(SPOLS: 211-01 Course Description): This course will examine our State and Local Government's structure and dynamics utilizing open educational resources (OERs). We will also discuss the political institutions, actors, changing demographics, socioeconomic factors, and challenges that African Americans and other marginalized people of color face within state and local governments. Among other topics, our class will discuss federalism, political culture, state campaigns and elections, political parties, public policies, constitutional provisions, and state government branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).

" In this course we examine the relationship between public policy and urban design through readings, discussions, presentations, and papers. We also analyze the ways in which policies shape cities, and investigate how governments implement urban design. Students gain a critical understanding of both the complex system of governance within which urban design occurs and the effective tools available for creative intervention."