Letter to CP

 

 

To Whom it May Concern,

 

The person forwarding this letter is a student in my State and Local Government class at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. As part of this class, the student will complete a 45-hour internship project with a state or local government office; an organization that does work for a state or local government office; an organization that supplements the work of a state or local government office (i.e. fills in gaps that exist due to absence of services); or an organization involved in lobbying or protest relating to state or local policies.

 

The 45-hour requirement includes no more than 30 hours of preparation, training, travel, reading and reflection time. Please feel free to recommend reading or other study that you feel would enhance the student’s performance and/or understanding of the work involved. The student must spend a minimum of 15 out of the total 45 hours working with his or her partner organization. Due to the pandemic, all work must be virtual / online… no in-person contact is currently allowed by the University.

 

If you would like to participate in the evaluation (grading) of the student’s performance and/or attend our final presentations by Zoom, you are very welcome to do so; however, out of respect for your time, it is not mandatory that you do so.

 

During the second half of the semester, the student will engage in a primary research project relating to your organization and/or its work. You may, if you wish, participate in developing the student’s research ideas.

 

My hope is that, by interacting with you on this level, my student will learn about some aspect of the operation of state and local governments from experience rather than learning solely from our textbook.

 

Thank you for taking the time to help create a meaningful and mutually beneficial experience. Please “reply-all” to this email so I know you’ve received it, and let me know how you would like to be contacted in the event I need to communicate with you. And please do feel free to contact me at any time if problems arise or you have a question about this project.

 

Patti Andrews

Dept. of History and Political Science

Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA 94002

pandrews@ndnu.edu

(650) 339-0904 (cell)

Module 3

Week 3 / Week of January 25, 2021

 

Dear Students – welcome to Week 3. You will need to finalize your Community Partner selection before you’ll be able to move forward effectively in the class. If you’re having trouble with this, please re-read my introductory email, in which I described this element of the course in detail. Then email me directly so we can set up a time to talk by phone or Zoom to help clarify the assignment, and/or help you make your decisions about how you want to structure your CP assignment. Please attend to this ASAP if you have not yet made a final choice of CP. 

 

Once you’ve made your CP decision, you’ll need to confirm the arrangement, and summarize what you’ll be doing for the CP organization:

1) To confirm the arrangement, please open the Letter to CP which I have attached to an email and also posted to the class website. Copy the contents of that Letter and paste it into an email. Address the email to your contact at the CP organization and also copy me on the email. Send that email.

2) Do Blog entry #4a below.

 

·     Blog entry #4a:

* Write a brief description of the agreement you have made with your Community Partner.

* Describe the Project or Activity – what will you be doing?

* Describe your Schedule at the Partner Organization – when will you do the work?

* Describe your Method of Communication – will you do the work by phone? Zoom? Do you have the technology tools you will need to do the work? If not, how will you acquire them? Do you need support from NDNU in acquiring the tools you’ll need to get your work done?

* Describe any additional terms agreed upon – e.g. required reading, anything that must be done prior to starting work such as background check or online training, etc.

 

·     Blog #4b: Read / Watch the PowerPoint titled An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching, which was presented some years ago by a guest speaker back in the days when we had an in-person class. That file is attached to the same email that includes your CP Letter. Then read the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Communityon the NDNU website (as previously linked). Blog entry #4b: In what ways are your CP’s mission and/or activities consistent with, or in conflict with the concepts outlined in the Catholic Social Teaching presentation, and/or with the Hallmarks of the SND de Namur?

 

·     Blog entry #5: Read and reflect on Chapter 10of your textbook, State-Local Relations. Why is there tension between the state and local levels of government? In what ways is this tension healthy for our political system overall?

Schedule Summary

Schedule Summary

 

 

Week 4 / Week of February 1

Participation, Solidarity & Elections. Chapter 4. CST dimensions. Close reading exercise. Conversation with representative of your Community Partner. NDNU Foundresses Day. Blogs #6 & #7.

