Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SDCM-0133
Organization's ID:
Political Science 101
Organization:
Location:
Online
Length:
38 hours for 18 weeks
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Introduction to Political Science
Description

Objective:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to define and explain key concepts, terms, and the general nomenclature in the discipline of political science.

Learning Outcomes:

  • 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
  • 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
  • Draw connections between socioeconomic forces and public opinions, and comprehend how these concepts are measured as well as how they manifest through civic action
  • 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
  • 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
  • And 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.

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 & Role of Political Parties
  • Interest Groups in Politics
  • Mass Media and Politics
  • Political Culture, Public Opinion & Civic Behavior
  • Public and Social Policy
  • Fiscal Policy in Government & the Economy
  • Foreign Policy, Defense Policy & 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