Whether or not it’s time to eliminate the electoral college

COURSE PREREQUISITES

 

Political Science 215-05C is a course in politics and government at the state and local levels. Governing States and Localities by Kelvin B. Smith and Alan Greenblatt represents a refreshing approach to examining the process of governance on matters that students and citizens are confronted with each day.  A basic knowledge of government at the local and state government level is key to understanding the application of concepts, theories, and experiences that exist in our form ofgovernment.

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

The preface to the text book for this course indicates that there is a unique collaboration between academic and professional writers that cover more than two decades of teaching and demonstrated proactive of observing the actual reality of government in action.  The student will be given key aspects of and features of concepts for each chapter.  The course will cover topics related to federalism, constitutions, finance, political attitudes/participation, political parties, legislatures, governors/executives, courts, bureaucracy, local units of government, education, and different aspects of crime.  Through the digital media outlet the scholar will be exposed to the evolving reality of changes at the local and state levels of government.  

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES (SLO)

 

 

*At the end of this course each student will have a basic overview of structures, functions, and special problems associated with the units of state and local government.

 

*Upon the completion of the course the student will understand the workings of the government at the local and state levels.

 

*The student will be able to explain and define the role of federalism, constitutions, finance, political parties, legislatures, governors, mayors and courts to name a few.

 

*Students will be able to analyze and interpret the functional role of state and local government as it relates to their presence and applications/functions today and in the future.

 

*Each student will read all assigned materials and give responses to the assigned chapter questions for each week in which the net value will be work 20% of their grade over twelve (12) weeks.  If you answer the questions correctly you will receive 1.6 credit points for each chapter which amounts to twenty (20) points for all twelve chapters.  The twenty (20) points is 20% of your grade.  If you receive a 1 that indicates your work was not fully completed. In essence you are receiving credit for answering questions that will help you understand each chapter.

 

*A research paper discussing and analyzing an urban problem by using concepts from the text book will represent 20% of your grade.  The research paper must be 10 pages long of content and have ten (10) certified references. You must submit your topic to me for approval by the course messages section of Blackboard. The research paper topic is due on September 18, 2020.  The research paper is due on November 3, 2020 at midnight. The front cover, references and table of contents do not count as a page.  There will be a section showing the research paper topics with a rubric.

 

*There will be four (4) tests given for this class.  Each test will represent 15% of your grade.  Therefore four tests will equate to sixty-percent (60%) of your grade.      

 

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

 

REQUIRED TEXTS:               

 

Kelvin B. Smith and Alan Greenblatt, Governing State and Localities (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing 2018)

 

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:      

 

The textbook Governing States and Localities 6^th Edition is a required document for the course.

 

 

 

SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS

 

SUGGESTED READINGS/TEXTS:     

 

To be determined during the span of the course as it relates to current events and developing concepts at the state and local level in America

 

 

SUGGESTED MATERIALS:  

 

The use of the internet with search engine applications will more readily give students quick access to information needed for referencing and clarification of course materials.

 

 

 

GRADING POLICY

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING POLICY

 

94% and above	A		76% – 74%	C
93% – 90%	A-		73% – 70%	C-
89% – 87%	B+		69% – 67%	D+
86% – 84%	B		66% – 60%	D
83% – 80%	B-		59% – 0%	F
79% – 77%	C+

 

For GRADUATE COURSES:See 2019-2020 Graduate Catalog p.38 for graduate grading scale and Non-Graded Courses

 

 

GRADING ALLOCATION         

 

Course grades are based on a weighted grading scale of 100%. The breakdown for the course is as follows:[Faculty, please adjust according to your course.]

 

• Weekly Chapter Assigned Questions Responses20%
• Comprehensive Research Papers20%
• Tests (4) 60%
• Final Total 100%

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

 

USE OF BLACKBOARD AS THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

 

Blackboard is the primary online instructional and course communications platform. Students can access the course syllabus, assignments, grades, and learner support resources. Students are encouraged to protect their login credentials, complete a Blackboard orientation and log in daily to course.

