PLSC 200 Course Units - Learning and Instructional Objectives

Political Science Logo

 

The course will incorporate a variety of learning modules including online links, textbooks, pdf's and video.  The course is constructed from four units, structured to "build" a learning structure of understanding and application.

  

 Political Science Units:

  • Unit #1 Foundations of Government- Political Philosophy, Constitution and Federalism.

  • Unit #2 America Law- Federal Judicial Structure, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights

  • Unit #3 Institutions of Government and Policy- Congress, Executive, Bureaucracy, and Interest Groups

  • Unit #4 Political Behavior- Campaigns, Elections, and the Media

 

Course Objectives - STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME(S) (SLO'S):

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will meet the following outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of American political institutions at the federal, state and local levels.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of socio-political movements, race and ethnicity, political parties and interest groups in American politics.

    3. Demonstrate and understanding of the central issues in American and California politics.

 

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

    1. Appreciate the political philosophies of the framers of the Constitution.

    2. Understand the nature and operation of U.S. political institutions and processes under the Constitution as amended and interpreted.

    3. Provide critical analysis of the rights and obligations of citizens in the political system established under the Constitution.

    4. Critically evaluate the Constitution of the State of California within the framework of evolution of Federal-State relations.

    5. Comprehend the nature and processes of State and local government under the State Constitution.

    6. Analyze current events in the context of State and local government with the Federal government.

    7. Determine the political processes for the resolution of conflicts through cooperation under the constitutions of both State and the Nation.

    8. Identify the functions of the 3 Branches of Government (Executive, Legislative and Judicial).

    9. Compare and contrast constitutional guarantees of citizen's rights and liberties.

    10. Exercise the right to communicate with their governmental representatives on the Federal, State and Local levels.