COURSE REQUIREMENTS
COURSE NUMBER: PSC 215
COURSE TITLE: State and Local Government
INSTRUCTOR:
E-Mail: rwhisonant7783@cruiser.yorktech.edu
On-Line students please use WebCt Mail
Web
Page: http://www.rickwhisonant.com
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
TEXTBOOK:
State and Local Politics: Government by the People, 13/E
David Magleby, Brigham Young University
David O'Brien, University of Virginia
Paul Light, New York University
J. W. Peltason, University of California, Irvine
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2008
Format: Paper; 256 pp
| ISBN-10: | 0-13-602996-5 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a study of state, county, and municipal government systems, including
interrelationships between these systems and within the government.
COURSE COMPETENCIES
Module 1
1. Discuss who governs state and local politics.
2. Discuss the Constitutional structure of American Federalism.
3. Explain the role of state constitutions.
4. Discuss electoral politics in the states and localities.
Module 2
1. Discuss the role of state legislatures.
2. Discuss the role of state governors.
3. Discuss the structure of state courts.
Module 3
1. Explain the nature of state and local relations.
2. Discuss the importance of making state and local policy.
3. Discuss staffing and financing state and local governments.
MINIMAL STANDARDS
A minimum of 60 percent accuracy on evaluative instruments (see evaluative
procedures) will be required to receive credit for this course. A minimum of 70 percent
accuracy on evaluative measures will be required for the course to attain transferability.
EVALUATION STRATEGIES/GRADING
Competencies are evaluated through the use of three objective and/or essay type
exams, and other means as specified by the instructor. No comprehensive examination
is required for this course.
All tests are to be completed on your pc. Please make sure you have time to complete the test and a stable internet connection. Once you enter the test you are taking the test and you only have one attempt.
For this course, grading will be determined in the following manner:
Module 1 20%
Module 2 20%
Module 3 20%
Highest Test Score 20%
Participation (Blog) 20%
Grading Scale
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F Below 60
EXPECTATIONS
1. Utilize critical thinking techniques to complete class assignments.
2. Use proper spelling and grammar to compose written assignments on various
political topics.
3. Follow oral and/or written instructions in completing all assignments.
4. Complete and submit all assignments in the specified time period.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Policy
Students are responsible for attending all scheduled meetings in the courses in which
they are enrolled until they have completed all course requirements. Students are
responsible for all material covered and for all assignments made in all classes.
Students who are absent from a class more than 20 percent of the hours assigned will
be withdrawn.
Withdrawal from a Course
A student may withdraw from the course after the add/drop period until midterm with a
grade of “W.” To withdraw from a course, the student obtains a Request for Withdrawal
from his instructor or from Student Services. To withdraw after midterm and receive a
grade of “W,” the student must personally see the instructor for approval. All other
students will receive a grade of “WF.”
Student Conduct
Students are requested to conform to all conduct codes specified in the York Technical
College Handbook and Catalog.
ENTRY LEVEL SKILLS: Non applicable
PREREQUISITES: ENG 100 or equivalent
CO-REQUISITES: None
PSC 215
CLASS SCHEDULE
R. WHISONANT, INSTRUCTOR
LECTURE TOPIC TEXT ASSIGNMENT
Module One
1. State and Local Politics: Who Governs?
2. American Federalism.
3. State Constitutions: Charters or Straitjackets?
Module Two
4. Parties and Elections in the States.
5. State Legislatures.
6. State Governors.
7. Judges and Justice in the States.
Module Three
8. Local Government and Metropolitics.
9. Making State and Local Policy.
10. Staffing and Financing State and Local Governments.