Syllabus Information |
Spring 2014
May 03,2024 |
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 | Use this page to maintain syllabus information, learning objectives, required materials, and technical requirements for the course. |
| PS 203 - State and Local Government and Politics |
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Associated Term:
Spring 2014
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Students are expected to identify and understand the ideological foundations and institutional dynamics of state and local politics and government, the evolving nature of American federalism, the rights and responsibilities of leaders and citizens at the state & local level, influences on our political system, and how to become more effective citizens. 2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Students will be expected to appreciate the differences among fact, opinion and informed opinion and various sources from which they come in the governmental and political worlds. They should also come to understand the value of their input in the local political culture (through voting and other forms of participation) and impediments to that participation among various groups in our society. Particular emphasis is placed on the budgetary constraints currently facing government at these levels. 3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. With an obvious focus, due to the nature of this course, students will be apprised of the roles, the rights and the responsibilities of both citizens and the political and governmental actors and institutions at the state & local levels and the relationship to the national government. 4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Students will examine competing theories of both government & politics, with particular attention to different methods of inquiry (scholarly articles, news reports, public opinion surveys, etc.) that come from different ideological perspectives that have evolved over time and circumstance. 5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. I Information literacy skills are promoted through the textbook, a packet of selected readings that include journal articles, news articles and editorial opinions. Precision in use of appropriate terminology is encouraged in both in-class discussion and the essay assignment. Class speakers from politics & government will also be utilized in this regard. 6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Through various sources of information available, from sources reflecting ideological and philosophical differences across the political spectrum, an examination of the impact of socio-economic variables on political participation from the origin of this nation to the present. 7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. A thorough examination of the history and evolution of the nature of politics and government at the state and local level provides students the philosophical and conceptual foundation from which to analyze and address current issues & challenges facing state & local government leaders as well as citizens. Required Materials: Technical Requirements: |
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