SYLLABUS
DIVISION:
Behavioral and Social Sciences
DATE: Spring 2008
COURSE
NUMBER AND TITLE: GOVT
2301 American Government I
CREDIT
HRS: 3
HRS/WK LEC:
3 HRS/WK LAB:
0 LEC/LAB COMB:
3
I.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
II.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
High
school graduate, successful completion of GED, or concurrently enrolled high
school student. Recommend that a
student transferring to a four-year institution take HIST 1301 and HIST 1302
prior to enrolling in GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302.
III.
TEXTS AND OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS:
O’Connor, Karen Sabato, Larry J. American Government Continuity and Change,
2008 Texas Edition.
A good
College level dictionary.
IV.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A.
Lectures by instructor and guests
B.
Class discussion
C.
Use of appropriate multimedia tools and materials.
Students desiring auxiliary aids and services for this course should make their
requests to the instructor and the Special Services Director.
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COURSE
NUMBER AND TITLE: GOVT
2301 American Government I
V.
COURSE CONTENT:
TOPICS
A.
Fundamentals of the American Political Systems
B.
American Political Heritage
1.
2.
C.
The Federal System
D.
American Political Ideologies and Parties
E.
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
VI.
LEARNER OUTCOMES:
The
purpose of this course is to prepare each student to be able to:
1.
Understand the democratic method of governing in the American political
system; and recognize the significant similarities and differences between this
system and others.
2.
Be able to explain activities of various types of participants in the
American political system, including candidates, public officials, voters, and
influencers: and be able to effectively participate in the American political
system, including:
A.
Voting
B.
Selecting a political party
C.
Seeking political office
D.
Conducting political campaigns
3.
Be aware of the responsibilities and rights of American citizens.
4.
Demonstrate familiarity with the concepts essential to an understanding
of the U.S. and Texas governments; and be able to intelligently read, listen to,
and view mass media reports about politics and public policy.
5.
Define selected terms of political science and use them effectively in
written and oral communications.
6.
Describe the philosophy, historical origins, and development of the
7.
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of unitary, federal, and
confederal systems of government.
8.
Describe and contrast the powers exercised by the
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COURSE
NUMBER AND TITLE: GOVT
2301 American Government I
9.
Explain and provide examples of the specific civil liberties and civil
rights guaranteed to an individual residing in the United States.
10.
Develop and utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate political
ideologies and public policies.
11.
Use computers, printed materials, and oral communications to obtain
pertinent information and to analyze key issues related to American politics and
government.
*(General Education Core
Competency IV)
VII.
ASSESSMENT:
Each
student will demonstrate mastery of the stated learner outcomes both by passing
examinations administered and by reporting on independent research conducted
during the term.
*