State and Local Government
Course Code: POS2112
Credit Hours: 3
Effective beginning: Fall 2020
Course Description:A study of the organization, the functions, and the operations of state and local governments in the United States. Particular attention is given to state, county and city government in Florida. This course is designed to be a practical as possible and includes actual participation of county and city officials.
Course Details
Prerequisites:
POS 2041 is not a prerequisite, but is recommended.
Required textbooks/ course materials:
Dye, Thomas R, and Susan A. MacManus. Politics in States and Communities. 15th ed. Pearson, 2015. ISBN: 9780205994724
Assignment/course outline:
See your Instructor First Day Handout for individual instructor assignment schedule.
Discipline-level learning outcomes:
SS-1 Identify theories, hypotheses and research methodologies that behavioral scientists use to explain, investigate and predict behaviors and social trends.
SS-2 Use appropriate social and behavioral science investigation techniques to analyze contemporary social issues.
SS-3 Identify and investigate interdisciplinary courses in the social and behavioral sciences, such as, history, criminal justice, economics, etc. and establish how these courses are inter-related from a global perspective.
SS-4 Create and utilize current technologies in developing oral and written presentations on topics relevant to subject matter under the auspices of social and behavioral sciences.
SS-5 Identify fundamental modalities used to promote understanding of differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.
| Course-level student learning outcomes | Discipline-level learning outcomes | Assessment methods |
|---|---|---|
|
Evaluate various functions of State and local governmental bodies Interpret the operation of Florida and County Governments Explain the conflicts and issues confronting American states and communities Examine the importance of state constitutions as the source of authority in policy making Examine the roles of states and local governments in various themes of federalism Analyze the typical state party organization, party primaries, and the influence of interest groups in our democratic system |
SS-2, SS-3, SS-4 SS-1, SS-2, SS-3, SS-4, SS-5 SS-1, SS-2, SS-3, SS-4, SS-5 SS-2, SS-3, SS-4, SS-5 SS-1, SS-3, SS-4, SS-5 SS-1, SS-2, SS-3 |
Tests, Writing Assignments, Discussion Board, Research Papers |
Read and study all assigned material, including text and articles in preparation for test.
Attend all lectures and participate in discussion.
Follow instructions, identify and explain concepts in writing assignments and research papers.
Turn in all writing assignments and research papers.
Courses taught under the auspices of the Social and Behavioral Sciences will include an oral component, oral presentations and/or classroom discussions. Note: Online and Distance Learning courses will not contain the oral component.
Chapters are as follows:
- Politics in States and Communities
- Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States
- States, Communities, and American Federalism
- Participation in State Politics
- Parties and Campaigns in the States
- Legislators in State Politics
- Governors in State Politics
- Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities
- Courts, Crime and Correctional Policy
- Governing America’s Communities
- Participation in community Politics
- Metropolitics: Conflict in the Metropolis
- Community Power, Land Use, The Environment
- The Politics of Taxation and Finance
- Politics and Civil Rights
- The Politics of Education
- The Politics of Poverty, Welfare, and Health
College-wide policies and resources
For more specific information on Chipola's college-wide academic policies and resources available to students, visit the link below.