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Academics

POLI120 American State and Local Government

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Political Science

I. Course Number and Title
POLI120 American State and Local Government
II. Number of Credits
3 credits
III. Number of Instructional Minutes
2250
IV. Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
V. Other Pertinent Information
None
VI. Catalog Course Description
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.
VII. Required Course Content and Direction
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:

    See course syllabus.

Review/Approval Date - 10/98; New Core 8/2015; Revised 4/2019

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