POLI-101 American Federal Government
This course is an introduction to American federal government and the study of political science. Students who complete this course will be able to critically analyze American government and politics including the American Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, ideology, political parties, campaigns and elections, media in politics, and the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the US government.
Prerequisite
Eligible to enroll in
ENGL-121
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Summarize critically the functions of the main parts of the American federal government and the major
issues in American politics. - 2. Analyze critically major issues of government and politics, identify their assumptions, explore
contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these issues.
- 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving government
and politics.
- 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in government or politics to draw conclusions
about resolving them. - 5. Analyze the roles, responsibilities and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of
government. - 6. Analyze the meaning and implications of civil liberties guaranteed through the Bill of Rights.
- 7. Describe the historical development and influence of political parties of interest groups.
- 8. Analyze how controversies over the proper role and scope of government have affected American
politics from the framing of the Constitution to the present. - 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theories through writing that demonstrate an understanding of political science thinking.
Course Objectives
- 1. Summarize critically the functions of the main parts of the American federal government and the major
issues in American politics. - 2. Analyze critically major issues of government and politics, identify their assumptions, explore
contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these issues.
- 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving government
and politics.
- 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in government or politics to draw conclusions
about resolving them. - 5. Analyze the roles, responsibilities and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of
government. - 6. Analyze the meaning and implications of civil liberties guaranteed through the Bill of Rights.
- 7. Describe the historical development and influence of political parties of interest groups.
- 8. Analyze how controversies over the proper role and scope of government have affected American
politics from the framing of the Constitution to the present. - 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theories through writing that demonstrate an understanding of political science thinking.