College of San Mateo
Course Outline
New Course
Update/No change
Course Revision (Minor)
Course Revision (Major)
Date: April 27, 2007
Department:
Political Science
Number:
Course Title:
National, State and Local Governments Units: 5.0
Hours/Week:
Lecture: 5.0
Lab:
Length of Course
Letter
)
Open entry/Open exit
1.
By Arrangement:
Grading
Semester-long
Short course (Number of weeks
200
Credit/No Credit
Grade Option (letter or Credit/No Credit)
Prerequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
None.
2.
Corequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
None.
3.
Recommended Preparation (Attach Enrollment Validation Form.)
Eligibility for ENGL 838 or 848 and completion of READ 400, 405, or 415 with a grade of C or
higher OR concurrent enrollment in READ 400, 405, or 415 OR appropriate skill level as indicated
by the reading placement tests or other measures.
4.
Catalog Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation.)
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for ENGL 838 or 848 and completion of READ 400, 405, or
415 with a grade of C or higher OR concurrent enrollment in READ 400, 405, or 415 OR
appropriate skill level as indicated by the reading placement tests or other measures.
Not open to students who have taken PLSC 210 or 310 or a comparable course in American or
state institutions.
Established primarily for students whose major is political science, prelaw, criminology, or allied
behavioral or social sciences. Introduction to the principles and problems of American
government at the national, state, and local levels. Examines intergovernmental relationships
from a functional point of view. Emphasizes American federalism, judicial review, the political
process in nation and state, civil liberties, foreign policy, and the role of the citizen at all levels
of government. (Satisfies the American Institutions and California State and Local Government
requirements.) (CSU/UC*)
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 1 of 9
5.
Class Schedule Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation.)
American federal system: basic institutions, politics, civil liberties, and issues of public policy.
Not open to students who have had PLSC 210 or 310 or a comparable course in American or state
institutions.
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for ENGL 848 or 838 and completion of READ 400, 405 or
415 with a grade of C or higher OR concurrent enrollment in READ 400, 405, or 415 OR
appropriate skill level as indicated by the reading placement tests or other measures.
(CSU/UC*)
6.
Student Learning Outcomes (Identify 1-6 expected learner outcomes using active verbs.)
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. critically evaluate both state and federal constitutions as living documents;
2. describe federalism through the relationships between state and federal governments;
3. discuss separation of powers, balance of power, and checks and balances inherent in and
among the three branches of government at both the state and the federal level;
4. describe the political sysstem and process of both the state and national governments;
5. articulate major current issues, policy initiatives and problems facing the state of
California and the nation as a whole;
6. demonstrate knowledge of how national, state and local governments function in the
United States and California.
7.
Course Objectives (Identify specific teaching objectives detailing course content and activities.
For some courses, the course objectives will be the same as the student learning outcomes. If
this is the case, please simply indicate this in this section).
Same as the student learning outcomes.
8.
Course Content (Brief but complete topical outline of the course that includes major subject
areas [1-2 pages]. Should reflect all course objectives listed above. In addition, you may attach
a sample course syllabus with a timeline.)
I.
The nature of the State and Government in its variations.
2.
The origins and formative factors involving American political institutions.
3.
An analysis of the constitutions of the United States and California.
4.
Federalism and other concepts and practices regarding the interrelationships of
governmental units.
5.
The judicial system and the role of the U. S. Supreme Court.
6.
Civil liberties and civil rights.
7.
The dynamics of the political process: public opinion, parties, nominations and elections.
8.
The organization, power and functions of legislative bodies from city council to Congress.
9.
The executive and administrative branches of government and their dynamic operations.
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 2 of 9
10.
Major public policy issues: foreign policy and military control; fiscal policies; welfare,
urban, ecological, technological problems; public trust, etc.
All aspects of this course depend for their emphasis upon events and circumstances prevalent and
relevant in any given semester.
9.
Representative Instructional Methods (Describe instructor-initiated teaching strategies that
will assist students in meeting course objectives. Include examples of out-of-class assignments,
required reading and writing assignments, and methods for teaching critical thinking skills.)
Lecture/discussion. Films/DVDs/audio tapes, etc., to enhance presentations. Small discussion
groups. Group/individual presentations. Term papers/reports/reviews. Occasional guest
speakers.
10.
Representative Methods of Evaluation (Describe measurement of student progress toward
course objectives. Courses with required writing component and/or problem-solving emphasis
must reflect critical thinking component. If skills class, then applied skills.)
