PSCI C200: Introduction to Political Science
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/01/2021 |
| 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),
|
| 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 designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts with a focus on political theories, methods, systems, and ideologies as well as an exploration of subfields within Political Science. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 150.C-ID: POLS 150.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Utilize political science terminology to explain the development of political science and its subfields including theories and models.
- Utilize political science theory and terminology to analyze political systems and political behavior.
Course Objectives
- 1. Explain the development of political science and its subfields.
- 2. Identify the key concepts in political science including nations, states, power, institutions, and political behavior.
- 3. Evaluate Political Science methods and analyze normative and empirical approaches.
- 4. Identify and analyze the differences in political theory, ideologies, and systems.
- 5. Explain basic concepts of comparative politics, including types of governments, institutional arrangements, and political processes.
- 6. Analyze political behavior in international affairs including theories, actors, and levels of analysis.
Lecture Content
Introduction to Political Science Political Science and the Scientific Method Key Concepts in Political Science Power, nations, states, power, institutions, and political behavior. Political Theory Ethical foundations Platos Allegory of the Cave Ethical questions Political Ideologies Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism Fascism Feminism, Environmentalism, and Postmodernism Comparative Politics Governmental systems Democracy and Nondemocracy Governing Democracies: Interest Groups, political parties, and elections American Government Executives, Legislatures, and Judiciaries International Relations Theories, actors, and levels of analysis Contemporary issues
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include but are not limited to, lectures, discussions, and small group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, electronic resources and technologies, guest speakers, and field trips.
Reading Assignments
Students will complete reading assignments from the textbook as well as any supplemental primary source readings, handouts, internet resources, and assignments from the Coastline Library.
Writing Assignments
Midterm and/or final exams will assess students ability to construct a coherent argument utilizing political science theory and concepts.
Out-of-class Assignments
Outside of the classroom students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare papers and essays.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking through written work such as essays and papers as well as active participation in class discussions.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will be required to complete one or more essays as a component of the midterm and/or final exams and at least one additional paper.
Eligible Disciplines
Political science: Masters degree in political science, government, or international relations OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, any ethnic studies, J.D., or LL.B. OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Van Belle, Douglas A. A Novel Approach to Politics: Introducing Political Science through Books, Movies, and Popular Culture, 6th ed. CQ Press, 2020 2. Required Roskin, M. G.; Cord R. L.; Medeiros J. A.; Jones W. A. Political Science: An Introduction, 14th ed. Pearson, 2021
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library