Course Description
Fundamentals of the American government, including the philosophical and constitutional foundations, political institutions and main actors, such as Congress and the presidency, democratic practices such as voting, political participation, and civil rights and liberties. Includes a closer look at the State of Georgia, its constitution, and the political system-all practiced through service learning.
Athena Title
American Government SL
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 1101, POLS 1101E, POLS 1101H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will apply theoretical frameworks, such as federalism, separation of powers, and pluralism, to analyze the organization and functioning of American government, its political institutions and processes.
- Students will learn the philosophical and constitutional foundations of the U.S. political system, including the state of Georgia, and examine primary sources over time, including the Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions, among others.
- Students will critically assess the effects of media and public opinion on political processes using analytical tools to interpret data related to the American political system, including public opinion surveys, election results, and demographic trends, and communicate their findings in written, verbal, and graphical formats.
- Students will learn to articulate competing positions on political topics in assignments.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to engage in respectful discussion and civil debate on American politics that are associated with multiple points of view.
Topical Outline
- Civic Engagement
- Service-Learning
- The U.S. Constitution
- The Georgia Constitution
- Federalism
- Civil Rights
- Civil Liberties
- Congress
- The Presidency
- The Bureaucracy
- The Legal System
- Public Opinion
- Voting, Campaigns, and Elections
- Political Parties
- Interest Groups
- The News Media
- Domestic Policy
- Foreign Policy
General Education Core
CORE V: Social Sciences
