Course Number and Title:
POL 111 Political Science
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Wilmington
- Stanton
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course focuses on the organization and operation of government at various levels while emphasizing involvement in the democratic process. It provides a working understanding of the structure and function of the formal political system on the local, state, national, and international levels. This course assists students in clarifying their personal political value system.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
1. Discuss the ideological foundations of American democracy in the United States. (CCC 1, 2)
2. Analyze how various levels of government interact to impact society within our system of federalism. (CCC 1, 2)
3. Identify how the three branches of government evolved, interrelate, and function. (CCC 1, 2)
4. Evaluate the factors affecting participation in the political process. (CCC 1, 2)
5. Analyze the issues of civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities within the diverse socio- political context. (CCC 1, 2)
6. Evaluate the ways in which public policy is created to address issues at the national and international level. (CCC 1, 2)
7. Formulate and express opinions of the American political process both orally and in writing. (CCC 1, 2)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Discuss the ideological foundations of American democracy in the United States.
- Discuss the concept of the fundamental dilemma of government.
- Identify and discuss the ideological foundations of American democracy.
- Describe the theories of government and the resultant compromises that created the American democracy.
- Trace the contributions of major social contract philosophers.
- Analyze how various levels of government interact to impact society within our system of federalism.
- Describe how power is divided between national and state governments.
- Identify various levels of government and their responsibilities.
- Identify and explain the potential for conflict within our federalist system.
- Identify how the three branches of government evolved, interrelate, and function.
- Identify and describe the role of each branch of the United States federal government.
- Discuss the constitutional basis for each branch of government.
- Discuss the checks and balances system as it relates to the three branches of government.
- Evaluate the factors affecting participation in the political process.
- Explain how the political socialization process has included certain groups and excluded others.
- List basic factors that affect participation in the political process.
- Describe ways in which citizens may become active in the political process.
- Participate in a political activity at the local, state, or federal level.
- Assess how political campaigns and candidates attempt to involve more people in the political process.
- Analyze the issues of civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities within the diverse socio-political context.
- Explain the concept of civil liberties.
- Compile a list of commonly accepted and debated civil liberties.
- Discuss both the rights and responsibilities associated with being a citizen of the United States.
- Trace the development and expansion of civil rights to various groups within the United States.
- Evaluate the ways in which public policy is created to address issues at the national and international level.
- Identify major contemporary domestic and foreign policy issues.
- Describe the various groups, factors, and perspectives that contribute to policy formation.
- Analyze a particular political issue and policy that has been created to address it.
- Formulate and express opinions of the American political process both orally and in writing.
- Based upon factors studied, formulate and express a personal opinion of the American political process.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative Assessments (Exams 3-5 equally weighted)
|
60%
|
|
Formative Assessments (quizzes, homework, in-class assignments)
|
25%
|
|
Paper/Project
|
15%
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.