 

 

Week 5 / Week of February 8

 

Subsidiarity. Devolution. Online reading. Group meet by Zoom / make-up meet with individuals as needed. Blog #8.

 

 

Week 6 / Week of February 15

 

Political parties, interest groups and campaigns. Chapter 5. Blog #9.

 

 

Week 7 / Week of February 22

 

State Constitutions. Chapter 3. Blog #10.

Week 7 / Week of March 1

 

Introductory presentation of CP project. Group Zoom meeting with individual make-ups as needed. Midterm Exam.

SPRING BREAK WEEK

Enjoy your week off!

 

 

Week 8 / Week of March 15

 

Governors. Introduction to 2^ndhalf CE Research Project. Chapter 7. Blogs #11 & #12.

 

 

Week 10 / Week of March 22

 

State Legislatures. Powers of states and localities. Common concerns and regional efforts. Chapter 6. Blogs #13 & #14.

 

 

Week 11 / Week of March 29

 

Local government structure and leadership. Chapter 11. Blog #15.

 

 

Week 12 / Week of April 5

 

Budgets and service delivery. Public administration. Chapter 8. Blog #16.

 

 

Week 13 / Week of April 12

 

Taxing and spending. Research Project write-up due by email to professor. Chapter 12. Blog #17.

 

 

WEEK FOURTEEN

 

Final presentation of CE research project. Mission, Values and Engagement reflection assignment. Final exam. Blog #18.

Module 2

WEEK TWO

This week, while you finalize your decisions about community partner projects…

 

·     Read and reflect on Chapter 2, Federalism & the States. How do state and local governments differ from the Federal government? Why do we have them? What kinds of authority is left to the states v the Federal government? Why do both the state and Federal levels of government sometimes fall short? Write a blog entry answering these questions.

 

This turns out to be a great time in the history of our nation to be asking these questions. We’ve seen the integrity of states – their ability to conduct elections, for example – called into question. We’ve also seen, over the past several years, some major decisions in which power devolved from the Federal government to the states – gay marriage, and legalization of marijuana are two areas of the law in which states have led and the Feds have either followed or gotten out of the way. In your blog entry, reflect on any areas of conflict or collaboration you’re familiar with between state and Federal levels of government over the past several years. 

Welcome... and Module 1

Hello SLG students... we survived 2020! That was an accomplishment on its own. Now we have 2021 to get through and your challenge will be to stay focused on your academics while the world continues to be confusing and distracting, if not downright challenging. You will make it through. 

 

Our State and Local Government class will be asynchronous, meaning we will not have regularly scheduled real-time meetings. We will, however, have opportunities to meet together over the course of the semester and taking those opportunities will surely help you stay on track. Please plan to make the most of those opportunities, whether they are required or not.

 

You will receive emails from me with our weekly Modules. However, please note that all Modules are also posted to the class website, which you will find at:

http://ndnuslg.blogspot.com

 

You will interact with other students via this blog site, so please use the link right now and bookmark it for easy reference.

 

You should have received an email from campus regarding access to a free textbook. I hope you already registered for your book, as that means you will get your link by January 11 and will be able to hit the ground running Week 1. If not, you'll need to wait until they are able to send you your link in the second batch which, I believe, won't arrive in your email box until January 18.

 

I'm going to send you the Week One Module a few days early because, unfortunately, there will be an upgrade performed on the campus portal system on Sunday, January 10. Just in case that disrupts communications right as classes begin, I'm getting this email out today. Here is your assignment for Week One:

 

WEEK ONE

 

• Create blog using blogger.com. See instructions below if you need a reminder how to do this. And yes, you do need a new blog for this class.
• Discuss with professor and select Community Partner (CP). See discussion below.
• Blog entry #1: Read and reflect on Chapter 1, New Directions for State & Local Gov’t. Choose your own focus for this reflection.
• Blog entry #2: In what way did your CP arise from a local need or perspective? Why doesn’t / might not the local government fill this need adequately? To whom is your CP accountable?

 

Community Partner discussion. You might have noticed that this is a 4-unit class. That's because we incorporate a full unit of community engagement activities into the course. A unit is defined as 15 hours of class time and 30 hours of preparation, study, reflection, etc time. In the case of community engagement activities, the 15 hours of class time is satisfied by 15 hours of time engaging with a community partner... that means you will spend a total of approximately 45 hours this semester engaging with, learning about, reflecting on and studying an organization that meets the definition of a "community partner." If you haven't taken a "community engagement" class before, that might sound intimidating, but don't worry. It will not be difficult and you will hopefully even find it to be enjoyable. Some students have used their community engagement projects as bullet points in their resume when they are looking for jobs. And some have continued to volunteer at the CP organization long after they graduate from NDNU. When considering what CP organization you'd like to work with, please try to think of it broadly in this way... not just as something to satisfy a requirement for a class, but something that you are really passionate about and which might help you develop a skill set you'll be able to use as you transition into your future career paths.

 

Given the constraints of pandemic life, ALL CP work will have to be done in a covid-safe manner, which means no in-person engagement this semester. I've checked in with the University and confirmed that, even if you are already doing an in-person community activity, you will not be able to use that activity to meet the requirements for this class. The activity done for this class MUST be done in a manner that does not require in-person engagement. I will be sending a summary to the CE Coordinator to ensure all projects are approved as defined.

 

There are, however, many ways you can use and develop your skills to benefit a beloved community organization, or fill a community need, without doing in-person work. I will be checking in with each of you individually to make sure we find something that fits your interests. 

 

A couple of other points about your community engagement activity...

 

1) We do this because the values of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDs) teach us that education is at its best when it is engaged in a real-world activity designed to promote a more just world. It was the SNDs who founded NDNU and whose charism is at the heart of who we are. Even though this is the final semester for NDNU, those values instilled by the SNDs continue to be a beacon of optimism that our future can be shaped by the deep desires of our hearts. It is fitting, to me, that my last-ever class at NDNU will be this community engagement class, and I envision it being a final testament to the values of the SNDs as expressed in the Hallmarks. In case you don't have a copy of these handy, you'll find a link to the Hallmarks below. When considering your community partner activity, please consider the ways in which that CP organization somehow demonstrates one or more of the Hallmarks.

 

https://www.ndnu.edu/about/mission-and-strategy/hallmarks-of-a-notre-dame-de-namur-learning-community/

 

2) We do this in this class because the study of government, at its best, is always experiential, always concrete. It has to be. The ways that states and localities exercise their rights and responsibilities relating to governing affect people right where they live and in their everyday lives. Safety, beauty, transportation, food security, housing, opportunities for participation, access to natural spaces, all of these things and more are affected at their core by the ways that states and localities govern. When selecting a community partner, then, your challenge will be to find an organization that either:

a) IS ITSELF a state or local government agency (such as California's Food Stamp program CalFresh), or...

b) Is a non-governmental organization / non-profit DOING THE WORK OF a state or locality (such as an organization directly contracted to address issues relating to food insecurity or in some other way coordinating with a state or local government to provide services, such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley), or...

c) IS FILLING A GAP LEFT BY a state or locality that isn't adequately addressing an issue (such as a private non-profit like East Palo Alto's Ecumenical Hunger Program).

 

Your CP project can revolve around any of a wide range of issues... police security, food security, housing security, access to parks and natural spaces, access to education, access to clothing, services for dogs or cats, services for non-domesticated non-human residents of our communities, services for trees, front yard gardening, home composting or landfill reduction efforts, you can create or manage a specific project such as getting speed bumps on your street or creating a neighborhood food or book exchange... the sky is the limit. So think about something that gets you excited and meets the criteria above, then send me an email describing your initial thoughts on how you might satisfy this class requirement... I'll help you ensure it's a reasonable project that will be do-able in the framework of the class.

 

Blog instructions if you need them:

How to Set Up Your Online Reading Journal – aka Your Blog!

 

 

1) Go to www.blogger.com.

 

2) If you already have a Google account, use it to log in. If you do not, follow the on-screen instructions to create one. Make sure you write down your Google account name and password for later use.

 

3) Once you’ve logged in to blogger.com, follow the on-screen instructions to create a “new blog.”

 

            The title of your blog can be anything you want

            The unique part of your address should be something simple like gregsworldhistoryblog

            Your full blog address will be:

                        http://__________.blogspot.com

                        example: http://gregsworldhistoryblog.blogspot.com

 

4) Now that your blog exists, open up your email account and email the address to me. Remember, your address begins with http:// and ends with .blogspot.com. My email address is pandrews@ndnu.edu.

 

5) Log out of your blog and log back in again to make sure it all works OK. Then click on the pencil to make your first post. All your first post has to say is “Yay – I’m done!” or something like that.

 

6) You’re done!

Syllabus

 PSC 2301 C 01 State & Local Government (4 units)                                Patricia Andrews, MA

Spring 2020– Asynchronous Online                                                         pandrews@ndnu.edu
http://NDNUSLG.blogspot.com

 

Course Summary

This course is an introduction to the structure, functions and inter-relations of state and local governments, emphasizing real-world problem solving through covid-safe personal engagement.

Texts

Bowman & Kearney, State and Local Government: The Essentials

Additional readings as assigned

Learning Outcomes

Student will…

1.     Understand how state, local and regional government units are run, recognize the influence of global forces on these units, and identify their connections to local developments (PLO 1)

2.     Understand how decisions made at these levels shape society and political discourse (PLO 5)

3.     Demonstrate knowledge of the recurring issues and systemic problems that arise at the state, local and regional levels (PLO 4)

4.     Demonstrate knowledge of the inter-relationships between state, local, regional and federal units of government (PLO 1)

5.     Weigh, interpret and evaluate the actions of actual state, local and regional governmental units, and the agencies doing their work, as well as student’s own Community Partner, and present a sustained argument supported by evidence (PLO 6 & MVE ILOs 2, 3, 4 & 6)

6.     Use the tools of social science research to formulate an ethically, spiritually or socially meaningful research topic relating to an engagement experience, collect and analyze original evidence, and present results (PLO 6 & MVE ILOs 3 & 7)

Requirements

Proactive time-management, organization, reading and note-taking are always essential to college success, and this is especially true in an asynchronous online format. Student’s work will be submitted by email and via blog; progress will be assessed at periodic real-time online meetings during the semester.

1)    Student will produce a minimum of 32 pages of written work. All formal papers must be submitted in MLA format. Late papers will be penalized by one full letter grade.

2)    An online reading and Community Engagement reflection journal will be kept on a regular basis.

3)    Oral communication opportunities develop confidence and skill in public speaking. Student will be responsible for specific formal and informal contributions.

4)    This class incorporates a Community Engagement component. A minimum of 15 hours of covid-safe direct work and 30 hours of related activities will be required. Student will choose a Community Partner and define a mutually beneficial engagement project under the guidance of the instructor. Community Partner may, if they wish, participate in the evaluation of student learning.

Evaluation

A total of 1000 points is possible, broken down into the categories below. Student is encouraged to keep track of his or her own progress on a regular basis throughout the semester.

 

      Exams                                                                                 2 @ 100 points = 200

      Community Engagement, Reading & Related Blog Entries        400 points = 400

      Research Project & Paper                                                           200 points = 200

      Online Presence & Participation                                                 200 points = 200

 

Academic Honesty

NDNU’s core values include learning, integrity, and honesty, values we live out in all areas of our learning community. Academic honesty means you are able to demonstrate your own knowledge and skills and receive feedback on your learning that can help you improve. By taking responsibility for your own work and avoiding actions that could give you an unfair advantage over others, you are contributing to the NDNU learning community and developing professional skills and values that will serve you well into the future. Academic honesty is one of the most important values of a university community, and breaches of this trust have serious consequences. Please see the Student Handbook for a detailed discussion of Academic Conduct expectations.

 

Disability Resource Center

Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Students who are experiencing conditions that are temporarily disabling (i.e. scheduled surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries, etc.) are strongly encouraged to contact the DRC. Our desire is to assist you with managing the impact of these circumstances. Please meet with the DRC staff through a virtual meeting in order to: verify your eligibility for any classroom accommodations; and, for academic assistance related to your disability. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. The DRC can be reached by email at DRC@ndnu.edu.

 

Counseling Services  Counselingservices@ndnu.edu

The mission of Counseling Services is to promote and enhance the overall wellbeing of students so that they may reach their potential for personal growth and academic success. If you are a currently enrolled student and would like to discuss your mental health needs, please feel free to email Counselingservices@ndnu.eduto schedule an appointment. We are currently offering telemental health services only with the following hours: Monday - Wednesday 10am-6pm & Thursday 10am-4pm.

 

Average Student Workload Expectations:  

 

Workload           Blogging & Self-Directed Study      45

Distribution:        Reading                                    45                     CP Related Activities       45

                        Written Work                              35                     Exam Preparation            10

 

Program Learning Outcomes – Political Science

Student will…

1.    demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American governmental institutions and processes that enable him or her to be an active and effective citizen;

2.    acquire familiarity with and understanding of the variety of political systems in the world at large, their social and historical contexts, and their relation to the global political order;

3.    identify and critically examine the major political theories and ideologies;

4.    employ historical perspectives to evaluate contemporary domestic and international conflicts and issues;

5.    analyze political and policy problems and formulate policy options; and

6.    use the tools of social science research – statistical and qualitative – in formulating a research topic, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results.

 

Institutional Learning Outcomes for Mission, Values and Engagement

Student will…

1) reflect on the heritage of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in the context of one’s own values and belief systems;

2) develop relationships that honor the dignity of each person;

3) connect ethical implications of professional and liberal arts course content to the promotion of justice and peace through personal decisions and actions;

4) apply classroom learning to address community and social problems, using the Reflection-Action-Reflection model;

5) demonstrate understanding of the value of diversity;

6) assess the role of community-building activities and collaborative decision-making processes; and

7) demonstrate spiritual or ethical leadership skills in working toward a more just society.

 

Course Evaluations/Teaching Effectiveness Surveys: Term 1

Teaching Effectiveness Surveys (course evaluations) will be available online through Campus Portal from February 22 – March 12, 2021. Your feedback regarding courses and faculty is very important to NDNU, to your faculty, and to me as the instructor for this course.  Your feedback helps us review and improve their teaching, helps departments/programs review and improve program content, and is used by the university in making decisions about tenure, promotion, and hiring decisions for part-time faculty. Directions: To access, please enable pop-ups in your browser (uncheck pop-up blocker), then in Campus Portal look for the "You have an active survey" link in the left sidebar. Click that link to open the Course Evaluation Surveys page, which has a link to a survey for each course in which you're enrolled.  Your feedback is very important!  Please complete your evaluations for all your courses promptly.  Remember: Your responses are anonymous.

 

Student Success Center

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Success Center (SSC) remains dedicated to supporting students’ academic success at NDNU and has transitioned its services online. The SSC continues to provide online writing and subject tutoring. Please contact Laura Mizuha, Assistant Director of Writing at lmizuha@ndnu.edu for additional information in both areas.The goal of the Student Success Center is to promote student learning and academic innovation. Professional staff members, academic advisors, and faculty members work together to promote a supportive educational environment, which includes services from many departmental areas across campus: advising, counseling, disability accommodations, financial aid, tutoring, and support for international students.