PSC 201 - American Government

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Credits: 3

Description: 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 website

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:

Examine the nature of a democratic republic and the influence of federalism on the US government.
Evaluate how the first amendment has impacted our progression in civil rights and ensuring our civil liberties.
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 Course Policies that include:

Identity Verification
Required materials for all online courses
Mandatory Attendance Requirement
Orientation and Support
Proctored Exams

Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard Course Policies on the following topics:

Academic Integrity
Add/Drop period
Attendance
Classroom Conduct
Equal Access
IT Access
Online Behavior
Online Confidentiality
Services For Students with Disabilities
Student Concerns
Student Help Services
Withdrawals

Official Course Syllabus
2023-2024