POL6611 AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
3 Credit Hours
Student Level:
This course is open to students on the college level in either Freshman or Sophomore year.
Catalog Description:
POL6611 American National Government (3 hrs.)
[KRSN POL1020]
A general study of the development, structure, and functions of the American National Government. Topics to be studied include an introduction to government, principles of constitutionalism and federalism, political parties and political behavior, the Presidency, Congress, the judiciary, and the federal bureaucracy, of specific emphasis, is an analysis of decision-making in government, public participation and influence in government as well as a study of specific problems concerning the operation of the federal government.
Course Classification:
Lecture
Prerequisites:
None
Controlling Purpose:
This introductory course in American National Government is designed to provide a framework for the political science major and non-major regarding the politics of America. The main theme for the course will be the debate between popular democracy and elite democracy. The overall goal is to assess the prospects and possibilities for the extension of democracy in the United States. It is hoped that the student will become personally engaged in the material and examine his/her own beliefs about democracy.
The historical aspects of democracy will be explored: followed by the processes of participation in American politics. In addition, the study will cover the basic institutions of government such as Congress, presidency, courts, bureaucracy, and the media. The last area of concern will focus on the four policy areas; civil rights and civil liberties, economic policy, social policy, and foreign policy.
Core Outcomes:
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Units Outcomes and Criterion Based Evaluation Key for Core Content:
The following outline defines the minimum core content, not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: PERSONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Outcomes: Upon Completion of this unit, students will be able to successfully…
- Regular and timely class attendance
- Completion of assignments on or before the due date
- Written assignments reflect ideas discussed in class in a well-structured format with few grammatical errors
- Oral participation in class reflects clear, concise, thought out views
- Critical thinking skills are demonstrated by recognition of problems faced by democracies and possible solutions
- Ability to work in small and large group projects
- The impact of government decisions on the quality of life and future career decisions is recognized
UNIT 2: KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
Outcomes: Upon Completion of this unit, students will be able to successfully…
- Summarize the difference between elite democracy and popular democracy
- Comprehend the reasons for the 1776 Revolution and the development of a Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Apply the principles of Federalism from 1776 to the present
- Evaluate the American Political Economy in terms of economic growth, social mobility, distribution of income and wealth, and private and public power
UNIT 3: THE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Outcomes: Upon Completion of this unit, students will be able to successfully…
- Analyze the different function that Congress performs
- Examine how a bill becomes a law
- Identify the role of majority and minority leaders of Congress and the role of political parties in government
- Analyze the committee functions of Congress
- Investigate the role of the Presidency and executive office of the White House
- Inquire into the growth of the National Bureaucracy and its role in government
- Identify the roles of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts and their impact on American Life
UNIT 4: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Outcomes: Upon Completion of this unit, students will be able to successfully…
- Understand why many Americans do not participate in the political process
- Analyze how Americans develop opinions regarding politics and government
- Evaluate the media and how newspapers, television, and radio, influence and set political agendas
- Comprehend the differences between the two main political parties and understand how each influences democracy
- Judge the value of the methods used to place people in elected offices
- Research and analyze the influence of interest groups on the democratic system in America
UNIT 5: THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Outcomes: Upon Completion of this unit, students will be able to successfully…
- Analyze the different functions that Congress performs
- Examine how a bill becomes a law
- Identify the role of majority and minority leaders of Congress and the role of political parties in government
- Analyze the committee functions of Congress
- Investigate the role of Presidency and executive offices of the White House
- Inquire into the growth of the national bureaucracy and its role in government
- Identify the roles of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts and their impact on American life
Projects Required:
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Materials/Equipment Required:
None
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission, and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching, and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.
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