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2021-2022 Catalog Archived

PSC 201 - American Government

Class: 3 Credits: 3
This course is a study of national governmental institutions with emphasis on the Constitution, the functions of executive, legislative and judicial branches, civil liberties and the role of the electorate.
Prerequisite(s): Take ENG 100  and RDG 100  with a minimum grade of “C”.
Course Topics:
 

  • Definitions of government and politics.
  • Origins and impact of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, and African American Freedom Struggle documents.
  • Federal system and the changing roles of national, state and local government
  • Bill of Rights.
  • Impact of public opinion on politics.
  • Relevance of political parties, including the Federalist papers.
  • Campaign and election process.
  • Roles of special interest groups.
  • Impact of the media on the political process.
  • Makeup and function of Congress.
  • Power and function of the Presidency.
  • Structure and function of the federal bureaucracy.
  • Function of the Judiciary.
  • Making of public policy.
  • Making of foreign policy.
Textbooks:
Textbook information can be found on the Book Inn Web site
Required Materials:
None
Grading System:
An overall grade of C or higher is required for transferability.

A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59

Student Learning Outcomes:
 

  1. Examine the nature of a democratic republic and the influence of federalism on the US government.
  2. Evaluate how the first amendment has impacted our progression in civil rights and ensuring our civil liberties.
  3. Analyze the influence of interest groups and the media on the political process.
For SCC Online Courses:
If the course you are taking is online, please review the SCC Online Policies that include:

  • Required materials for all online courses
  • Mandatory Attendance Requirement
  • Proctored Exams
Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard SCC Course Polices on the following topics:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Academic Misconduct
  • Add/Drop period
  • Appeals Process
  • Class Attendance
  • Classroom Behavior (traditional and online)
  • Classroom Conduct/Expectations
  • Lab Procedures (general SCC policy regarding this)
  • Online Confidentiality
  • Services For Students with Disabilities
  • Withdrawal Policy



Official Course Syllabus
2021-2022