PSLS 100 - American Government

Number of Credits: 3
American Government examines the principles, structures, and decision-making processes at the national government level in the United States with the patterns in other nations. The course centers on the role of government, political parties, pressure groups, and individuals in shaping the policies which affect society. Emphasis is placed on contemporary political issues (formerly offered as POLS-101; credit will not be awarded for both). Credit by exam available; CLEP (American Government with a score of 50) accepted Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States, and the founding principles, structure, and operation of American government[GE1,GE3,GE4, GE5,GE6].
Describe the separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice [GE1, GE3, GE4, GE6].
Evaluate the roles of the media, public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the electoral process [GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6].
Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens [GE1, GE3, GE6, GE7].
Examine the evolution of public policies in U.S. politics [GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6].
Evaluate the influence of ideology, leadership and personalities of different political actors on the organization and effectiveness of political parties and interest groups [GE1,GE2,GE3,GE4,GE5,GE6].
Describe how economic power and the organizational and bureaucratic dynamics of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of government influence American politics [GE1,GE2,GE3,GE4,GE5,GE6].
Interpret tabular and graphical displays of political and social information[GE2,GE3,GE4,GE5,GE6].
Use appropriate print, periodical, and Internet-based resources in the analysis of contemporary political issues [GE1,GE2,GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6].
Demonstrate good writing and general communication skills for informed political discourse [GE1, GE2,GE3,GE4].
Discuss the ways in which the American political economy reflects the complementary and conflicting demands of capitalism and democracy[GE1, GE2,GE3,GE4,GE7].