POLT 1010 - American National Government

Academic Division:

Liberal Arts

Academic Discipline:

Political Science

Assistant Dean: Steve Haynes PhD

3 Credit(s)
This course involves an examination of the people, values, institutions, processes, and policies associated with American government. Special emphasis is given to the way in which all of the variables interact to form the dynamic that is American politics. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS UG

3 Lecture Hour(s);

College Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Learning Outcomes	Assessments - - How it is met & When it is met
Communication – Written
Communication – Speech
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Critical Thinking
Information Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

Student Learning Outcomes for Course

Outcomes	Assessments – How it is met & When it is met
1. Explain the philosophical underpinnings and values associated with the foundation of American government, specifically that of its three main branches.	Discussion forums or in-class group discussions that require students to use and relate key terms from the text and other credible and/or scholarly sources selected by the student (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 14, 15). Students should generate unique conclusions on the structures, values, and relationships between the three branches of government. Additionally, students are required to conduct an interview with questions on diversity, ultimately producing conclusions on diversity from the interview transcript.
2. Explain the nature and functions of American bureaucratic institutions, independently, and as they relate to three main branches of government.	Discussion forums as described in Outcome 1, site visit to local government report (Weeks 6, 8, 14, 15). Students should generate unique conclusions on the role of bureaucrats and bureaucratic institutions and offices in civil and political society.
3. Explain the nature and functions of the four political intermediaries that exist in the American political system: news media, public opinion, political parties, and elections; examine the political efficacy associated with each.	Discussion forums as described in Outcome 1 (Weeks 7, 8, 9, 14, 15). Students should decipher and predict the changing compositions and roles of these political intermediaries in civil society.
4. Explain the complex relationships among multiple aspects of American government reviewed thus far, including its values, branches, bureaucracies, and political intermediaries.	Mid-term essay/video project exam (Week 8). In response to an assigned paper question, craft a unique thesis on the material covered in weeks 1-7. Show knowledge integration by developing a meta-narrative of previously generated conclusions from weeks 1-7.
5. Explain the fundamental principles of the Constitutional Bill of Rights and the relationship of those principles to issues of civil liberties and social justice.	Discussion forums (Weeks 9, 10, 11, 14, 15). Generate conclusions on the status of social justice issues and relate those statues to existing policies and observable political activity. Generate conclusions on the status of civil liberties and the relationship between civil liberties and civil rights.
6. Explain the history, strategies, and role of American foreign policy and political efficacy in the policy formulation and policy execution processes.	Discussion forums (Weeks 12, 14, 15). Draw conclusions on policy priorities in a policy environment of scarce resources.
7. Explain the role, strategies, and history of domestic policy, including but not limited to, welfare, healthcare, and religion /race policies and the political efficacy in the policy formulation and policy execution processes.	Discussion forums. Final group projects on policy analysis (phase 1 –description of policy, phase 2 – analysis and presentation of policy conclusions) (Weeks, 13, 14, 15). Engage in group discussion, exercise conflict resolution, and generate group-based conclusions detailing multiple perspectives on one policy process and outcome.

Standard Grading Scale
93-100 A

90 - 92 A-

87- 89 B+

83 - 86 B

80 -82 B-

77- 79 C+

73 - 76 C

70 -72 C-

67- 69 D+

63 - 66 D

60 -62 D-

00- 59 F

Statement on Diversity
North Central State College believes that every student is a valued and equal member of the community.* Every student brings different experiences to the College, and all are important in enriching academic life and developing greater understanding and appreciation of one another. Therefore, NC State College creates an inclusive culture in which students feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Discrimination and prejudice have no place on the campus, and the College takes any complaint in this regard seriously. Students encountering aspects of the instruction that result in barriers to their sense of being included and respected should contact the instructor, assistant dean, or dean without fear of reprisal.

*Inclusive of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation,

Standard NCSC Course Policies
Important information regarding College Procedures and Policies can be found on the syllabus supplement located at this link