Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SDCM-0133
Organization's ID:
Political Science 101
Organization:
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
Self-paced, 12 weeks (38 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Political Science
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to analyze government systems, political activities and other aspects of political science, including civil liberties and rights, forms of government, electoral systems and public policy.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Discuss the evolution of political theories from Antiquity to the contemporary age, and compare as well as contrast the diverse array of approaches to understanding political systems
  • Explain the relationship between economics and politics by illustrating how policy may impact markets and how trends in the economy can motivate or dissuade government interventions
  • Describe global political issues and how they are being addressed by a developing international legal and regulatory system, while evaluating the role of globalization, wealth inequality, and environmental concerns in these trends.
  • Define and explain key concepts, terms, and the general nomenclature in the discipline of political science
  • Comprehend and describe several forms of political organization that range in scope from the local to international, and vary in classification from public to private to semi-autonomous
  • Trace the systems that underlies voting and political participation and the dissemination of political power among offices, bureaucracies, agencies, and institutions within government
  • Evaluate the differences between forms of political organization and government type and what makes each unique in terms of their structure and distribution of power
  • Draw connections between socioeconomic forces and public opinions, and comprehend how these concepts are measured as well as how they manifest through civic action
  • Define and understand a variety of international relations theories and compare them to one another while appraising their utility in encouraging diplomatic and economic bonds between states

General Topics:

  • : basic terms and concepts of political science
  • Political ideologies and philosophy
  • Forms of government
  • Electoral systems
  • The branches of government
  • US federal bureaucracy
  • The history and role of political parties
  • Interest groups in politics
  • Mass media and politics
  • Political culture, public opinion and civic behavior
  • Public and social policy
  • Fiscal policy in government and the economy
  • Foreign policy, defense policy and government
  • Concepts of international relations
  • Theories of international relations
  • International actors in political science
  • International law in politics
  • Global issues and politics
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials