POLS 102 Introduction to Political Science
This course is a basic introduction to political science, discussing origins and justification of government and how and why people get involved in politics. The course emphasizes different forms of government and public policy and basic ideas and theories.
General Education Competency
GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
POLS 102Introduction to Political Science
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Social Science
II. Course Specification
Course Type
General Education
General Education Competency
GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course is a basic introduction to political science, discussing origins and justification of government and how and why people get involved in politics. The course emphasizes different forms of government and public policy and basic ideas and theories.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Explain the attributes of the modern state and show how power is attained and used by political actors.
- Explain and criticize how politics is communicated through pop culture like film, comics, TV, music, and the internet and critically interpret political content in pop culture.
- Explain theories of why humans create governments to overcome collective action problems.
- Demonstrate comprehension of political theories, institutions and processes.
- Demonstrate the ability to think, integrate, and logically organize, not just memorize, political information.
- Be able to gather knowledge from other disciplines to interpret political situations and put it to use in class work.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply insights from the study of political science to understand local, state, national and international developments.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Comparative perspectives on
The modern state
Regimes types
Political institutions (electoral systems, legislatures, executives, courts, constitutions, parties, interest groups)
Social movements
Political violence
Policy making
Economic systems
Political satire and politics in popular culture
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
none
Required Exams
Final Exam
Required Text
Shively: Power and Choice
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
none Final Exam