PSC 101 - Intro to American Politics

Institution:

University of New England

Subject:

Political Science

Description:

This course introduces students to American politics, that sometimes maddening and at other times stimulating subject which always affects our lives. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject matter and is intended to acquaint students with various aspects of government and politics in the U.S. It is not comprehensive. The selection of topics is guided by three course objectives. FIRST, at it's most down to earth level, this course is designed to highlight politics in everyday life, as it affects us and as we maybe affect it. If you don't already, you should begin reading a good newspaper to enhance your familiarity with current events. Accomplishing this objective should provide a better appreciation of everyday political events, especially the process and the politics of the presidential election, and equip us to interpret them even after the course is over. SECOND, the course is designed to familiarize students with the formal and informal institutions of government, the conventional and unconventional means of citizen participation in politics, and the consequences that are forthcoming from each. Here we will review the organization and function of such familiar institutions as the Constitution, mass media, political parties, presidency, and the impact that voting, interest groups, and protest movements have upon them. THIRD, and most important, the course is designed to raise the questions, "What is democray?"and "How closely does American politics conform to democratic ideals?" Providing answers to these two questions is the primary goal of this course.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

09/01/2006 - 09/01/2007 

Institution Website:

www.une.edu/

Phone Number:

(207) 283-0171

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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