PSCI 2202 State and Local Government
PSCI 2202: State and Local Government
Description
State and Local Government presents a general survey of the history, philosophy, functions and performance of American state and local political institutions and processes. Minnesota, Nobles County and the City of Worthington will be examined. This course also emphasizes ethical and civic responsibility.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
STSK 0095 or placement by multiple measures
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. Introduction
2. State Constitution
3. Federalism
4. Elections Machinery
5. State Executive Systems
6. State Legislative Systems
7. State Judicial Systems
8. Local Government
9. Financing State and Local Government
10. Lobbying State and Local Government
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the fundamental definitions, concepts and principles of political science.
2. Explain the basic institutions and processes of the American political system at the state and local level.
3. Discuss the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government at the state level.
4. Understand the basic techniques of lobbying at the state and local level.
5. Develop a critical attitude toward the political process in order to become a more informed participant and responsible citizen.
6. Analyze various methods of collecting and analyzing data such as public opinion polls, charts and graphs.
7. Relate broad political concepts and developments to the individual.
8. Evaluate the functioning of the American political system.
9. Evaluate critically the alternatives for change within the political system and/or need for alteration of the political system.
10. Discuss both orally and in writing, theories, relationships and concepts in political science.
11. Analyze the impact of such forces as nationalism, ethnicity, multiculturalism, pluralism and gender on the political process in the contemporary world.
12. Understand the cultural pluralism that has shaped and enriched American society and politics.
13. Examine civil rights in terms of human diversity.
Credit Details
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05 - History and Behavioral Sciences, Goal Area 09 - Ethical and Civic Responsibility
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies
Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal Area 09: Ethical and Civic Responsibility
1. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
2. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g., politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
3. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
4. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
5. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship