POL 111 - Civic Engagement and Local Government, Experimental
Credits: 3
2 Lecture Hours 1 Cooperative Ed Hours
Description
This course is intended to align academic learning about local government and community development with work experienced by students as part of an organized community program, such as Pittsburgh Youth Civic Leadership Academy. Students will learn about kinds of services provided by various city government departments, the expectations the electorate has of their public officials, and the issues and challenges facing the various departments and community at large. The course provides insight into the intersection of individual leadership, institutional processes and community activism. Students will use their experiences in the program as a basis for reflection, analysis, skills and career development. A government employee or a director of an organization that works closely with government offices and departments will work directly with the students enrolled in the course. Students will complete at least 40 hours of work (including independent work) per credit; 120 hours for a 3-credit course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
1. Explain the roles of local government and local organizations in addressing community problems.
2. Identify at least one issue facing the local community using primary and secondary sources.
3. Apply knowledge learned from meeting with departmental leaders and primary/secondary sources to address community problems in a written proposal.
4. Describe their own capacity to participate in and influence public policy and the workings of local governance.
5. Distinguish between various approaches to leadership.
6. Analyze the extent to which discrimination, racism, sexism, power and privilege play a role, if any, in the processes of governance, decision-making and resource distribution.
7. List the various departments of local government.
Listed Topics
1. Role and processes of local government
2. Responsibilities of the various departments of city government
3. Creation and impact of State and local legislation
4. Financing of local government
5. how justice, equity, race, income and geographic location play a role in government policy making and execution
6. Approaches to government leadership
7. Role of government in serving local community needs
Reference Materials
Internet Sources and Research Articles
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals: - Communication
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Culture Society & Citizenship
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