Essay and objective examinations; written critical analyses of selected and topical issues; class
discussion and critical analysis of text, lecture, and outside (e.g., newspaper, periodical,
electronic) materials.
11.
Representative Text Materials (With few exceptions, texts need to be current. Include
publication dates.)
Karen O'Connor and Larry J. Sabato. American Government: Continuity and Change, 8/E
(Pearson Longman, 2006).
Michael Parenti. Democracy for the Few, 5/E (Parenti, 2007).
David G. Lawrence. California: The Politics of Diversity, 5/E (Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007).
Mona Field. California Government and Politics Today, 11/E (Pearson Longman, 2007).
Prepared by:
(Signature)
Email address:
armitage@smccd.edu
Submission Date:
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 3 of 9
DESCRIPTION
Established primarily for students whose major is political science, prelaw, criminology, or allied behavioral and
social sciences. Introduction to the principles and problems of American government at the national, state and local
levels. Examines intergovernmental relationships from a functional point of view. Empha-sizes American
federalism, judicial review, the political process in the nation and state, civil liberties, foreign policy, and the role of
the citizen at all levels of government.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The United States of America is one of the largest and doubtless the most powerful nation-state in the world today.
For the past sixty years since the end of World War II, it has been hailed and often described as the "arsenal of
democracy." The U.S.A. is a country predicated in its Declaration of Independence (and ceaselessly in the rhetoric
of national leaders) on the inalienable rights of all persons to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is a country
built upon the beliefs and ideals of countless scores of immigrants (even today, 1 out of 11 legal residents of the
United States is an immigrant) and the almost complete annihilation of it's own native inhabitants. It is in short, a
land of contrasts, well worthy of study in it's own right.
The purpose of this course, stated briefly, is to acquaint you with national, state, and local government both in terms
of the historic perspective and in terms of today's realities. We will examine ideals and beliefs of the "founding
fathers," and what has become of their original prescriptions. One of the primary objectives of this course is to
engage its students in critical thinking and to stimulate spirited yet civil discussions on the subject of government
and politics. It is our belief that democracy can only truly flourish in the presence of informed, discerning and
critical judgment on the part of those governed, and that even a representative democracy (as opposed to a direct
democracy) will benefit from such a constituency. To this end, you will be exposed to as wide a range of
perspectives as possible in the brief time available, and will be expected to speak out and deliver forth your own
considered understanding as well.
The course will be divided among three major approaches. The first approach will be a broad based overview of
political theories and concepts of government. We will evaluate different approaches to the art and the systems of
governance, and consider where the United States of America fits into this broader tapestry. We will also examine
in this section the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and (though to a lesser extent) the California
Constitution, as the basic frameworks of national, state, and local government. The second part of the course will
take into consideration the institutions of government. By this we mean the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government, and the bureaucracy, which in many ways has taken on a life of its own. The third part of
this course will examine problems and policy outcomes, which have come to characterize the governance of the
United States of America as well as that of California. We propose, here, to examine such questions as civil rights
and civil responsibilities, domestic and foreign policy evolution and outcomes and which factors can be said to
influence or decide such outcomes, as well as emergent trends and problems. In addition, as this is an election year,
we will also cover to some extent our electoral process, and all of its inherent promises, inadequacies, and abject
failures.
While we recognize that many of you will be studying national, state, and local government as a require-ment, and
may have had little exposure to- or interest in this field, we hope to make this course stimulating as well as
educational. We will touch upon many controversial subjects relevant to your lives now and in the future. We will
also attempt as much as possible to demonstrate to you how connected politics and government are to your personal
lives, and why it may be to your advantage to participate or at least to know why you might choose not to do so.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
I. Attendance: Attendance at all class sessions is expected of all students. Although formal roll-call may or may
not be conducted during class sections and are at the sole discretion of the instructor, attendance is to be considered
as a vital part of the course grade and will most definitely be factored into the final course grade. Absences will
only be excused in case of illness or for college-sponsored events. Please be clear on this: excessive absences (5 or
more) will be grounds for the instructor to drop any student, unless a valid reason for those absences is given,
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 4 of 9
and arriving over 10 minutes late will in most cases be considered the equivalent of one absence. This may seem
harsh, but late arrivals spoil the concentration of the class, and of the instructor, and waste time; one of our most
precious commodities. While civility and responsibility may no longer be expected in our society, they will be
expected in this course. In this respect, as well, upon entering the classroom, you would be wise to turn off cellphones, pagers, tamagochis, and other annoying beeping instruments.
Attendance is mandatory for all examinations, and make-up exams will be allowed only at the discretion of the
instructor. Make-ups will generally only be allowed in cases of illness (documented by a physician) and welldefined, mandatory college-sponsored events. If you must miss an exam, you will be expected to inform your
instructor reasonably in advance of the test date. (Calling me at home the night before an exam is not reasonable.)
Students allowed to take make-up exams will be faced with essay questions, regardless of whether or not the original
midterm was made up of multiple-choice (guess) questions.
An important part of the attendance grade is made up of participation. You are not simply expected to show up, and
be lectured to in this course. You are expected to think, and based upon your thoughts, to voice opinions. The ideal
student in this course will actually complete his/her readings sometime before the course, and will have given the
topic in question some thought prior to his/her attendance in class. Participation consists thereafter in discussion, in
the raising of questions, and even in openly disagreeing with the assumptions and conclusions of the instructor. You
have no idea how well received such critical thinking will be. Like welcome rain on a parched desert…
II. Grades: Your course grade will be determined by a composite of several grades taken during the term. You
will be expected to face a rather comprehensive set of midterms, and a final course examination, in addition to
participating in course discussions, which will be held as often as possible over the duration of this course.
The grades will be factored as follows:
Mid-term 1
Mid-term 2
Final
Attendance
Participation
Composite total
25%
25%
30%
10%
10%
100%
III. Reading Assignments: The reading assignments indicated in the syllabi for each session of the term are
mandatory and you are most strongly enjoined to have thoroughly completed these readings prior to each course.
This point is of great importance because a thorough reading of your assignments prior to class will give you a much
greater understanding of the facts and concepts you will be taught during course hours. This will feed directly into
your ability to excel in the study of this subject. Although, by necessity, some of the assignments are more arduous
than others, all have been pared down to the bare minimum to ensure comprehension of each week’s topic. You are
of course encouraged to broaden your understanding of the various topics by consulting the readings listed as
optional in the syllabus, but will not be tested or quizzed directly based upon this additional material.
You will also be expected, though not necessarily required, to read a high-quality newspaper on a daily basis. (A
good choice here might include: The San Francisco Chronicle.) Such reading should be supplemented with, but not
replaced by, the reading of such periodicals as The Economist. The above supplemental readings will prove of great
use both in participating in discussion sections and in understanding much of the background information, which
you will have been expected to have assimilated prior to attending this class. Regular attendance, and active
participation in discussions will make up a hefty percentage of your final grade. You would be well advised to keep
this point in mind while completing each week's readings. A thorough knowledge of current affairs will prove most
useful in understanding the applications of the theory that you will be learning and its articulation to events in the
real world outside of the classroom.
IV. Midterms, and Finals: Several provisions will be made to render the midterms and the final somewhat less
formidable and frightening. The first midterm will usually follow a multiple-choice (guess) /true-false format, with
questions made up by the instructor based upon that which was covered in class, and/or assigned as required
reading. As for the essay-based second midterm, I can generally be counted upon to hand out a sheet of questions
from among which the examination questions will be drawn roughly a week prior to the actual midterm. I do not
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 5 of 9
generally favor trick questions, and will not knowingly ask you to answer such. Also, I do not seek to use midterms
or the final as a form of punishment, and can guarantee you that if you do complete the readings in a timely
manner and regularly attend and participate in all lectures and discussions, there is no reason for you to
receive anything but an exemplary grade. Finally, even if you “crash and burn” on either midterm or the final, the
fact that each midterm only constitutes twenty-five percent-, and the final another thirty percent of your grade
should give you some chance to recoup your losses... The grade to be awarded for the final twenty percent of the
completed course grade will consist of a mix of attendance and participation. Impeccable but passive attendance
(whether awake or asleep) is not a substitute for actively taking part in course discussions. You are encouraged to
present and defend your views most vigorously, and will never be penalized for taking a stand which disagrees with
that of the instructor. You are, however, encouraged to base your views on logic which can be defended, and to
buttress your position with examples wherever possible. To further enhance your chances, I will place one or two
copies of our course study-guide in the reserve-book area of the library.
