Georgia Regents University
Department of Political Science
State Government (POLS 4101 A)
Semester: Fall 2014
Class Time: M and W 2:30pm-3:45pm
Office Hours: 10:00-11:30am MWF
Instructor: Dwight Johnson
Contact Phone: 706-373-6081
E-mail: djohns23@gru.edu
Course Objective
This course is intended to examine the organizational forms, functions, and procedures of state governments.
This class will focus on the basic institutions as well as a broad spectrum of public policy issues that affect
governing in the states. Emphasis will be placed on the government and constitution of Georgia, although
regional and state infrastructures will also be covered.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will learn about the historical evolution of federal-state relations in the United States.
2. Students will develop an understanding of the framework created by the Georgia Constitution.
3. Students will develop an understanding of the public policy challenges facing federal-state relations and
the Georgia system in particular.
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 with a grade of C or better.
Required Readings
Bowman, Ann O’M. and Kearney, Richard C. State and Local Government. 8th Edition. Boston:
Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2008.
ISBN: 978-0-495-80265-5
Attendance Policy/Participation
You are required to be present at all class meetings. Tardiness (defined as 5 or more minutes late) will
cost you attendance for the day. Perfect attendance will be rewarded with 5 bonus points on the final
exam. After the fourth absence you will be given an F for the course. There will be no extra credit in this
class.
Avoid late arrivals or early departures as they disrupt the class. Except for emergencies, do not leave the
class early unless you have discussed the issue with me beforehand (there is no returning after you leave
class).
Georgia Regents University
Department of Political Science
Other Policies:
Academic integrity: I do not tolerate cheating. Cheating, in any of its forms, is a serious offense to the
university that compromises the learning process of the violators as well as their classmates. Ultimately, the
reputation of the institution is at risk. For these reasons students are expected to understand the provisions in
the Catalog that address academic dishonesty and the penalties for it, and to conduct themselves with
integrity in their academic efforts. To that end, students are expected to follow both the letter and the spirit of
academic honesty and to consult with their instructors in advance whenever they feel that those ethical
standards may be at risk. Cheating will result in an F in the class and possible expulsion from the university.
Classroom decorum: According to university policy, eating and drinking is prohibited in the classroom;
sleeping or resting your head on your desk is not allowed during class; turn off cell phones and pagers before
coming to class (ringing cell phones constitute disruptive behavior); no looking at cell phones; no TMing or
wearing earplugs and Bluetooth devices. Laptop use for any purpose other than taking notes in class
constitutes disruptive behavior. Failure to comply with these rules constitutes disruptive behavior and may
result in withdrawal from the course with a WF.
Due Dates
Students are expected to meet deadlines for turning in work. Late work will not be accepted. Emailed work
will not be accepted. In the event the student misses a class, assignments should be sent with another
student. Extensions will not be granted.
If you miss an exam without prior permission from me you will receive a zero for the missed exam.
Students who cannot take a test because of illness have to produce documentation and all make-ups will be
scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.
Disability/Special Needs
If you have special needs and wish to receive accommodations in class, please contact the Office of
Disability Services in Galloway Hall.
Evaluation and Grades
The grades for this course will be comprised of 1 exam, a Research Paper and Presentation, a midterm, and
final.
Grading Scale
627-700
557-626
487-556
417-486
416 and below
Grading Breakdown
A
B
C
D
F
Exams (100 pts each)
Paper and Presentation
Midterm
Final
TOTAL
100 points possible
200 points possible
200 points possible
200 points possible
700 possible points