Introduction to American Government Syllabus

Course Syllabus: Syllabus

Office Hours: Wednesdays 4:20-4:50pm and Thursdays 2:00-2:30pm 

Office Location: D-422

Course Description:  Political Science 101 is the study of United States national government and the State of California and local governments.  This course satisfies graduation requirements for American institutions and state requirements for California state government.

Textbook Information:  

1. Bardes, B. American Government and Politics Today (Brief Ed - MindTap). 2018, Cengage Learning, Inc. ISBN: 9781337559744. (Required) Known from this point as Main text, symbolized as “MT”.
2. Mitchell and Klein, American Courts Explained: A Detailed Introduction to the Legal Process Using Real Cases (E-Version), 2016, Westlaw, 9781634598798. (Optional) Known from this point as Optional Text, symbolized as “OT”.

Additional Course Information:  You are required to stay informed regarding current events, topics, and issues that are relevant to the class. It is highly recommended that you read a daily newspaper, preferably the Los Angeles Times, the Sacramento Bee or the New York Times in order to remain informed on current events.  All are available via the internet.  Listen and/or watch the news on the following stations:  KCET – News Hour, KOCE – BBC News Hour, KCRW-NPR (89.9 FM), and KPCC-NPR (89.3)

Course Learning Objective: The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the theoretical and practical workings of the United States political system.  Topics discussed are analysis and appraisal of major political institutions, role of the mass media, the political economy, the United States constitution, elite and pluralist models of democracy, and the policy making process.

Student Learning Objectives:  Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:   

1. Civic Participation - Students will demonstrate a general understanding of the American political system as well as the theoretical and operational design of American government institutions at the federal and state level.
2. Critical Thinking - Students will evaluate the democratic nature of American governmental institutions using standards of popular sovereignty, political equality, and liberty.
3. Diversity - Students will identify and explain contrasting views on the role of government, the virtues and vices of democratic decision making, and the balance of executive, legislative, and judicial power.