POLI 104 The U.S. Constitution

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of the United States Constitution. The course will analyze the political philosophy guiding the writing of the Constitution, the historical context in which it was produced, and the political forces which shaped it. The course will explore the various interpretations and applications of the Constitution as well as implications for the future of the Constitution.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Summarize critically the fundamental elements and political philosophy of the Constitution.
2. 2. Analyze critically major controversies and difficulties in interpreting the Constitution, identify
   their assumptions, explore contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these
   issues.
3. 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving the
   historical context in which the Constitution was written and the political forces and struggles
   which shaped it.
4. 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in the application of the Constitution and
   draw conclusions about resolving them.
5. 5. Analyze the Bill of Rights and trace the evolution of civil liberties in America.
6. 6. Analyze the relationship between the Supreme Court and the Constitution as it has evolved
   through American history.
   
7. 7. Investigate the process and outcome of amending the Constitution.
   
8. 8. Explore the possible evolution of the Constitution in the future.
9. 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theories through writing that demonstrate an understanding of political science thinking.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Summarize critically the fundamental elements and political philosophy of the Constitution.
2. 2. Analyze critically major controversies and difficulties in interpreting the Constitution, identify
   their assumptions, explore contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these
   issues.
3. 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving the
   historical context in which the Constitution was written and the political forces and struggles
   which shaped it.
4. 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in the application of the Constitution and
   draw conclusions about resolving them.
5. 5. Analyze the Bill of Rights and trace the evolution of civil liberties in America.
6. 6. Analyze the relationship between the Supreme Court and the Constitution as it has evolved
   through American history.
   
7. 7. Investigate the process and outcome of amending the Constitution.
   
8. 8. Explore the possible evolution of the Constitution in the future.
9. 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theories through writing that demonstrate an understanding of political science thinking.