POLS 301 State and Local Government 
| Semester: Fall 2003 Section: 01 Class Time: Thursday 7:00-9:50pm Classroom: Butte Hall 706 Syllabus: http://www.csuchico.edu/~ct65/syllabi/statelocalfall03.html |
Instructor: Dr. Charles C. Turner Email: ccturner@csuchico.edu Phone: (530)898-6041 (office) Office: 717 Butte Hall Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00am-2:00pm Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm (or by request) |
Scope and PurposeThis graduate seminar explores both the theory and practice of sub-national government. We will explore three broad themes over the course of the semester: federalism and design; institutions and processes; and problems, policies, and solutions. In each theme we will study both academic and professional approaches to explaining state and local government.
The format of the class will emphasize and encourage student involvement.
Most weeks will consist of a short lecture by the instructor, presentation
of one or more additional reading reports, and discussion and critique
of the week's readings. Discussion questions will be generated through
short writing assignments. You should expect to come to class each
week having completed the assigned reading and prepared to discuss its
merits and the questions it raises.
I assume that you are all familiar with some of the nuts and bolts of
state and local government--the textbook kind of material that you might
read in an undergraduate class. If you would like to brush up on some
of this material, just let me know. I am happy to recommend some good
textbooks.
We will be discussing a wide range of issues in this class. Sometimes you will have questions: feel free to ask them. Sometimes you will disagree with a classmate. Sometimes you will disagree with me. That's okay! The political process is about deliberation and reasonable people often disagree.
Course Readings
These books will be supplemented with reading from other sources. These additional readings are available on the internet (see below). You will need to access this syllabus on the web on a regular basis in order to complete the readings and other class assignments.
Course Requirements and Grading
For the University grading guidelines, consult the University
Catalog.
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Weekly Précis: On each of five weeks over the course of the semester (beginning September 11th at the earliest) you should come to class with a 1-2 page (typed, double spaced) précis of the week's assigned reading. The précis should succinctly summarize the main points of the reading, briefly comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the author's argument(s), and raise questions for class discussion (these questions will be used to form part of the class discussion of that reading). Your first one should include a printed and signed copy of Earl Babbie's short article on Plagiarism. These are worth 20 points each for a total of 100 points. Only the first two pages will be read.
Additional Reading Summary: On September 4th we will sign up for additional readings. You will be responsible for writing a thorough summary (5 pages) of the additional reading you select, due the day we discuss that topic. Your summary should thoroughly describe the form and content of the author's argument. You should also provide a critique of the work's strengths and weaknesses. You are responsible for bringing enough copies of the summary for distribution to the entire class and two copies for the professor (preferably double-sided). You are also responsible for leading a discussion on that topic during class. Since your book might not be readily available at Meriam Library (meaning that you might need to use inter-library loan), you need to get started on this early.
Research Paper: On December 11th you will turn in a research paper (about 15-20 pages) that investigates a topic of interest in state or local government. We will discuss how to select a topic and design a research paper in class and you need to have your topic approved by the instructor. Your bibliography must include at least 8 academic sources, including at least 3 articles from scholarly journals.
Participation: Class attendance and participation are vital elements of a graduate seminar. You should come to each class prepared to discuss the week's readings. We will be learning a lot through active participation in discussions--working though our ideas and interpretations out loud, with our classmates. I will call on you to answer questions if I have to, but would prefer that you all participate voluntarily. I'm not expecting "right" answers--sometimes there isn't a right answer; I am expecting thoughtful and intelligent answers that demonstrate you have done the reading and are paying attention.
Other Details Since even graduate students are not perfect writers 
, you are encouraged to take advantage of Chico State's University Writing Center.
Indeed, there are writing assignments every week, so you should look at this
class as an opportunity to enhance your writing skills. Writing well
is a lifelong learning process, so don't feel like you have to be a "bad"
writer to take advantage of student writing services, or that there is no
need for help once you are a "good" writer. There is always room for
improvement! Also, if you do not already own one, a writing guide/manual
is an invaluable tool. Some good examples are:
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference.
Fourth Edition, St. Martin's Press. 1999.
Lunsford, Andrea, and Robert Connors. EasyWriter:
A Pocket Guide. Bedford/St.Martin's Press. 1998.
Schmidt, Diane. Writing
in Political Science: A Practical Guide. Second Edition,
Addison, Wesley, Longman. 2000.
Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. The Political Science Student
Writer's Manual. 4th ed., Prentice Hall. 2002.
Strunk, William, Jr. Elements of Style.
You should also print out a copy of the CSU, Chico
Department of Political Science Quick Reference Guide for Research Papers
and Reports, by Diane E. Schmidt.
Semester Schedule
- Week 8, October 16
- Lobbying and Interest Groups--who persuades and how?
- reading: Samish and Thomas--entire, G/H/J chapter 4.
- Additional readings:
- Alan Rosenthal, The Third House: Lobbyists and Lobbying in the States.
- Ester Fuchs, Mayors and Money.
- Elisabeth S. Clemens, The People's Lobby: Organizational Innovation and the Rise of Interest Group Politics in the United States, 1890-1925.
- Week 9, October 23
- Parties and Elections--how do states and localities differ?
- reading: Lentz--entire, G/H/J chapter 3.
- Additional readings:
- Malcolm E. Jewell and Sarah M. Morehouse. Political Parties and Elections in the American States.
- J. Cherie Strachan, High-Tech Grass Roots: The Professionalization of Local Elections.
- Robert E. Hogan. "Campaign War Chests and Challenger Emergence in State Legislative Elections." 2001. Political Research Quarterly. 54(4): 815-830.
- Additional readings:
- Rufus P. Browning, Dale Rogers Marshall, and David H. Tabb, eds., Racial Politics in American Cities.
- David Osborne and Ted Gaebler, Reinventing Government.
Some Sources for Information on State
and Local Government