POLS& 202 - American Government

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Study of the processes and institutions of national politics in America, with special attention to relations between popular political interests and federal government operations. Course provides an understanding of how our national government works in response to legitimate political needs. Content is provided via: lecture, discussion, videos and current supplementary readings. Formerly: PSCI 101.
Course Outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge of the basic framework of the American political system (historical and current).
Research and define the various political processes within the American political system.
Articulate the historical changes in the American political system.
Demonstrate knowledge of the principle of federalism.
Recognize and explain the differences between the various governmental agencies (local, state, federal, Congress, Executive Office, Judiciary, Federal Bureaucracy, etc.)
Develop and defend an opinion about how the Mass Media and Interest Groups affect change within the American political system.

Course Topics:

General examination of the significant terms/definitions used to describe politics
General examination of the body politics (American public)
Brief historical overview of the formation of the country
Historical overview of the creation of the U.S. Constitution
Examination of Civil Rights & Liberties
Examination of the history of Federalism in the U.S.
Study the role of the mass media in the U.S. political system
Study the role of interest groups in the U.S. political system
Examination of nominations/campaigns/elections in the U.S. political system
Historical overview of the development of the two-party system in the U.S
Examination of the Federal branches(Legislative, Executive, Judicial, Bureaucratic)

Course Attribute(s): Social Science