Government 304

State and Local Government

Spring 2017 Office: Rob A214

Professor Toni-Michelle C. Travis Phone: 993-1453
Office Hours: 3:00-4:00 Monday and email: ttravis@gmu.edu
By Appointment

DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to introduce students to governance, politics, and public policy
issues at the state and local levels. Special attention is given to issues that affect Virginia
and Fairfax County.

CLASS SESSIONS:
Class sessions will primarily be lectures. There will be a number of guest speakers who
work in local government who will be announced as they become available. As a
courtesy to speakers who give their time to speak for free you are expected to give them
your full attention.
No electronic devices are to be used when guest speakers are lecturing.

Students are expected to follow current events at the state and local level
in the Washington Post. Current events will be tied to a discussion of the textbook topics.

It is the students responsibility to be aware of any changes in this syllabus.

Points will be lost for work submitted late.
No assignments will be accepted via electronic transmission.
No incompletes will be granted, except for extraordinary circumstances.

Please Note:
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see
me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at (703) 993-2474. All academic
accommodations must be arranged through that office.

REQUIRED READING:
Liliokanio Peaslee and Nicholas J. Swartz, Virginia Government
Thomas R. Dye and Susan A. MacManus, Politics in States and Communities
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance is expected at all classes. More than one unexcused absence will result in a
lower grade. Exams will be given under the rules of the Honor Code.

Quiz 1 15% Before the Mid-Term

Quiz 2 15% After the Mid-Term
MID-TERM EXAM Take-home 30%
FINAL EXAM Take-home 40%

Jan. 23 Introduction

Jan. 30 P&S, Chaps. 1-3

Feb. 6 P&S, Chaps. 4,5,6

Feb. 13 P&S, Chaps. 7,9

Feb. 20 D&M, Chaps. 1-3

Feb. 27 D&M, Chaps. 14,

March 6 MID-TERM due D&M,Chap. 10

March 13 SPRING BREAK

D&M, Chaps. 12

March 20 D&M, Chap. 16

March 27 D&M, Chap. 15

April 3 D&M, Chap. 15

April 10 Guest Speaker

April 17 Guest Speaker

April 24 Guest Speaker

May 1 Guest Speaker

Guest speakers will be inserted into the schedule when they become available.