American State and Local Government | Master Course Outlines | Academics

POLI120 American State and Local Government

3 credits

2250

None

Students examine the problems, structure, and major functions of government at the state and local levels. Topics include political processes in the suburban, urban, and state political systems.

Course Learning Goals
Students will:
1. Analyze the politics, power structures, and methods of state governance;
2. Analyze the politics, power structures, and methods of local governance;
3. Analyze the role of the courts and correctional system in state and local governance and politics;
4. Analyze the politics of civil rights, education, social welfare, health, budgeting, and taxation; and
5. Describe the causal factors and consequences of political decision-making.
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
1. Research the Political Science Way
2. Politics in States and Communities: An Overview
3. States, Communities, and American Feudalism
4. Participation in State Politics
5. Legislators in State Politics
6. Governors in State Politics
7. Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy
8. Community Political Systems
9. Participation in Community Politics
10. Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis
11. Community Power Structures
12. Politics and Civil Rights
13. The Politics of Education
14. The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health
15. The Politics of Budgeting and Taxation
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Course learning goals are assessed with exams, essays, written assignments, multi-media projects, and/or participation in classroom/online discussions.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.