 – statistical and qualitative – in formulating a research topic, collecting and analyzing evidence, and presenting results.
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 in the amount of one full letter grade per week.
2) An online reading and CBL 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 Based Learning (CBL) component. Participation in field work relating to this component will be required. Students will be responsible for arranging their own volunteer assignments under the guidance of the instructor.
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 20%
Online Reading & CBL Journal 1 @ 200 points = 200 20%
CBL Assignment & Essay 1 @ 100 points = 100 10%
Research Project & Paper 1 @ 140 points = 140 14%
Class Attendance 15 weeks @ 8 points = 120 12%
Class Participation 15 weeks @ 8 points = 120 12%
Attendance & Participation (evaluated by CP) 1 @ 120 points = 120 12%
Spring 2012 – MWF 10:00 am
Cuvilly 1
Patricia Andrews, MA
pandrews@ndnu.edu
http://SLGSpring2012.blogspot.com
Course Summary
This course is an introduction to the structure, functions and inter-relations of state and local governments.
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 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 – statistical and qualitative – in formulating a research topic, collecting and analyzing evidence, and presenting results.
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 in the amount of one full letter grade per week.
2) An online reading and CBL 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 Based Learning (CBL) component. Participation in field work relating to this component will be required. Students will be responsible for arranging their own volunteer assignments under the guidance of the instructor.
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 20%
Online Reading & CBL Journal 1 @ 200 points = 200 20%
CBL Assignment & Essay 1 @ 100 points = 100 10%
Research Project & Paper 1 @ 140 points = 140 14%
Class Attendance 15 weeks @ 8 points = 120 12%
Class Participation 15 weeks @ 8 points = 120 12%
Attendance & Participation (evaluated by CP) 1 @ 120 points = 120 12%
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