Syllabi for Fraser

State and Local Government
POS 2112 - State and Local Government

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Name:  POS 2112 - State and Local Government

Term/Year:  Fall 2021

Credit Hours:  3.0

Campus/Building/Room:  On-line

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor:  Professor Jim Fraser

Email:  jfraser10@mail.valenciacollege.edu

Phone:  (571) 383-8289

Office Hours:  I will be available by appointment during the semester.

IMPORTANT DATES

Start Date:  August 23, 2021

End Date:  December 12, 2021

Drop/Refund Deadline:  August 30, 2021 (11:59PM)

Withdrawal Deadline:  October 29, 2021 (11:59PM)

College Closed:  September 6, 2021 (Labor Day); November 11, 2021 (Veterans Day); November 24-28, 2021 (Thanksgiving Week)

College Calendar: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar

TEXTBOOK & REQUIRED MATERIALS

Here is the textbook we'll be using this semester:

Governing States and Localities, 7th Edition

Kevin B. Smith and Alan Greenblatt

February 2019 | 584 pages | CQ Press

ISBN:  9781544325422

There is a very useful resource at  SAGE edge where you can access a great deal of information on the course material.  This free website includes learning objectives, sample quizzes, multimedia links, and chapter summaries for our textbook.  The link follows:

https://edge.sagepub.com/smithgreenblatt7e

Please use this throughout the semester.  It'll be a great supplement to the course materials provided.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an in-depth study of state, county, and municipal government with an emphasis on contemporary problems. This is a Gordon Rule course that requires demonstration of college level writing skills through multiple assignments. A minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy the Gordon Rule requirement. Here are the prerequisites for this class: ENC 1101, ENC 1101H, or IDH 1110. I expect the best from my students, and you will need to study each week for at least 4-6 hours outside of this class.

COURSE OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

In this course, we will explore an analysis of the organization, structure, and operational dynamics of state and local governments in the United States.  Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on current issues that our country is addressing. In addition to our state and local focus, we will look at the federal government and we will examine how our government functions and interacts at all levels. There is no more crucial time in our nation’s recent history where an understanding of how our government works and how we as citizens can get involved is so important.

Here are our objectives for this course:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the core values supporting the democratic tradition of the United States.  In-depth study of state, county, and municipal government with emphasis on contemporary problems.
  2. Develop an understanding of the effects of government (at all levels in the United States) on citizens' lives and the effects of citizens on government in pursuit of social, political, and economic goals.
  3. Utilize critical thinking in analyzing political, social, and economic issues.

Grading Breakdown

Exams                                30%

Weekly Study Guides           24%

Discussion Postings              16%

Journal Entries                     20%

Special Project                     10% (Details to be announced)

Total                                   100%

Grading Scale

90% -100% A

89.9%-80% B

79.9%-70% C

69.9%- 60% D

59.9%- 50% and lower F

MODULES

Here you will find details and explanations about the assignments and resources found in the weekly course modules.  Modules appear the week we start a topic (Monday mornings at 12:01AM).  Some of the background material in the modules will be available now but the assignments due won't appear until the week of that module.  Please see the course calendar for upcoming module releases.  Specific dates and deadlines for module assignments can be found within each MODULE section.  Assignments are due at various times throughout each week and they will include study guides, discussions, journals, and exams.  Please don't hesitate to message, email, or call me if there any any questions on the modules.

EXAMS

There will be three course exams, each covering a separate section of our course material as noted.  There is not a final exam, the last exam covers the latter part of the course.  They are a significant part of your grade, worth 100 points each.  Exams will be multiple choice with 40 questions.  You'll have 90 minutes to take each exam and you have two attempts to complete it (each exam).  The questions will only cover material found in the textbook and other media presented in the weekly modules.  Additional instructions for the exams can be found in the module for that particular week.  Exams must be completed by the due date in the weeks that they are assigned and there are no exceptions for missed exams.

STUDY GUIDES

In most modules, there will be homework/study guides/outlines starting with Module 2.  Overall, there will be 10 study guide assignments worth 24 points each (Assignments).  These study outlines will be related to the textbook chapters.  These assignments will help with your overall understanding of the course material each week.  Please answer all questions fully, using details, events, and examples from your textbook readings.  Homework not turned in on time will not count.  You'll be able to submit your assignments by either attaching a word file or answering directly in the text box (after selecting "Submit Assignment").  You should save your study guide outlines to help prepare for the exams.

