Welcome to State & Local Government, Spring 2011

State & Local Government (3 units)
Patricia Andrews, MA
Study Group class format
http://NDNUSLSpring2011.blogspot.com
Spring 2011 – Mondays & Alternating Wednesdays @ 11:00 am
pandrews@ndnu.edu

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, 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 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 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. This is especially true within the Study Group format of this class. 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.
2) A class blog/reading and CBL reflection journal will be kept on a weekly basis. All students will contribute to one blog in common.
3) Oral communication opportunities develop confidence and skill in public speaking. Due to the Study Group nature of this class, students will be responsible for specific contributions at every class meting.
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 @ 50 points = 100 10%
Analysis Papers 2 @ 100 points = 200 20%
Class Blog/Reading Journal 1 @ 200 20%
CBL Assignment 1 @ 140 points = 140 14%
Attendance 15 weeks @ 12 points = 180 18%
Participation 15 weeks @ 12 points = 180 18%