Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SDCM-0042
Organization's ID:
Political Science 102
Organization:
Study.com, LLC
Location:
Online
Length:
Self-paced. 22 weeks (47 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 American government
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to review the components of American government and political systems, including the Constitution, federalism, the Bill of Rights and the voting process.

Learning Outcomes:

  • explain the evolution of American federalism, the division of power between state and federal governments, and the debate over sovereignty
  • compare and contrast the history, function and types of political parties alongside their influences on the political process, American political culture, examples of political socialization, and the influence of public opinion on elected officials and weigh factors influencing voter turnout
  • examine the origin of civil liberties and rights, equal protection, freedom of speech, religion, and privacy, the history of the civil rights movement, and civil rights issues with other marginalized groups
  • analyze the historical development of the mass media and its influence, while examining the sources through which Americans get their news
  • demonstrate knowledge of the structure of federal bureaucracy, the problems associated with it, functions of the cabinet and independent regulatory agencies and explore how bureaucracy is held accountable through the courts, congress, and the presidency
  • review contemporary nomination processes, the differences between primary and general elections, sources of campaign funds, the role of the electoral college, factors influencing voters' decisions and follow the evolution of contemporary presidential elections
  • identify the differences between a congress and a parliament, how a bill becomes law, the reapportionment and redistricting processes, advantage of incumbency in elections and compare the demographics of members of congress with the populations they represent
  • summarize the structure of the federal court system, steps in the judicial decision-making process
  • categorize major factors regarding public, social, and environmental policy, economic and fiscal policy, foreign and defense policy formation and implementation and interest group's influence, regulation and strategies
  • distinguish between different forms of democracy and the philosophical foundations of American government by examining the spread of democratic ideals and the components of the constitution

General Topics:

  • Introduction to the study of American government
  • Constitutional democracy
  • Federalism in the united states
  • Interest groups and American democracy
  • The media and American democracy
  • The federal bureaucracy in the united states
  • American political culture, opinion, and behavior
  • Civil liberties
  • Civil rights
  • Political parties in the united states government
  • The presidency: election, powers, and practice
  • The congress: election, powers, and representation
  • The federal judicial system
  • Economic and fiscal policy
  • Public, social, and environmental policy
  • Foreign and defense policy
  • Studying for political science 102
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials