POLS C1000 – American Government & Politics (CRN: 48937)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. The United States is a contradiction on a winding road of democracy. Its founding principles embrace the ideals of freedom and equality, but it is a nation built on the systematic exclusion and suppression of many groups of people. We will look and find value in the contributions of many different peoples to our government process and that shaping of our culture and traditions. We will closely examine the rights and obligations of all “citizens” (community members) as established by the U.S. Constitution in conjunction with evolving concepts of democratic principles. Contemporary relationships between federal, State and local governments are consistently explored as we continually focus on current events and our dutiful obligation to vote/support our democratic processes. Formerly PLSC 210.

Lecture hours/semester: 48-54

Homework hours/semester: 96-108

C-ID: POLS 110