PLSC 2003H - American National Government, Honors

Description
This course will provide an in-depth study of the organization, functions, and problems of the major institutions of the national government: Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary. Additionally, the United States Constitution, political parties, interest groups, voting, and elections will be explored. Emphasis will also be placed on major decisions of the Supreme Court in relation to civil liberties and civil rights. Current activities and other aspects of government will be discussed. This is an honors course. Please refer to the NWACC Honors Program section in the current catalog for more information.

Pre-Requisite
NONE Note: This is an honors course. Please refer to the NWACC Honors Program section in the current catalog for more information.

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture hours

3 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

Analyze the formation, concepts, and components of the United States Constitution.
Explain the role of states and the national government in American federalism.
Discuss America’s political culture and identify the traits and beliefs of the American voter.
Identify America’s major political parties and their ideology.
Analyze the role of interest groups in American politics.
Outline the electoral process in the United States.
Analyze the organization and purpose of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
Describe the role and structure of the federal bureaucracy.
Examine the concepts of civil rights and civil liberties and summarize their impact on American society.

Honors Outcomes
Honors classes (and the Honors Program) promote the following core values:

Community students will demonstrate civic engagement through Service Learning and exploration of local, national, and global communities.
Curiosity students will cultivate personal and intellectual curiosity through investigation, discussion, and scholarship.
Diversity students will explore multiple perspectives through interdisciplinary learning.

General Education Outcomes Supported
Students gain greater awareness of cultural perspectives.

Standard Practices
Topics list

The Founding of the American state
The US Constitution
American Federalism
Civil Liberties
Civil Rights
Public Opinion
Interest Groups
Elections
Media
Political Parties
Congress
Presidency
Courts
Federal Bureaucracy
Domestic Policy
Foreign Policy

Learning activities

Individual projects/presentations
Group projects/presentations
Field Trips/events
Guest Speakers
Service Learning and/or
Conference Poster

Assessments

Reflexive Essay that measures greater awareness of cultural perspectives

Grading guidelines