HSC 036 - American Government

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
This course covers the purposes, organization and function of government, including the laws and political systems specific to the United States, with special attention to the principles in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. All topics are viewed through the lens of civic involvement and responsibility.
Course Outcomes:

Describe the purposes, organization, and function of government, including the laws and political systems specific to the United States.
Analyze the key ideals and principles of the United States, especially those in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Evaluate how key ideals are reflected in court cases precedents pertaining to the 1st, 2nd and 4th amendments to the United States Constitution.
Evaluate the system of checks and balances in a variety of situations.
Analyze and evaluate ways to influence local, state, and national governments to preserve individual rights and promote the common good.
Use technology skills for academic purposes, including word processing and learning management systems, and to increase background knowledge, access information, and enhance scholarship.

Course Topics:

The idea of government and the foundations of the American government
The judicial branch and Bill of Rights
The executive and legislative branches
Immigration: A Contemporary Civics Case Study