Introduction to Politics

I.     Course Prefix/Number: PSC 110

       Course Name: Introduction to Politics

       Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 0 lab)

II.    Prerequisite


III.   Course (Catalog) Description


IV.   Learning Objectives

A. Define politics and describe the pursuit and practice of power;
B. Apply the concepts of power and politics to governmental and non governmental institutions (e.g. the family and schools);
C. Identify and explain the relationship between leadership, power, influence, authority, and legitimacy;
D. Analyze and explain the relationship between power and justice in different political systems;
E. Evaluate and interpret historical and contemporary examples of policy-making and implementation.

V.    Academic Integrity


• cheating,
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.


VI.   Sequence of Topics

Given the general nature of this course, the course objectives can be met in a variety of ways.  Thus, the specific course outline will depend in part on the dominant issues of the time.  However, all sections will deal with the following topics:

    A. The nature of politics.
    B. Power, authority and legitimacy.
    C. Political culture and socialization.
    D. Political change.
    E. Who rules: constitutions and popular rights.
    F. Representation and leadership.
    G. Popular participation: voting and interest group participation.
    H. The legislative function.
    I. The executive function.
    J. The judicial function.
    K. Policy making and implementation.

VII.  Methods of Instruction


VIII. Course Practices Required

Students will be required to:
    A. Read a standard textbook and research materials.
    B. Write outside of class the equivalent of 12 14 double spaced typed pages in the form of a term paper, summaries of journal articles, short research papers, and/or other kinds of writing.

IX.   Instructional Materials


X.    Methods of Evaluating Student Progress



XI.   Other Course Information
