POS 2112 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CRN 17226 MW 10 am - 11:15 am
Poinciana Campus: 10216
Course Syllabus and Classroom Policies
Fall 2019

PROFESSOR: Ron Ziegler
CELL PHONE (text): 321-805-2507
EMAIL: rziegler6@valenciacollege.edu
ronaldgordonziegler@yahoo.com
CREDIT HOURS: 3



PREREQUISITES (FROM COURSE CATALOG): Prefix: POS2112 Title: State and Local Government
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Prerequisite: ENC 1101 or ENC 1101H or IDH 1110


Engagement hours are available for student consultations; this time is
designated to discuss coursework, ideas, student progression, and offer
general advising. Face-to-Face engagement hours mean that I will be directly available in my office; Digital engagement hours mean that I will be available
via e-mail or Blackboard messenger. Students are strongly encouraged to come
to engagement hours, and should set side aside time throughout the
semester to come visit and discuss their work and ideas. If these hours are
inconvenient, feel free to email me and schedule an appointment.
� You may contact me through email, text, or call my cell at your
convenience. If I cannot talk to you when you call, I will call you back ASAP
� NOTE: Office hours may be changed due to professional development
obligations. You�ll be notified to any changes via e-mail or notification on my door
Required Materials/Textbooks Politics in States and Communities, 15th edition, by Dye and MacManus


NAME OF COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Description Goals and objectives of the course:
This course is an introduction to state and local government in the U.S., with
emphasis on Florida state government and the local governments in the Valencia area.

By using the term �government� instead of �politics,� the course title
indicates that the material covered will extend past legislative and electoral components
of government to include the bureaucracy, courts, and public policy. Among the topics we will cover this semester are federalism,
government structure, legislatures and citizen participation, public executives and bureaucracy,
the courts, local and metropolitan approaches to government, and various forms of state
and local policy. Upon completion of the course, students will have a general understanding
of the structure and dynamics of state and local government in the United States.
Students will also learn and apply basic concepts from the fields of American government,
public administration, and public policy.


Course Catalog Description/Learning Objectives: Prefix: POS2112 Title: State and Local Government
Credit Hours: 3
Description: STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Prerequisite: ENC 1101 or ENC 1101H or IDH 1110
In-depth study of state, county and municipal government with emphasis on
contemporary problems. Gordon Rule course which requires demonstration of
college level writing skills through multiple assignments.
Minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy Gordon Rule requirement.
Gordon Rule Statement: Insert Gordon Rule Statement here, if appropriate.
Remove if not a Gordon Rule Course. This is a Gordon Rule Course in which the
student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple written assignments.
A minimum grade of C is required if ENC 1101 is used to satisfy Gordon Rule and General Education Requirements.

Major Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, the student will have met the following learning objectives:
1. The student will be able to compose multiple essays using varied
rhetorical strategies, with a clearly developed thesis, relevant concrete
supporting details, and a logical conclusion.
2. The student will be able to access research materials, determining if
those materials are relevant or academically sound.
3. The student will be able to identify strengths and weaknesses in
writing, not only in the student�s own work, but in the works of the student�s peers.
4. The student will be able to read primary and secondary source material critically.

Core Competencies of a Valencia Graduate

Valencia�s Student Core Competencies are complex abilities that are considered
the essential elements of a successful student.
This course will help you develop and demonstrate the abilities to:
(1) think clearly, critically, reflectively, and creatively;
(2) communicate with others verbally and in written form;
(3) make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments; and
(4) act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly.
Our goal is to provide these global competencies in the context of application;
this means that students will be required to understand problems and effectively communicate an appropriate solution.

COURSE CLASSROOM POLICIES


********** Important Course and College Dates (Fall 2019)

August 26: Classes begin
September 2: Labor Day (College Closed)
September 3: Drop/Refund Deadline (midnight) ·
September 13: Change of Program Deadline ·
October 7-11: Early Alert Week for Grades ·
October 17: Spirit Day ·
November 1: Withdrawal Deadline-“W’ Grade (midnight) ·
November 18-22: International Education Week · BR> November 27 – December 1: Thanksgiving Break (College Closed) ·
December 8: Day and Evening Classes End ·
December 8: Faculty Final Date to Enter Withdrawal ·
December 9–15: Final exam week ·
December 15: Term Ends ·
December 16: Grades Due 9:00am ·
December 17: Final Grades Viewable in Atlas ·
December 23 – January 1: Winter Break (College Closed)


STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
R. ZIEGLER/VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE/POINCIANA CAMPUS/FALL 2019 TERM







Important Valencia Website Links
· College Calendar: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/
· Important Dates & Deadlines: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/documents/Important-Dates-Calendar-2018-2019.pdf ·
Final Exam Schedule: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/documents/2018-19-Academic-Calendar.pdf ·
College Catalog: http://valenciacollege.edu/catalog/ ·
Valencia Policy and Procedures: http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/ · FERPA: http://valenciacollege.edu/ferpa/ ·
Poinciana Campus Scholarships: http://valenciacollege.edu/poinciana/scholarships.cfm

Attendance Policy

Attendance is a major contributing factor to student success; as such, attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to attend our face-to-face meetings
After the too many absences, a student may be withdrawn from the course.
As a student, here is my expectation of you:
Arrive on time, complete all required assignments before class, and remain in class for the duration of the course, except on scheduled breaks.
In the event of an absence, students are responsible for making up any missed work, as well as keeping up with announcements made during class time.
I recommend you contact me with any questions regarding missed material.

