POLS 117 - City and State Government and Politics, with Cases from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Using a case study and problem solving approach, this course introduces students to the institutions and complex processes of city and state government and politics, with special attention to Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. By examining rules, practices and issues in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, students learn basics about how city and state governments are structured, financed and managed; how political power is sought, maintained and allocated; and how services are organized and delivered to citizens. The course surveys the governmental structures as well as the parties and other organizations involved in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics, and examines their constituencies, agendas and modes of operation. Students also study and discuss current major local issues and the policies that are being proposed to address them. Comparisons are made to similar and contrasting features and issues in other American cities and states.