PSCI 1201 American Government and Politics
Description
American Government and Politics presents a general survey of the history, philosophy, functions and performance of American national political institutions and processes. This course also emphasizes ethical and civic responsibility.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
STSK 0090 or placement by multiple measures
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. Introduction
2. Constitution
3. Federalism
4. Political Culture, attitudes and socialization
5. Public Opinion
6. Political parties and interest groups
7. Elections
8. The role of the media
9. Congress
10. Presidency
11. Bureaucracy
12. Judiciary
13. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
14. Public Policy
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain fundamental definitions, concepts and principles of political science.
2. Understand basic institutions and processes of the American Political system at the national level.
3. Outline and discuss the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the national government.
4. Achieve the above outcomes while developing the goals related to thinking skills, communication skills and human diversity listed above.
Credit Details
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05 - History and Behavioral Sciences, Goal Area 09 - Ethical and Civic Responsibility
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies
Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal Area 09: Ethical and Civic Responsibility
1. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
2. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g., politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
3. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
4. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
5. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship