Academic Courses
Course Descriptions
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 109 | State and Local Government | (3-0) 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Course Description
This course is an introductory study of America’s state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the nature of state constitutions, the structure and operation of state executive/legislative/judicial branches, and the organization and functioning of local governments. State/federal and state/local relations will also be covered in this course. Students will engage in analysis of decision-makers, power and controversial issues.
Prerequisites
(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)
- None.
Course Competencies
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Explain the importance of state and local governments in the American federal system.
- Investigate levels of political participation by individuals and groups in state and local politics.
- Apply basic terms used in the study of state and local government.
- Analyze current events to illustrate academic theories on state and local government.
- Evaluate how state legislatures fulfill their constitutional and democratic responsibilities.
- Characterize the role that local governments play within the larger arena of state politics.
- Evaluate how governors fulfill their political and legal roles.
- Investigate the state judiciary's structure and role in settling legal disputes.
- Analyze the formation and implementation of state and local public policy.
Note: This course may not be offered every semester.
Please check the POLS section of the current course schedule for availability.