POLS& 202 American Government (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Social Sciences; General Transfer Elective
Formerly POLS 202 - CCN
Course Description
A description and analysis of the institutions, processes, and ideas that make up the American political and governmental system.
Course Content
A. Political Science terminology and definitions
B. Federalism
C. Constitutional structure and history
D. Governmental institutions (executive, legislative and judicial)
E. Political campaigns and elections
F. Media
G. Political culture and ideologies
H. Political participation and civil discourse
I. Civil rights and civil liberties
j. Political parties and interest groups
K. Public opinion, voting and interest groups
L. Current issues
Student Outcomes
1. Define important Political Science terms and concepts necessary for the comprehension of subject matter and for further study in the discipline.
2. Analyze the historical factors that led to the creation of the United States’ political system and Constitution.
3. Apply the principles of the US Constitution to identify the powers of government institutions and the rights of individuals and groups.
4. Identify the political, historical and contextual factors that shape the power of individuals, groups and institutions.
5. Define the power arrangement between national and sub-national governments within confederate, federal and unitary governmental systems.
6. Explain the formal and informal influences of the law-making process including the creation, passage and execution of bills into laws.
7. Articulate differences between American political ideologies and situate one’s own beliefs in relation to them.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of US campaigns and elections.
9. Distinguish between high quality and low quality sources of political information.
10. Identify and evaluate the varieties of bias in the media.
11. Identify the ideologies and bases of support of the main political parties in the United States, as well as how these have changed over time.
12. Analyze the evolution of civil rights and civil liberties in the United States.
13. Critique the extent to which current American political institutions and practices measure up to democratic principles.
14. Advocate for one’s own views effectively and civilly.
15. Evaluate how the rules, institutions and operation of the US political system differentially impacts the rights and opportunities of individuals and groups in the United States.
16. Apply political science concepts and theories to the interpretation of current events and controversies in American politics.
Degree Outcomes
Social Science: Graduates will use social science research methods and/or theory in order to analyze and interpret social phenomena.
Effective Communication: Graduates will be able to exchange messages in a variety of contexts, using multiple methods.
Global Citizenship: Graduates will be able to critically examine the relationship between self, community, and/or environments, and to evaluate and articulate potential impacts of choices, actions, and contributions for the creation of sustainable and equitable systems.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
Potential Methods
A. Objective tests (multiple choice, true-false and short answer)
B. Research paper
C. Open class discussion
D. Small group discussion
E. Current event summaries
F. Debates or issue presentations
G. Student seminars
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