Embedded Files
AP Political Science (AP Government)- is an Advanced Placement college course on the study of law, politics, and current events. It is broken down into TWO separate courses:
United States Government and Politics (GoPo) is the first semester course which focuses on the American legal and political system.
Comparative Government and Politics (CoPo) is the second semester course which students the law and politics of China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
90.2%
of the Class of 2024 passed their US Government AP Exam and earned up to 6 hours of college credit, a collective savings of over $54,000 in college tuition!
Why I take Political Science AP
by Kate Easton
Political science is the best course at Belleville west for those who are interested in law because not only does it deepen your understanding of policy, our government systems, and politics, but also explains why our country works the way it does. We learn how laws are made, how they are enforced and applied daily, and we get into discussions and detail no other class compares to. Dr. Hentze forces us to think in different directions that we normally would never consider, and ignites the legal thinking process of looking in-between the lines.
Interested in a career in law?
AP Political Science is the first course in a Pre-Law or Political Science degree for most majors. You will learn about the law-making process, how the federal courts interpret the law, and get a deeper understaind of both civil liberties (free speech, free press, etc) as well as civil rights (right of minorities) by disucssing events as they happed in America today.
Have questions or want more information?
Contact Dr. Brandon Hentze (bhentze@bths201.org) or stop in B214.
Understand Your World
AP Political Science is for those students who LOVE social studies and government courses, but it also is for those students who have ANXIETY about events that are happening. We will put current events such as the first year of the Trump presidency, the Tik Tik ban, and the evolving debate over minority rights into perspective and learn about the constitutional issues at stake.
The course also focuses on social media and understanding how it impacts our every day way of living a well as the corporations and politics behind it.
Why I take Political Science AP
by Cam'Ron Curry
CoPo has helped me in so many regards, specifically on how different other governments are in comparison to the United States. I have been able to learn about other Governments, ranging from authoritarian regimes to Democracies, which has been so informative and allowed for me to understand that there is a world outside of America.
Why I take Political Science AP
by Breann Walker
I recommend U.S. and Comparative Political Science because it has deepened my understanding of politics and allowed me to be engaged in something that used to be a complex area for me. The course helped me comprehend global events and challenge my own bias since I was able to develop an opposing viewpoint. Furthermore, the teacher's personal interest in politics makes him passionate in teaching and the class enjoyable. Also, very light homework! :)
Challenge Your Thinking
As a college course, students will be taught on how to develop critical thinking skill, making effective arguments, and identifying their own bias.
The course will do analysis from both sides of complex and controversial issues, allowing students to form educated option on where they stand.
Earn College Credit
As an Advanced Placement course, students can earn college credit and save money on their future education. Enrollment in AP Political Science can save you several thousand dollars in college tuition costs and greatly reduce future student loan debt. AP Political Science will replace TWO college courses in government and politics.
For students NOT MAJORING in law or political science- this will waive one of your general education required courses, which means you will not have to take the required government elective for your degree, saving you time and money.
For students MAJORING in law or political science- this will waive your entry level course for your major, allowing you to begin your course of study at the sophomore college level, saving you time and money.
Why I take Political Science AP
by Will Rockwell
College credit for the course is important to me because it allows me the opportunity to save money in the future. By taking and earning college credit through the AP exam, I can save money on tuition by reducing the number of courses I will need to take in college. Having tuition is important to me because it can reduce the amount of debt I have leaving college, allowing me flexibility in career choices after graduation.
Why I take Political Science AP
by Aarriya Rockett
I loved the Judicial Branch Field trip! It provided firsthand experience and relations to the key elements we learn in class such as Judicial Review, Commerce clause and many more! Overall attending the field trip gave me insight on how to participate and do my part as an American Citizen!
Real World Experiences
As part of the course, students will navigate experiences to get "hands on" knowledge of how the American legal and political system works. This includes learning how to contact members of Congress, comment on proposed federal rules, and taking a field trip to the United States federal courts to watch actual courtroom procedures in both the district court and federal court of appeals. These experiences connect learning to the "real world".
What Alumni Have to Say About AP Political Science
Poli Sci helped me develop a deeper understanding of how governments function across the world and the impact of political decisions on a society. The class helped me especially for when I turned 18 and was prepared to vote. I understood policies, positions, and decisions. For college, it prepared me for critical thinking, better note taking, and expanded my mindset when understanding politics.
Amina Karabas, Saint Louis University
I’m glad I took political science in college for many reasons such as how interesting it is to learn about not only our political system but other countries political system. Not only that but it can be used to unlock doors for many professions such as becoming a lawyer, paralegal, judge or even senator. It also helps you understand more clearly what’s going on in the political system and government making it useful in everyday life.
Barvonne Bonner, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Taking political science in high school was one of the best decisions I've made. It's given me a strong understanding of government systems and taught me to think critically about current events. In college, it's made it easier to keep up with complex topics and discussions in class.
Maria Raza, DePaul University
Page updated
Report abuse