Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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SS 453 - American Government

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course is a study of the American governmental system and an analysis of the appropriateness of this system at this time. The challenges to democratic government, the question of constitutional government, the question of individual rights, the question of popular representation, and the question of responsible leadership are the basic topics. The course integrates political science, history, and law to produce a greater awareness and understanding of current affairs. (prereq: none) 
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Describe the broad principles which have shaped American governmental development
  • Explain the basic operation of the U.S. government
  • Recognize the role and complexity of individual rights/responsibilities within the U.S. system

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None

Course Topics
  • Political theory
  • American political history
  • Separation of powers
  • Federalism
  • Religious freedom
  • Freedom of speech
  • Freedom of the press
  • Equal rights under the law
  • Citizenship
  • Due process
  • The Presidency
  • The Congress
  • The judiciary
  • Voting and voting patterns

Coordinator
Dr. Katherine Wikoff



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