 

MAKE-UP EXAMS

 

 

 

See << Update Academic Year>>Undergraduate Bulletin:

                        https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/bulletins/index.php

 

For GRADUATE STUDENTS:See 2019-20 Graduate Catalog p. 54

EXTRA CREDIT

 

Extra credit work may be given based on the performance and comprehension of students understanding the subject matter discussed and the need to further explain critical and basic viewpoints.

 

LATE WORK

 

Late work is allowed when there is a validated excuse.

 

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

 

Special assignments are given to help explain critical and important viewpoints on the subject matter.

 

For GRADUATE STUDENTS:FAILING TO MEET COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Graduate Catalog p.40)

 

For GRADUATE STUDENTS:CLASS ATTENDANCE (see 2019-20 Graduate Catalog p. 53-54)

 

Students are expected to attend class and participate on a regular basis in order to successfully achieve course learning outcomes and meet federal financial aid requirements (34 CFR 668.22). Class attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in academically-related course activities. Active participation may consist of course interactions with the content, classmates, and/or the instructor.Examples of academically-related course activities include, but are not limited to:

 

• Completing and submitting assignments, quizzes, exams, and other activities within Blackboard or through Blackboard (3rd-party products).

 

• Participating in course-related synchronous online chats, discussions, or meeting platforms such as Blackboard Collaborate in which participation is tracked.

 

CLASSROOM CITIZENSHIP

 

Courtesy, civility and respect must be the hallmark of your interactions.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

 

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to following the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability,you must initiate the request with the Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS) and provide documentation in accordance withthe Documentation Guidelines at N.C. A&T. Once documentation is received, it will be reviewed. Once approved, you must attend a comprehensive meeting to receive appropriate and reasonable accommodations. If you are a student registered with OARS, youmust complete the Accommodation Request Form to have accommodations sent to faculty.

 

OARSis located in Murphy Hall, Suite 01.We can be reached at 336-334-7765, or by email at accessibilityresources@ncat.edu. Additional information and forms can be found on the web at https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/accessibility-resources/index.php.

 

Please note:Accommodations are not retroactive and begin once the Disability Verification Form is provided to faculty.

 

TITLE IX

 

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students—free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. Sexual misconduct and relationship violence in any form are inconsistent with the university’s mission and core values, violate university policies, and may also violate federal and state law.Faculty members are considered “Responsible Employees” and are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and relationship violence to the Title IX Coordinator. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, please visit the Title IX website to access information about university support and resources. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact the Counseling Services 336-334-7727 or the Student Health Center 336-334-7880.

 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

 

If you experience any problems with your A&T account, you may call Client Technology Services (formerly Aggie Tech Support and Help Desk) at 336-334-7195, or visit https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/its/dept/ats/index.php.

 

FIELD TRIP POLICIES / OFF-CAMPUS INSTRUCTION AND COURSE ACTIVITIES

 

      If applicable:

 

Off-campus, out-of-state and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and university policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information regarding these rules and regulations may be found athttps://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/index.php.

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-handbook.php

 

STUDENT TRAVEL PROCEDURES AND STUDENT TRAVEL ACTIVITY WAIVER

 

https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/student-affairs/staff-resources/studen_activity_travel_waiver.pdf

 

 

OTHER POLICIES (e.g., Copyright Guidelines, Confidentiality, etc.)

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-handbook.php

 

Graduate Catalog

 

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

 

https://www.ncat.edu/legal/title-ix/sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-policies/index.php

 

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

 

https://www.ncat.edu/registrar/ferpa.php

 

STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

 

https://www.ncat.edu/current-students/student-complaint-form.php

 

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

 

North Carolina A&T State University has rules and regulations that govern student conduct and discipline meant to ensure the orderly and efficient conduct of the educational enterprise. It is the responsibility of each student to be knowledgeable about these rules and regulations.

