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.
No comments:
Post a Comment