Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
ACPE-0053
Organization:
Alternative Credit Project Ecosystem
Location:
Online
Length:
This is a self-paced online course that is completed over 16 weeks (112 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 American Government
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to introduce the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes. Course goals include developing an interest in and understanding of today's government, policy development, and politics, as well as developing critical thinking and information-literacy skills in the areas of government and politics.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Outline the institutional structures and how these structures interact with each other to explain the processes of government
  • Apply an understanding of government processes to analyze contemporary politics
  • Apply informational literacy skills in the study of politics
  • Explain how the historical development of the United States affects contemporary political environment
  • Analyze the formal and informal processes by which public policy is made
  • Explain how individual actors impact the contemporary political environment

General Topics:

  • The foundations of the Constitution
  • Federalism
  • Civil liberties
  • Civil rights
  • The Congress
  • The Executive Branch
  • The Judiciary
  • Political socialization, public opinion, and the media
  • Interest groups and mass movements
  • Parties, campaigns, and elections
  • Social and economic policy
  • Foreign policy
  • National security
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Learner Presentations

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials