Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    POLS&

 Course #:    202

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    451001

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

Study of the American political system and the function, sources, and uses of power in American Politics. Also emphasizes ways of thinking about how institutions resolve significant problems, crises, and conflicts through the policy making process in a pluralistic society.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a grade of C or higher OR placement into ENGL& 101.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Social Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the American political system
2. � Explain the sources and uses of power in American politics
3. � Explain how institutions resolve significant problems, crises, and conflicts through the policy making process in a pluralistic society.
4. SOCIAL SCIENCES: Identify social variables, structures, and experiences that shape individual perspectives.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2018 and affects outlines for 2019 and later.

Think

Definition: Think analytically, logically, creatively, and reflectively.

Engage

Definition: Interact with humans and the environment informed by an understanding of equity.

Course Contents

1. Learning theory in political science: knowledge, awareness, and strategies in a pluralistic society.
2. Critical thinking in political science: frameworks of analysis.
3. The American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution.
4. Federalism: division of power between the states and central government.
5. Unresolved questions: slavery, native peoples, women, immigrants.
6. The rise of political parties: ideology and the politics of exclusion.
7. Elections, electoral system, redistricting.
8. Civil rights and freedoms: the ongoing battle of justice for all.
9. Role of interest groups and lobbying.
10. The executive branch: history, development, limits.
11. The legislative branch: history, organizational discussion, how a bill becomes law.
12. The judicial branch: the federal judiciary, the Supreme Court, judicial review.
13. Current dilemmas in a pluralistic society.