POLS& 202 - American Government

Credits: 5
Introduces students to the study of the American political system. Explores American political development, key political actors, formal and informal political institutions, means of citizen participation, and the analysis of political processes and outcomes. Examines key theories, concepts, and approaches for studying of American Politics.

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

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science
Course Fee: $1.00

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

Explain and analyze the origins and evolution of the United States political system.
Demonstrate critical understanding of principal political institutions in the United States.
Demonstrate command of key concepts and theories used in the study of American politics.
Articulate and explain salient issues in American politics.

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.