Course Description
This course will focus on the study of American politics. Students will learn many of the central concepts in political science to aid understanding and ability to comprehend the American political system. Of particular interest will be the theory and practice of democratic government in the U.S. and institutions and processes of American government as manifestations of democratic values. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe how the rule of law establishes and maintains political stability.
- Illustrate the process of how to register to vote and voting.
- Discuss some of the major themes and conflicts arising from the foundation of the American political system to the present.
- Identify and describe the first ten amendments to the Constitution
- Assess the role of Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy and Judiciary in our political system.
- Evaluate how political parties and interest groups influence and shape the public policy making.
- Present the steps involved in the passage of a bill through the legislature.
- Analyze the role of electoral process in the maintenance of democracy.
- Examine the role of women, discuss the meaning of class structure and its impact on American politics, and discuss the role race and ethnic relations and the impact on the American system of politics and governance.
- Discuss and evaluate the meaning and importance of civil rights and liberties issues in the past and present.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 20% |
Webtext Assignment Quizzes (Weeks 1-7) | 28% |
Midterm Exam (Week 4) | 25% |
Week 8 Quiz | 2% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Students access the webtext by purchasing a passcode through our bookstore.Pricing information is included on the bookstore's website. Students may only purchase the passcode through our bookstore. The access code will be emailed to you in 1-3 days.
- The webtext we will be using is: Central Ideas in American Government, Evans and Michaud, 7th edition. You can access the webtext readings and assignments by clicking on the "Webtext" link in the Blackboard course menu.
Supplemental Materials - Powerpoints
- The supplemental PowerPoint files in each weekly lecture folder are from the optional textbook listed below. You do not need to purchase this textbook.
Optional Textbook
Optional textbook not available through bookstore and would be an additional cost to the student.
- Bardes, Barbara A., Mack C. Shelley, II. & Steffen W. Schmidt. American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials 2011 - 2012. 16th ed. Wadsworth Publishing, 2012. (Not Required)
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Introduction to the American System
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2 | 3,6,9,10 | Topic: Civil Rights and Liberties
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3 | 6,8 | Topic: People and Politics
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4 | 2,8 | Topics: The Process of Leadership Selection and Political Participation
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Midterm Exam Due | |||
5 | 5 | Topic: Political Participation (cont.)
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6 | 1,5 | Topic: Political Institutions
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7 | 3,7 | Topic: Political Institutions (cont.)
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8 | 3,7 | Topic: Public Policy
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Final Exam Due | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.