DISCUSSION POSTS

There will be 4 discussion postings this semester.  These are worth 40 points each, 20 for your original posting and 20 for replies to your peers as outlined in the specific discussion assignment.  Your original post should be around 100-200 words and should represent your original thought.  Once your original post has been completed, you will need to respond to 2 other posts from your fellow students, giving constructive and inquisitive thoughts to the discussion (50-100 words).  Due dates for these discussions will be listed in the modules.

To make a discussion post:

  1. Click on Discussions.
  2. Click on the appropriate "forum" as listed in the module assignments for that week.
  3. To make your own original post, click "create thread."  The subject of your thread should be your name.  You will have to make an original posting in order to see postings from your fellow students.
  4. To reply to another student, simply click on their name and a reply option will be available at the bottom of the box.

Discussion rules and procedures:

  1. Make sure you post on time.  Post by the deadlines in the modules.  Points will not be earned for late posts.
  2. Follow the instructions in your modules for the discussion posts to each points (see the rubric for Discussions).  Longer is not always better.  You will have specific questions to answer and make sure you stay with the topic for the week.  Clear and concise is fine as long as the question is answered well.
  3. Be original, thoughtful, and meaningful.
  4. When writing a post or response, avoid ALL CAPS, swearing, hate speech, text/chat language (lol, gr8, cuz, hashtags, etc.) and other forms of non-academic speech.  I expect that your posts will be well written with correct grammar and structure.
  5. Avoid responses that don't contribute to the conversation.  "I agree" or "I think the same as you do" don't contribute.  Back up your ideas in your original postings and replies with ideas from the text, news articles, laws, court cases, and other academic sources.
  6. Common courtesy and good manners are required.
  7. This is not a venue for "conspiracy theories."
  8. As noted above, hate speech will never be tolerated and will likely result in punishment consistent with the college policy for violation of the student code of conduct.
  9. Points will be deducted for not following these policies (see Rubrics for grading details).

JOURNAL ENTRIES

Journal entries are very different from discussion posts.  There will be 4 journal entries as outlined in the Modules and Assignments, with each one worth 50 points.  The journal entries, which may be an aspect of a module, include thoughts, questions, ideas, and critiques of the material.  These will only be visible to the student writing the entry and the instructor.  Other students will not be able to view journal entries.  Depending on the module instructions, the journal entry will deal with the week's topic as well as themes from previous weeks.  Prompts may also ask the student to watch or complete a video or exercise.

As noted for the Discussions, I expect that your journal entries will be original, thoughtful, and meaningful and they should be well written with correct grammar and structure.  Please support your journal entries with ideas from the text, news articles, laws, court cases, and other academic sources.  For grading criteria, please see the Rubric for Journal Entries.  At my discretion, exceptionally well-written and well-cited journal entries may receive up to 10 bonus points. 

CITATION OF SOURCES

When writing about political science topics (or for any assignment), citation of sources is critical.  When you cite facts, figures, and content, the reader (or in this case, your professor) needs to know where you got the information from.  Otherwise, the argument you're trying to make in the discussion post or journal entry falls flat.  For all assignments, please keep in mind these citation suggestions.  Here is very useful information on MLA citation of sources:  https://valenciacollege.edu/students/library/mla-apa-chicago-guides/.  If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

TECHNOLOGY ACCESS/SKILLS

Technology Requirements

Students should verify computer software and hardware requirements to ensure course work can be submitted successfully.  Since all assignments are submitted through Canvas (unless otherwise noted), access to a computer is required for this course.  Students have free access to computers at all Valencia campuses.  Canvas lists minimum computer specifications and supported browsers to ensure compatibility.  The Chrome browser is recommended.  Students are also encouraged to install the Canvas app on their Android phone or iPhone in order to receive mobile notifications and to access your courses via your mobile device.

Technical Skills

Students should consider the basic computer skills needed to be successful in this course, which include:

  • Reading and responding to emails
  • Software application skills (PowerPoint, Word, Office365, etc.)
  • Internet and library database browsing
  • Copying and pasting
  • Saving files in different formats
  • Working with attachments
  • File management

Canvas 101 is a free self-paced course available for student to learn more about using the Canvas learning management system we are using for this course.

Technology Privacy Policies

Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students.  Any use of student records and information in this course will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), including third party tools and services used in this course.  Privacy policies for the tools used in this course are listed below and at the point of use.

If you have any concerns or issues with any of these requirements or policies, please reach out to me.

