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Apr 16, 2024
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2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
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POLS 101 - Introduction to American Government and Politics
PREREQUISITES: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in (ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing and ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College ) or ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing , or ENGL 075 - Co-Requisite Integrated Reading & Writing .
PROGRAM: Social Sciences
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Spring, 2019
Studies federalism, theories of the origins and purposes of government and other aspects of the American government including interest groups, political parties, and the electoral process. Emphasis is placed on constitutional backgrounds and the organization and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial segments of the national government, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, media, bureaucracies, and domestic and foreign policy.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Describe and discuss the foundations and bases of American government and democracy including the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalism.
- Describe the various aspects of political behavior of individuals and groups including political parties, public opinion, media, nominations, campaigns, and elections.
- Describe the operations of the various governmental institutions including executive, legislative, judicial, and administrative functions.
- Evaluate recent global developments and their impact on public policy in the areas of domestic and foreign affairs.
- Identify how the separate, but power-sharing institutions, including government agencies, private sector and interest groups, attempt to influence modern society.
- Explain how power is granted to the national government and the states with limitations that safeguard civil liberties and civil rights.
- Analyze and discuss the American political system and its effectiveness in meeting the major needs of society.
- Evaluate American politics and government in a global and historical context as compared with other political systems and their various institutions, the ways their people are governed, and how their decisions are made and implemented.
- Demonstrate and express an understanding of the complex international interconnections that give meaning to American politics and government.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- History and theories of government
- Rise of American democracy
- Constitutional structure
Challenges of Federalism
- civil rights
- civil liberties
- case law
Public Policy
- media
- globalism
- current events
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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