PLSC 2003 - American National Government

Description
The organization, functions, institutions, and problems of the federal government will be studied including the United States Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and federal bureaucracy, and the judicial system. Additional study will be given to political parties, public opinion, interest groups, voting and elections, Supreme Court decisions, and other political aspects and activities of government.

Pre-Requisite
NONE

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:

Analyze the formation, concepts, and components of the United States Constitution.
Explain the role of states and the national government in American federalism.
Explore America’s political culture and examine 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.
Understand the electoral process in the United States.
Analyze the organization and purpose of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
Understand the role and structure of the federal bureaucracy.
Examine the concepts of civil rights and civil liberties and their impact on American society.

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

Assessments

Reflexive Essay that measures greater awareness of cultural

Grading guidelines