PSCI A200: Introduction to Political Science
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 02/24/2021 |
| Top Code | 220700 - Political Science |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
An introduction to the study of politics. Explores the approaches, theories, methods, and models of the discipline and its subfields to prepare students for a systematic examination of the political world and its many faces around the globe. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 150.C-ID: POLS 150.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Explain some of the key concepts, theories, and models of the discipline and its subfields.
- Demonstrate critical thinking through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of the course content.
- Effectively communicate the knowledge and skills gained in this course.
Course Objectives
- 1. Analyze the various models of political analysis.
- 2. Identify the key concepts in political science and its subfields.
- 3. Define the terms commonly used by political scientists and use them appropriately.
- 4. Evaluate and analyze normative and empirical approaches.
- 5. Identify the key methods of the discipline.
- 6. Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study of political phenomenon and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
- 7. Describe the prominent theories of the discipline and determine their explanatory power.
- 8. Identify and summarize the subfields of the discipline. Explain the differences between the subfields.
- 9. Identify and analyze basic political systems and their differences.
- 10. Analyze political behavior in domestic and international affairs.
- 11. Describe political thought and ideology over time.
Lecture Content
I. On Knowing the Political World A. Politics and Knowledge B. Types of Political Knowledge C. Sources of Political Knowledge II. Political Behavior A. Political Theory and Political Beliefs B. Normative Political Theory III. Political Actions A. Individual Political Actions B. Group Political Actions C. Political Interest Groups D.Constraints on a Groups Behavior E. Political Parties IV. Influences on Beliefs and Actions A. The Political Environment B. Agents of Political Socialization C. Personal Characteristics D. Political Personality V. Political Systems A. States and Nations B. The State C. The Nation D. The Political System VI. Political Structures A. Legislatures B. Executives C. Administrative Systems D. Judiciaries VII. Institutional Arrangements A. Constitutions and Constitutional Regimes B. Democracies and Non-democracies C. Distribution of Power D. Forms of Execu tive-Legislative Relations E. Political Party Systems VIII. Political Economy A. Politics and Economics B. A Political-Economic Framework C. Measuring Economic Prosperity D. Ideal Type Political Economies E. Problems of Ideal Type Political Economies IX. Political Processes A.Public Policy, Power, and Decision B. Public Policy C. Public Policy Decision Making D. Elite, Class, and Group Approaches to Public Policy Decision Making X. Change and Political Development A. Change B. Development C. Political Development D. World of Changes XI. Politics Across Borders A. States Behaviors B. Mechanisms of Cooperation Between States C. Political Competition Across Borders XII. Political Violence A. Violence B. Political Society C. Types of Political Violence D. Use of Force Between States E. Evaluating Political Violence XIII. Politics Among States ; A. The Developed Countries B. Developed Countries in the Contemporary World C. Prosperity in the Developed Countries D. Stability in the Developed Countries E. Security in the Developed Countries XIV. The Developing Countries A. Developing Countries in the Contemporary World B. Prosperity in the Developing Countries C. Stability in the Developing Countries D. Security in the Developing Countries XV. The Transitional Developed Countries A. Post-Communist Developed Countries B. Prosperity in the Post-Communist Developed Countries C. Stability in the Post-Communist Developed Countries D. Security in the Post-Communist Developed Countries E. The Newly Industrializing Countries F. Prosperity in the Newly Industrializing Countries G. Stability in the Newly Industrializing Countries H. Security in the Newly Industrializing Countries
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
1. Lecture and explanations of arguments, issues, topics, terms, and concepts. Focus on argument analysis, criticism, and evaluation. 2. Lecture is outlined and detailed on the board or on PowerPoint. 3. Videos and documentaries to reinforce reading and lecture material to be shown. 4. Newspaper articles and editorials may be discussed in class to emphasize the relevance of the course materials. Other reading materials (magazine or journal articles) may be provided as necessary. 5. In-class reading of primary sources to reinforce the interpretations in the textbook and enhance reading skills. 6. Students collaborate for in-class group work assignments or small group discussions. 7. Instructor may provide additional material including handouts as needed. 8. Instructor provides written feedback on exams, homework and class work assignments, and writing assignments. 9. Instructor provides students with sample exam questions and study guides for each exam. 10. Instructor provides verbal feedback during class work assignments and class discussions.
Reading Assignments
Assigned from text, periodicals, and other media. appx 2hrs/wk
Writing Assignments
Instructor will require students to produce writing assignments to demonstrate analysis in the field of political science. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. appx 2hrs/wk
Out-of-class Assignments
Homework and/or class work assignments as necessary to reinforce course material. appx 2hrs/wk
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Instructor will require students to produce writing assignments to demonstrate analysis in the field of political science. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Instructor will require students to produce writing assignments to demonstrate analysis in the field of political science. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Danziger, J. Understanding the Politcal World: A Comparative Introducation to Political Science, ed. New York: Longman, 2010 2. Required Grisby, E. Analyzing Politics, ed. New York: Wadsworth, 2011 3. Required Van Belle, D., Nash, K. Braunworth, J. A Novel Approach to Politics, ed. Washington: CQ Press, 2012