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%