V. Other Addenda: The asking of questions is highly encouraged, and time will be provided for question/answer
sessions either during the lecture, for a few minutes prior to the course recess or during discussion sessions. You are
requested to wait until such periods for asking your questions and it is recommended that these be written down
while they are still fresh in your memory. If you feel that your question has not been sufficiently addressed in the
question/answer/discussion periods, you are by all means encouraged to pursue the question during my office hours,
which are generally provided by prior arrangement. Office hours are provided for the benefit of the students and
should be taken advantage of. As a general (but not inflexible) rule, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday courses will
be devoted to the study of national level- and Thursday, Friday courses to the study of state and local levelgovernment. Again, as a general rule, Wednesday and Friday courses will be, in large part, devoted to discussion
and class participation. Depending upon class make-up and class dynamics, the formula finally adopted could end
up being radically different...
Finally, in cases of dissatisfaction with a grade received, students are requested to provide the instructor with a
concisely (and, preferably, politely) written statement, explaining or justifying your objection with reference to the
usual academic criteria involved in the grading of midterms, finals and participatory activity.
Political Science 200 Student Learning Objectives: The successful student, at the conclusion of the course will be
able to: -Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate both state and federal constitutions as living documents. Demonstrate an understanding of Federalism through the relationships between state and federal governments. Demonstrate an understanding of the separation of powers, balance of power, and checks and balances inherent in
and among the three branches of government at both the state and the federal level. -Demonstrate a familiarity with
the political system and process of both the state and national governments. -Demonstrate a working knowledge of
how to access the political process by participating in one’s rights and duties as a citizen. -Articulate major current
issues, policy initiatives and problems facing the nation.
READINGS AND COURSE OUTLINE
Readings:
The required course textbooks are:
Karen O’Conner & Larry J. Sabato, American Government: Continuity and Change, 2006 Edition, Pearson
Education, Inc., 2006.
ISBN # 0-321-20918-4
David G. Lawrence, California: The Politics of Diversity, 4th ed., California: Thomson Wadsworth, 2006.
ISBN # 0-534-60234-7
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 6 of 9
Course Outline:
PART I: POLITICAL THEORIES AND CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT
January 16-19: Introduction to the subject, textbooks, syllabus, instructor and the students. We will begin this
course with a quick overview of western political theory of the Social Contract era and beyond, and how this all
relates to the present domestic (U.S.) forms of national, state and local governance.
Readings:
* Selected hand-outs from instructor
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 1
* Lawrence, California:…, Chs. 1, & 2
January 22-30: An in-depth introduction to the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. We will first take a quick
look at the historical conditions, which led to the formulation of a new form of government to replace the system set
up by the Articles of Confederation. We will than examine both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights with a view
to the changes and institutions they brought into play. This will be followed by the view from the state level. The
1849 & 1879 California Constitutions: similarities, differences, and whither hence? Be forewarned, some critical
analysis will be asked of you at this point in the course… Civil Liberties and their evolution will also enter into the
fray, as they relate directly to the Bill of Rights, and disagreements thereto.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 2
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch 3
January 31-February 2: An evaluation of unitary, federal and confederal systems of government, and the institutions
of governance which tend to evolve based upon the constraints of each type. How did the evolution of the U.S. from
a confederal to a federal system of government affect the resultant system? We will also consider the dynamics of
our federal system, and how it has evolved over the past 200+ years. How the present federal system affects- and is
affected by California. (Also, after a brief review on February 1st , the first midterm, consisting of multiplechoice(guess) & true/false questions, covering Part I of the course, will be held on Friday, February 2nd. Sorry to
hit you with it so quickly, but we need to get this midterm out of the way as early as possible.)
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 3
PART II: THE INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
February 5-9: Congress: the legislative branch of the U.S. government. The composition of Congress and it's
evolution over time. The changes in function and power of the legislative branch of government. Recent trends and
problems facing the legislative branch. The California legislature.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 7
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch. 7
February 12-15: The Presidency: the executive branch of the U.S. government. The evolution of the office of the
President of the U.S. over time. The changes in function and power of the executive branch of government. Recent
trends and problems facing the executive branch. The executive leader of California: the Governor.
Readings:
18 May 2007
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 8
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch. 8
Course Outline
Page 7 of 9
February 20-23: The Supreme Court: the judicial branch of the U.S. government. The power of Judicial Review.
