POLS& 201 - Introduction to Political Theory

Credits: 5
Provides an introduction to the study and nature of politics. This course explores key political concepts, such as liberty, equality, justice, authority, power, and identity. Political theory engages with the foundations of political community and institutions as a way to encourage a responsible and politically active citizen.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor consent.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Summarize key concepts in political theory.
Distinguish competing conceptions of liberty, equality and the good life in various theories of justice.
Apply theories of justice to specific policy issues.
Identify forms of citizen participation in contemporary political decision making.

Program Outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge of politics and government in the United States and/or across the world.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.