Syllabus

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

Spring 2014 – MWF 9:00 am                                                http://SLGSpring2014.blogspot.com

Cuvilly 23                                                                                                        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 1100 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 = 200

      Attendance                                                                  40 days @ 5 points = 200

      Participation                                                               40 days @ 5 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 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.

Average Student Workload Expectations:  Class time consists of 45 hours and students are expected to attend. Students are expected to engage in an additional 15 hours with a Community Partner and approximately 120 hours of out-of-class homework over the fifteen weeks, or approximately eight hours per week. Course assignments are made in accordance with this expectation.

Workload Distribution:           Hours in Class                          45

                                                Hours with CP                         15

                                                Readings                                  40

                                                Written Assignments                45

                                                CP Preparation                         30

                                                Exam Preparation                      5

Program Learning Outcomes – Political Science

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American governmental institutions and processes that enable him or her to be an active and effective citizen
2. 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
3. identify and critically examine the major political theories and ideologies
4. employ historical perspectives to evaluate contemporary conflicts and issues, both domestic and international
5. analyze political and policy problems and formulate policy options
6. 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