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COURSE SYLLABUS
1. TITLE OF COURSE: Introduction to Political Science: GT-SS1
PREFIX/NUMBER: POS 105 CREDIT HOURS: 3
2. PREREQUISITE: REA 090 or permission of instructor
3. RESOURCES NEEDED:
TEXT: TBA
SUPPLIES:
4. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Focuses on a survey of the discipline of political science, including political philosophy and ideology, democratic and non-democratic governments, and processes, and international relations.
This course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed Transfer courses. GT-SS1
5. COURSE GOAL:
The student will examine the nature of political systems, behavior and ideologies within a comparative framework and the events that affect political transitions worldwide.
6. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
I. Describe and evaluate the concepts of power, legitimacy and authority.
II. Discuss the origins and developments of the nation-state.
III. Distinguish between traditional and behavioral approaches to the study of politics.
IV. Discuss general approaches to the study of politics such as political philosophy, political systems theory and political economy.
V. Describe and discuss the political the political socialization process.
VI. Examine the nature of political participation from a comparative perspective.
VII. Discuss the nature of public opinion from a comparative perspective.
VIII. Identify the different types of electoral systems and be able to assess the implications of those systems.
IX. Identify the role and functions of political parties.
X. Identify the different types of party systems from a comparative perspective.
XI. Describe and evaluate the general principles of presidential and parliamentary political systems.
XII. Describe and compare the essential features of at least three governments of Western Europe.
XIII. Identify and evaluate the principles of authoritarian and totalitarian governments.
XIV. Discuss the concepts of political development and problems facing developing nations.
XV. Discuss and explain the origins and principles of democratic capitalism.
XVI. Discuss and explain the origins and principles of democratic socialism.
XVII. Discuss and explain the origins and principles of Marxist socialism.
XVIII. Discuss and explain the origins and principles of national socialism and fascism.
XIX. Discuss and explain the origins, development, and principles of third world ideologies.
XX. Describe the origins, development, and principles of international law.
XXI. Identify and assess the influence of major international organizations.
XXII. Describe and analyze the causes of international conflict.
XXIII. Analyze current critical issues in international relationships.
XXIV. Read, analyze and apply written material to new situations.
XXV. Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays.
XXVI. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.
7. COURSE OUTLINE
I. Introduction to Political Science
A. Power, legitimacy and authority
B. The origins and development of the nation state
C. Traditional and behavioral approaches
D. Political philosophy
E. Political systems theory
F. Political economy
II. The individual and government
A. Political socialization
B. Political participation
C. Public opinion
D. Elections and systems of representation
E. Single-member districts
F. Proportional representation
III. Political Parties
A. Functions
B. Types of groups
IV. Comparative Political Institutions
A. Presidential and parliamentary regimes
B. Principles of organization
C. Executive, legislative, judicial branches
V. Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
A. Characteristics of authoritarianism
B. Characteristics of totalitarianism
VI. Developing nations
A. Theories of underdevelopment and development
B. Recent developments and future trends
VII. Political Ideologies
A. Democratic capitalism
1. Origins
2. Principles
B. Democratic socialism
1. Origins
2. Principles
C. Marxist socialism
1. Origins
2. Principles
D. National socialism and fascism
1. Origins
2. Principles
E. Third World Ideologies
1. Origins
2. Principles
VIII. International Relations
A. Development of the international system
1. Historical overview
2. Theories
B. International Law
1. Origins
2. Principles
IX. International Organizations
A. International intergovernmental organizations
B. International non-governmental organizations
X. International conflict and causes of war
A. Historical overview
B. Theories
XI. Analysis of current critical issues
8. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
To be successful in this course, students are expected to participate in discussions, readings, in-class writing, and peer review activities. The instructor may assign point values to such activities.
9. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Pueblo Community College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as described in the Student Handbook. Violation of academic integrity may be defined to include the following: cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Sanctions for violating the standards of academic integrity may include warning, probation, suspension, and/or failure of the course or assignment at the discretion of the instructor.
10. ADA NOTICE:
Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations for this class. Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549-3446 for further information |