63015 American Government and International Politics

Course Name: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Course Number: 63015

Open to: Grade 10-11-12

Length: 1 Semester

Credits: 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Content: There is no question that in a globalized society it is important for students to be able to understand and analyze through comparison not only their own country's political system but other country's political systems as well. This course will introduce students to fundamental concepts about the study of politics and provide them the tools to understand the diverse political institutions throughout the world. Students will analyze six main countries (United States, Great Britain, Russia, China, Mexico and Iran) for comparison. Through careful comparison, students will acquire and analyze knowledge about political institutions and political policies in response to problems. Students will be able to identify and analyze key similarities and differences between our electoral systems, public policy, political institutions, sovereignty and our society and that of other countries.

Course Activities: CIA World Factbook (https://cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook) to create a chart comparing the five countries with the United States, current events briefings, US congressional simulation, simulation on question time in the British parliament, research paper:2-3 pages. Students can research how the EU has changed international and regional economies. Students will compare the U.S. Constitution and the Russian Constitution. Group round table activity on the six key topics (introduction to comparative politics; sovereignty, authority, and power; political institutions; citizens, society and the state; political and economic changes; public policy) and how each of the six countries compares based on topic.

Student Cost: None

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