Course information

Information about this course's learning outcomes, catalog description, etc.

Catalog Course Description: Basics of democratic government; constitutional principles, functions, operations, and processes of governmental change; attention given to the role of political institutions and parties, public opinion, interest groups and the media.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: None

Entry-Level Standards: Ability to read and write at a college level.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO): The goals of the Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement are (a) to develop in the student an understanding of self and world by examining the content and processes used by social and behavioral sciences to discover, describe, explain, and predict human behavior and social systems; (b) to enhance knowledge of social and cultural institutions and the values of this society and other societies and cultures in the world; and (c) to understand the interdependent nature of the individual, family, and society in shaping human behavior and determining quality of life.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

1) Students will be able to describe key events and ideas in the foundations of American democracy and constitutionalism, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the drafting and debate over ratification of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

2) Students will be able to define, recognize, and understand the significance of key structural elements within the United States government, including: federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the relationship of the individual to the state through the protections of civil rights and liberties.

3) Students will be familiar with the key institutions of government and social science research surrounding the Congress, presidency, and federal judiciary.

4) Students will be exposed to political science scholarship analyzing key elements of political behavior and processes, including: public opinion and polling; elections and campaigns, including the Electoral College; political parties and interest groups; political culture and socialization; and the contemporary impact of media and technology on politics.