“No Show” Status

Class attendance is required beginning with the first class meeting. If you do not attend the first class meeting, you may be withdrawn from the class as a “no show.”
If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.

Tardiness

Students are expected to be in class on time; please try to avoid any scheduling conflicts with this course.
Special instructions for current assignments are often given at the beginning of class, so it is best to arrive at least five minutes early.
If tardiness is excessive, a direct intervention and future plan may be required from the professor.

Class Preparation

Please come to class prepared, meaning that you have a utensil or device for taking notes, have all required course material,
and are prepared to be actively engaged in the course. Reading assignments should be completed prior to the class period where they will be discussed.
All assignments must be submitted by designated deadlines.

Class Participation

Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and activities. This will affect your performance in this course
(students who are actively involved in course material tend to be more successful).
Be prepared to discuss all materials in class: take notes while reading at home, complete all assigned tasks on the weekly schedule,
and have at least one question or comment about assigned readings every session. Please be aware that participation doesn’t just mean talking in class
(though I encourage you all to join in classroom discussions). Participation includes being attentive, joining in group work, and communicating with your professor.

Improper Technology Usage

While you are allowed to use technology as a resource in class, it is expected that you will use the resource maturely.
Please try to avoid using your cell phone/laptops for personal reasons during class time;
please note you are encouraged to use these devices for material relevant to the class discussion. The occasional emergency is understandable:
please leave class to check your phone if that is necessary. Otherwise, it is extremely disrespectful to the professor and your fellow classmates.
Excessive texting, use of social media in class, playing digital games without inviting the professor, or any other inappropriate activities may result in you being removed from the class for the day and marked absent.

International Students (F-1 or J-1 Visa)

Please be advised that withdrawal from this course due to attendance may result in the termination of your visa status
if you fall below the full-time enrollment requirements of 12 credit hours. Consult the International Student Service office for more information.

Withdrawal Policy

Please see the date above for the withdrawal deadline. During a first or second attempt in the same course at Valencia,
if you withdraw or are withdrawn by the professor, you will receive a non-punitive grade of “W” (Withdrawn).
You will not receive credit for the course, and the W will not be calculated in your grade point average; however, the enrollment will count in your total attempts in the specific course.
Students are not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline.
A student may be administratively withdrawn from the course due to violation of class attendance policy; if you are withdrawn administratively,
you will receive a W. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during the third or subsequent attempt to complete the course will be assigned a grade of F.
Please note that withdrawal from a course may impact financial aid; it is strongly recommended a student consult with the professor, an adviser, and financial aid before withdrawing from the course.

Student Code of Conduct

Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning, but the development of responsible personal and social conduct.
By enrolling at Valencia College, a student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct.
The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty.
Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom.
Violation of any classroom or Valencia rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia.
Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.
You will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

Academic Honesty

Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result
of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression, unless the assignment specifically states “group project.” Any act of academic dishonesty
will be handled in accordance with Valencia policy as set forth in the Student Handbook and Catalog.
At Valencia, we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with policy 6Hx28: 8-11
upheld by the Vice President of Student Affairs (http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/). Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of taking another individual’s writings or ideas and passing them off as your own.
This includes directly copying even a small portion of the text, indirectly taking thoughts by paraphrasing ideas without correctly attributing to the source
(meaning both with signal phrases and in-text parenthetical citations), using papers written in previous courses (self-plagiarism),
and using another individual’s research without the correct attribution. Any act of plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in an automatic failing grade on the assignment,
no matter how small the infraction; to clarify, this means the assignment will receive no points. Additional action may be taken with the college’s administrative offices.
Do not endanger your academic career: If there is a severe issue, you are confused about what constitutes plagiarism,
or you feel dishonesty is your only solution, contact me immediately and we will discuss the matter.




STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
POS 2112

SYLLABUS OF INSTRUCTION
MW
Fall 2019
CRN 17226 Section P01 - POS2112 Term 201920 Instructor(s): Ronald Ziegler
Location and Time: PC-001 202 MW 0830 0945 Room 1-216

Valencia College/Poinciana Campus


Instructor
Ron Ziegler
321-805-2507
ronaldgordonziegler@yahoo.com

text: Politics in States and Communities, 15th edition, by Dye and MacManus

Schedule of Work

1. 8/26 syllabus, grading, course requirements

2. 8/28 read to discuss ch 1 � politics in states and communities
Read What is an American? By De Crevoceur
Go Here
You will write a 500 word summation/commentary about De Crevoceur to submit with midterm