TVCA STATEMENT/CORE COMPETENCIES

The course seeks to strengthen students’ skills applicable to Valencia’s Student Core Competencies: Think, Value, Communicate, and Act.  These are at the heart of the Valencia experience and provide the context for learning and assessment. You will be given the opportunities to develop and practice these competencies in this class. They are:

  1. Think – Think clearly and creatively analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in the many domains of human inquiry.
  2. Value – Make reasoned judgments and reasonable commitments.
  3. Communicate – Communicate with different audiences using varied means.
  4. Act – Act purposefully, effectively, and responsibly.

This course will further that process in the following ways: (1) Each student will come to value the role of the individual in American politics; (2) Each student will be encouraged to think about how American politics affect him/her; (3) Each student will be asked to communicate their own beliefs and values regarding American politics; (4) Each student will be encouraged to act upon their political beliefs and aspirations regarding American politics in a respectful and amiable manner. This course is also designed to meet Valencia College’s expectations on ethical responsibility.

COLLEGE POLICIES

In this course, you will experience a variety of learning activities to help you meet the course learning outcomes.  To have the most meaningful learning experience, I believe your experiences matter and it's important to connect what we learn to your "real world."  This means that active participation, timely submission of assignments, and ongoing dialogue are necessary for you to be successful.

Attendance Policy

This is an online course, available 24/7, managed through Canvas.  You must have access to the Internet to complete the course requirements.  Your attendance is important to your success in this course.  You're required to log into this Canvas course at least three times a week to document your participation and to ensure the timely submission of coursework.  In the event of an extended absence, you should contact me via email or phone as soon as possible to indicate the reason. If you do not access the course website or contact me letting me know of your absence for a period of seven consecutive days, you will be contacted and if there is no communication within 48 hours, you will be withdrawn from the course up until the withdraw deadline. After the withdraw deadline, students with an absence of more than 7 days will receive the final grade that is earned according to the course grading policy.

No-Show Policy

If you do not log in to the course during the first week and complete the Module 1 Discussion, you will be withdrawn from the class as a "no show".  As noted above, class attendance is required for online classes; students who are not actively participating in an online class and/or do not submit the required attendance activity or assignment by the scheduled due date must be withdrawn by the instructor at the end of the first week as a "no show".  If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.

Withdrawal Policy

Per Valencia policy, a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W.  A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A faculty member will withdraw a student up to the withdrawal deadline for violation of the class attendance policy.  A student who is withdrawn by faculty for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W”.  After the withdrawal deadline, faculty will not withdraw a student and the student will receive the grade earned at the end of the course.  Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.”  If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date.

College Student Conduct Policy

Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct.  As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Integrity

All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.  All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged.  If a student is caught submitting plagiarized work a first offense will result in a zero score on the assignment, a second offense will result a class grade of F.

Late Work/Makeup Policy

Late work will be accepted only if students provide written documentation of a medical emergency or ongoing medical condition that is submitted on the first day of the student's return to the course.

Copyright Policy

To avoid copyright infringement, any materials produced specifically for this class can ONLY be used during this term for this class.

Third Party Software & FERPA Policy

Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. Third party software privacy policies will be provided at the point of use within the course.Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. In making this commitment, the College wants to ensure that all faculty and staff are familiar with state and federal laws pertaining to student privacy, as well as College policies and procedures that have been implemented to help guarantee student privacy.

Third Exam Policy

The Third Exam (last week of the course) must be completed by the assigned day and time unless a student has documented proof of a medical emergency; the medical documentation must be submitted to the instructor by email within 24 hours of the student's medical release.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Valencia is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability.

Any student requiring course accommodations due to physical, emotional or learning disability must contact the instructor and provide a Notification to Instructor form by the end of the second week of class. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD at 407-582-2229.

BAYCARE STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Valencia College strives to ensure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. If needed, the counselor may refer the student to appropriate resources or to speak face-to-face with a licensed counselor.

COLLEGE LINKS

College Catalog

Valencia Policy Manual

Student Handbook

Microsoft Office Instructions for free software

Course Support: onsite, online tutoring, writing help, etc.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

All dates and deadlines for assignments will be outlined in the Modules and also in Assignments.  Be sure to read through these each week to ensure you know what is expected for that Module.  Changes to the course calendar and syllabus may be made at the discretion of the professor, and students will be notified of any changes via the Canvas Inbox conversations tool and in Announcements.  You will have adequate notice to any changes and it is the responsibility of the student to make note of any adjustments announced.  Please allow announcement emails to be received in your ATLAS email account.  To avoid any missed announcements, please log into the course in Canvas frequently.  Please contact me if you have any questions on any aspect of the course schedule, syllabus,  modules, assignments, and grading.