Political Science 101 Syllabus

Course Description:  

This course is a study of the Federal & State government. It satisfies graduation requirement for American government institutions and for California state government.  We will examine political ideology, political parties, interest groups, voting, campaigns and elections, civil liberties & rights, public opinion, and the media. 

Our class text is, Struggle for Democracy, 2016 Edition, by Greenberg, published by Pearson. In addition,  you will need to also purchase access to the supplemental program Revel both may be purchased at the SAC Bookstore. More info at first class meeting.

This course is an introduction to American Government and Politics, we will begin with an overview of the U.S. Constitution and Federalism, explain the struggle for electoral democracy and linkages to the political system, uncover the inherent power struggle between the elected branches over public policy agendas, and finally evaluate the power of the appointed or non-elected branch of American government.

Political Science 101 is designed to achieve the following Student Learning Outcomes:

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

Meet Your Instructor:  Mr. Enrique Valenzuela, Adj Faculty Political Science Dept

Hello, I'm Mr. Valenzuela and will be your instructor for this Poli Sci 1010.  I'm looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you during our class.

I have added a link (below) to open place or hover your mouse over the link, right click,  and open in a new window:  Valenzuela Bio and other info

Course Syllabus: Place cursor on syllabus link below, right click & open in new tab: 

8am -TuesThurs - PS 101 Fall 2017 Syllabus.pdf