The composition of the Supreme Court and it's evolution over time. The changes in function and power of the
judicial branch of government. Recent trends and problems facing the judicial branch. The California judiciary and
how it measures up.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 10
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch. 9
February 26-March 1: The Bureaucracy. It's development and growth over time. The function and power of
bureaucracy. Recent trends and problems facing the regulatory and administrative arm of the U.S. government. The
"Iron Triangle" problem, and its results. The extension and growth of the bureaucracy at the state level. How
special interest groups and lobbying affect the mix in our pluralistic system. How hyperpluralism adversely affects
California, and its political system.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 9
* Lawrence, California:…, Pp. 170-173
March 2: Generalized review of Parts I & II of the course as well as discussion of selected issues intended to
highlight various aspects of the lectures delivered to this point. Followed on Monday, March 5th, by the second
midterm: a choice from among essay questions handed out previously, covering primarily Part II of the course.
Readings:
* Review materials from both books.
PART III: PROBLEMS AND POLICY OUTCOMES
March 6-20: (Yes, I know, a whole 2 weeks!) The political party system in the U.S. and in California. The party
spectrum, party politics, and party platforms. We will examine voting and elections at the national and state levels.
We will also take a special look at the most recent presidential and gubernatorial elections, with particular
consideration given to the issues (or lack thereof) considered, the choices offered (twiddledum & twiddledummer),
the far less-than-democratic outcome (vote rigging), campaign finance abuses (aka: bribery), and probable effects of
choices made in the near-, medium-, and long-term (unjustifiable wars & impending national & state bankruptcy).
You may not enjoy this, but the less-than-savory truths about our “democratic system” must come out at some point
in your education.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapters 12, & 13
* Lawrence, California:…, Chs. 4, 5, & 6
* Selected video from professor highlighting our electoral mess.
March 21-30: Civil Rights and Civil Responsibilities. The growth, evolution and ongoing struggle for the extension
of greater civil-, gender- , and equality- rights. Recent trends and problems facing these rights in the U.S. and the
challenge of diversity in California. The internment issue and its ramifications will also be given some scrutiny, in
light of recent moves on the part of our government, to rob us of our constitutionally guaranteed rights as citizens.
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 6
* Lawrence, California:…, Pp. 269-275
* Selected video from professor covering the latest challenge to our civil rights.
April 9-13: A special look at the problems, progress and overall evolution of Local government in the US. We will
examine in some depth particular issues facing California in this regard, with special attention given to the more
recent burdens placed upon local officials by the state-level of government.
Readings:
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch. 10
April 16-20: Economic policy-making and policy outcomes. The evolution of budgetary policy. Recent trends and
problems on the economic policy front. A return to record-breaking yearly deficits. The Balanced Budget
Amendment: a joke or a sham? The California economy: not so different, or is it (or, how could the Gubinator
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 8 of 9
denounce his predecessor’s reliance on bond measures, while doing exactly the same thing since he has attained the
office)?
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 18
* Lawrence, California:…, Ch. 11
April 23-May 4: The evolution of foreign policy formulation. Recent trends and problems on the foreign policy
front. How is United States foreign policy managed (or mismanaged), and can it be improved upon? Does our
foreign policy consistently have to be military and aggressive in nature? How is it likely to change in the future?
California and the Pacific Rim: can and should California have its own foreign policy positions?
Readings:
* O’Connor & Sabato, American Government…, Chapter 19
* Selected hand-outs, and/or a selected video from the instructor
May 7-18: “Crystal-Ball Time”: Problems, trends and proposed reforms on all three levels. Not simply how does it
work and where/when does our system fail, but how could and how should we make it work better? We will also be
looking at the place occupied by the United States in the world, and how we could make our participation in world
affairs more meaningful and less disruptive on many levels. Is there room for change? What might such change
entail in our lifestyles and how would it impinge upon our level of comfort. (At this level in particular, I will be
relying upon your input in discussions and the injection of your ideas and ideals to give this theme some connections
to the world in which you live. Warning: some critical thinking and analysis will be called for in this section of the
course.) Finally, we will also hold review sessions covering the concepts, content and terminology of the entire
course at this point in time. The Finals (which are supposed to occur on Friday, May 25th [8:10-10:40]) will be
comprehensive and of the multiple-choice (guess)/true-false variety
Readings:
* Selected hand-outs from the instructor
Please Note:
While your instructor would like to be able to say that this syllabus is final and definitive, experience has taught him
that such claims are at best foolish. Depending upon events, the schedule set forth will be, at the very least,
amenable to rapid change and revision. Until such is announced, however, you will be expected to have completed
the readings listed for each week prior to that week’s first course.
18 May 2007
Course Outline
Page 9 of 9