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POLS 0018 - California Government

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pols-0018/

Catalog Description Hours: 18 lecture Description: Introduction to politics and government in California. A survey of state and local institutions and processes. Fulfills California state and local government requirement for students who have taken the equivalent of POLS 0001 outside of California. Not open to students who have completed POLS 0005. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Place California state and local government into the context of relations with the federal government. CSLO #2: Outline the composition and interaction of the three branches of California’s government at the state level. CSLO #3: Outline the functions and composition of local government in California, identifying contrasts with the state government. CSLO #4: Explain the roles of ideas and social groups in political processes in the state. Effective Term Fall 2024 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 18 Outside of Class Hours 36 Total Student Learning Hours 54 Course Objectives 1. Discuss the evolution of the California constitution. 2. Identify and evaluate institutions and political processes at the state and local levels, referring to national institutions where appropriate. 3. Analyze contemporary political issues and policies in the state. 4. Outline civil liberties and civil rights in the state. 5. Analyze the influence of social diversity and ideologies in shaping public opinion and policy in the state. 6. Explain how to participate effectively in politics at the state and local levels. 7. Describe the relationship between state, local, and federal governments, with emphasis on California governments and the political process involved. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSU - US3 Hist/Const/Amer Idea Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students are required to post one response to instructor's questions on the discussion board and one response to a fellow student's response per week. Example: Should the initiative process in California be reformed? Grading based on rubric. Essay Examinations Example: Write an essay comparing local government institutions to the state's three branches of government. Graded based on Rubric. Objective Examinations Example: Answer 10 multiple choice questions on civil liberties and civil rights. Example: The populists who wrote the constitution discriminated against: a) Chinese immigrants; b) Spanish speakers; c) the rich; or, d) all of the above Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor provides lecture notes paired with powerpoint on the plural executive while students take notes and ask and answer questions. Distance Learning Instructor posts discussion questions on the website on participation in local governmental institutions and provides feedback on student posts. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read the assigned chapter in the textbook on the constitution and federalism and prepare to discuss in class. 2. Read an op-ed on direct democracy in the state and consider counter arguments. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write an essay identifying three problems with politics in the state and proposals to solve them. 2. Respond to instructor prompts on the discussion board. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Governing California Author: Anagnoson Publisher: Norton Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 8th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: California: Politcs of Diversity Author: Cummins & David Lawrence Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 10th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: California Politics Author: Van Vechten Publisher: Sage Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach Author: Gerston & Christensen Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 14th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Guide to California Government Author: The League of Women Voters of California Publisher: The League of Women Voters of California Publication Date: 2015 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.