9/2 Labor Day School is Closed 3. 9/4 Read to discuss Ch 1 politics in states and communities
4. For 9/9 read to discuss US vs Osceola county:
About county commission
Go Here
Go Here
regarding school board
Go Here
reapportionment

You are going to write a 500 word summation and comment on the Osceola case,
which will be submitted with your mid-term exam.
5. 9/11discuss federalism
Class Notes Class Notes

6. 9/16 read to discuss ch 2 � constitutionalism in states

7. 9/18 read to discuss ch 3 � federalism in states

8. 9/23 discuss judicial restraint, activism

9. 9/25 ch 4 read to discuss political participation

10. 9/30 ch 4 read to discuss political participation


11. 10/2 � ch 5 � read to discuss state parties

12. 10/7ch 5 -- read to discuss state parties

13. 10/9 ch 6 � read to discuss state legislatures

14. 10/14 ch 7 read to discuss governors

15. 10/16 ch 8 read to discuss bureaucracy

16. 10/21 ch 9 read to discuss courts
17. 10/23 ch 10 � read to discuss communities
Midterm due with paper on USDJ vs Osceola County and commentary on De Crevoceur


18. 10/28 about Convention of the States -
30 mins Go Here


Convention of States video


19. 10/30 ch 11 read to discuss community politics

21. 11/4 ch 12 read to discuss metropolitics

22. 11/6 ch 13 read to discuss land use and the environment

Milton Friedman on School Choice in class
Go Here

You are going to write a 500 work comment on the film to turn in with final

23. 11/11 Veterans Day School is Closed

24. 11/13 ch 14 read to discuss taxation and finance

25. 11/18 ch 15 read to discuss civil rights

26. 11/20 ch 16 read to discuss education



(view Loving - the story of Loving vs Virginia in class)
You will write a 500 word review/comment about this movie to turn in with final
27. 11/25(view Loving part 2 - the story of Loving vs Virginia in class)
You will write a 500 word review/comment about this movie to turn in with final
28. 11/27 Thanksgiving School Closed
29. 12/2 ch 17 read to discuss poverty and health
30. 12/4 ch 17 read to discuss poverty and health
31. 12/9 Final Exam due this week with commentaries on Loving and Friedman films

as well as Journal and web projects




YOUR GRADE WILL BE AN AVERAGE OF THE FOLLOWING SIX GRADING INSTRUMENTS:

JOURNAL
WEB PROJECT
Four Commentaries/Reviews (deCrevoceur, US v Osceola Co, School Choice, Loving)
MID TERM � Go Here
FINAL � Go Here
PARTICIPATION

ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE SUBMITTED TO INSTRUCTOR TO YAHOO ACCOUNT:

ronaldgordonziegler@yahoo.com


JOURNAL Assignment
Attend (or watch on cable) a session of two of the following and write a comprehensive observation statement to submit with Final
School board meeting
County commission meeting
City council meeting
Rep or Dem meeting
Court observation

As an alternative to this assignment, you may elect to do a book review
Select one of the following (if you have another book in mind that deals with
state and local or federal issues, discuss it with me)
you will be writing a critical commentary of at least 100 words about each chapter
it would be submitted with your final exam

Death of a Nation by Dinesh D'Souza
Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin
The Liberty Amendments by Mark Levin
Omnipotent Government: The Rise of the Total State and Total War by Ludwig von Mises
Planning for Freedom by Mises
The Road to Serfdom by Frederich Hayek
Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand
No Go Zones by Rahim Kazam
The End of Prosperity by Arthur Laffer, et al
The Housing Boom and Bust by Thomas Sowell
The Tempting of America by Robert Bork





Web project
This is to be submitted with the midterm exam

Go Here
List 10 state offices/officials from this page and describe what each does.
Go Here
1. Which County Commission District do you live in and who is the Commissioner and when does it meet?
2. Go to the Circuit Court link and list the names of the Judges.
3. What is the job of Code Enforcement?
4. Identify from Agencies and Departments
a. County Attorney
b. County Clerk of the Court
c. County Manager
d. Describe what the link GRANTS is about
e. Where is the Health Department
f. What is listed under Human Resources
g. What is under Social Services
h. What is under Ordinances
i. What is under Supervisor of Elections
j. What is under Zoning

Go Here
If this link does not work, it may be your browser - try a different one
5. What is the Mission Statement of the School Board?
Go Here
1. from Article I Declaration of Rights, explain the meaning of
Section 1
Section 3
Section 4
Section 6
Section 8
2. from Article III
what is the age requirement for members of the State House and Senate?
3. From Article IV
List the sections under the Executive
4. From Article V
How many members of the Supreme Court are there?
5. From Article VI
Explain Section 4b
6. From Article VII

What does Section 5 b say about income taxes?

Identify the names of your State Representative and State Senator
Go Here

Go Here
If this link does not work, it may be your browser - try a different one
List the names of the members of the Osceola School Board
Go Here
Click on Court Structure
List the four kinds of courts in the State of Florida
Name the members of the Florida Supreme Court