Course Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Understand the political development of California politics and its evolving political landscape.
Identify the positives and negatives of important political institutions and changes in California politics (change to term limits, top two primary, introduction of redistricting commission, demographic change).
Weigh and critique the system of direct democracy, electoral rule changes, and the budgeting process in California politics.
Interpret and critique policy proposals from the perspective of professional legislative staffers.
Design and formulate basic ideas for new policy proposals.
Communicate complex political ideas in easy-to-understand forms, akin to professional political staffers.

Class assignments (see syllabus for details/ grade breakdowns):

1- Response paper on a topic

2- Letter to legislator (as a constituent/lobbyist)

3 –Memo to legislator (providing a voting recommendation)

4- Short policy proposal fact sheet (policy proposal condensed)