This course will introduce the student to the major theoretical and substantive topics examined by analysts of state and local political systems in the United States.
Special Features:
(1) Members of the class will conduct individual research projects using primary data sources. Each student will select a local property (either residential or commercial) and, using the resources of the County Court House, develop a history of the property.
(2) The SimCity computer simulation will also be used. Each student will create a simulated city in which certain growth targets are met.
(3) The Camelot city government simulation, an in-class, non-computer role-playing simulation, will be used as well.

Required Readings:
Harrigan, J. Politics and Policy in States and Communities
Woodworth and Gump, Camelot

Grading:
Your final grade will be computed on the following basis:

Best Test 40%
Poorest Test 25%
SimCity 10%
Camelot 10%
Research Paper 10%
Discretionary 5%

Note: All assignments and exercises must be satisfactorily completed to pass the course.

COURSE SCHEDULE

June 29 Introduction to Course
June 30 Politics and Political Legitimacy
July 1 Political Concepts
July 2 Political Concepts
July 3 Holiday

July 6 Political Concepts
July 7 SimCity introduction
July 8 SimCity
July 9 Research Project (Court House)
July 10 Research Project (Court House)

July 13 Structures of Local Government
July 14 Review
July 15 Test I
July 16 City Charters
July 17 Camelot briefing

July 20 Camelot I
July 21 Camelot II
July 22 Camelot III
July 23 Camelot IV
July 24 Camelot V

July 27 Comparative State Politics
July 28 Careers
July 29 Project Reports
July 30 Review
July 31 Test II

For more information about this course, call Dr. Farley at (717) 893-2160 or send e-mail to lfarley@eagle.lhup.edu