 

Please consult the following about specific policies such as academic dishonesty, cell phones, change of grade, disability services, disruptive behavior, general class attendance, grade appeal, incomplete grades, make up work, student grievance procedures, withdrawal, etc.:

 

• Undergraduate Bulletin

https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/bulletins/index.php

 

• Graduate Catalog

https://www.ncat.edu/tgc/graduate-catalog/index.php

 

• Student Handbook

https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-handbook.php

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

 

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following:

 

1. Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of cheating or other academic dishonesty;
2. Plagiarism (unauthorized use of another’s words or ideas as one’s own), which includes but is not limited to submitting exams, theses, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other materials as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by or copied from another person;
3. Unauthorized possession of exams or reserved library materials; destroying or hiding source, library or laboratory materials or experiments or any other similar actions;
4. Unauthorized changing of grades, or marking on an exam or in an instructor’s grade book or such change of any grade record;
5. Aiding or abetting in the infraction of any of the provisions anticipated under the general standards of student conduct;
6. Hacking into a computer and gaining access to a test or answer key prior to the test being given. A&T reserves the right to search the emails and computers of any student suspected of such computer hacking if a police report of the suspected hacking was submitted prior to the search; and
7. Assisting another student in violating any of the above rules.

 

A student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty has failed to meet a basic requirement of satisfactory academic performance. Thus, academic dishonesty is not only a basis for disciplinary action but may also affect the evaluation of a student’s level of performance. Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action.

 

In instances where a student has clearly been identified as having committed an act of academic dishonesty, an instructor may take appropriate disciplinary action, including a loss of credit for an assignment, exam or project; or awarding a grade of “F” for the course, subject to review and endorsement by the chairperson and dean.

 

For GRADUATE STUDENTS:Reference for academic dishonesty – 2010-2020 Graduate Catalog, p.58-59

 

            For GRADUATE STUDENTS:STUDENT RELIGIOUS OBSEDRVANCE (see Graduate Catalog, p.55)

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR

 

Include topics, reading assignments, due dates, exam dates, withdrawal dates, pre-registration and registration dates, all holidays and convocations.*

 

MONTH	DAY	SUBJECT	READING IN TEXT, ACTIVITY, HOMEWORK, EXAM
Aug	28, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter-1- Introduction to State and Local Government	Text Book Homework
Sept	4, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter-2-Federalism	Text Book Homework
Sept	10, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter-3- Constitutions	Text Book Homework
Sept	11-12, 2020	Exam I Covering Chapters 1-3	Exam I-Test Book Chapter Questions
Sept	18, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter -4- Finance Research Paper Topic is due	Text Book Homework
Sept	25, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter -5- Political Attitudes and Participation	Text Book Homework
Oct	1, 2020	Written Responses to Question for Chapter -6- Parties and Interest Groups	Text Book Homework
Oct	2-3, 2020	Exam II Covering Chapters 4-6	Exam II Text Book Chapter Questions
Oct	9, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter-7- Legislatures	Text Book Homework
Oct	16, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter-8- Governors and Executives	Text Book Homework
Oct	23, 2020	Written Responses to Questions for Chapter -9-Courts	Text Book Homework
Oct	30-31, 2020	Exam III Covering Chapters 7-9	Text Book Homework
Nov	3, 2020	Research Paper is due at Midnight	Research
Nov	6, 2020	Written Responses for Chapter -10-Bureaucracy	Text Book Homework
Nov	13, 2020	Written Responses for Chapter -11- Local Government	Text Book Homework
Nov	20, 2020	Written Responses for Chapter-12-Metropolitics	Text Book Homework
Dec	7-9, 2020	Final Exam Chapters 1-12	Text Book Homework

 

* These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading Rubric for Research Papers

 

1. Structure = 25 points
2. Introduction
3. Body
4. Conclusion
5. Footnotes, or Endnotes
6. Bibliography

 

1. Mechanics = 25 points
2. Grammar (including proper use of words)
3. Sentence structure and phrasing
4. Overall readability and flow of material in paper
5. Correct format and usage of footnotes or endnotes
6. Correct format for bibliography

 

• Content = 50 points

1. Is it apparent that student is familiar with their source?
2. How well does students prove her/his point?
3. Does the student use valid comparisons and contrasts?
4. Does the introduction give a thorough overview of paper?
5. How well does the paper address its thesis/mission?
6. Does the student use concepts and viewpoints from the text book?
7. Did the student use innovative approaches to prove points in the paper?
8. Does the conclusion bring the paper to a proper close?