PSCI G101: Survey Of Current Issues
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 04/20/2021 |
| 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) |
|
| Diversity Requirement (GCD) | Yes |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course surveys current political issues and public policy in California and the United States. Students will learn the skills necessary to evaluate political issues, analyze public policy, employ effective arguments and propose solutions. ADVISORY: Successful completion of English Composition is recommended. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Utilize investigative methods and technologies with which to examine key political issues and policies.
- Evaluate important findings, theories and opposing viewpoints concerning political issues and policies.
- Present possible policy solutions to political issues.
- Identify ways in which political issues and public policy affect individuals' lives.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify major political issues.
- 2. Relate major issues to their own lives and communities.
- 3. Examine Californian issues as they relate to state and federal public policy.
- 4. Assess the impact of policies on their attitudes, behavior and physical well being.
- 5. Evaluate the success or failure of existing policy.
- 6. Formulate solutions or approaches to solutions to issues and policies affecting their lives and communities.
Lecture Content
Introduction to political inquiry Skill set Research methodology Critical thinking and analysis Assessing reliable resources and information Problem-solving Key terms and concepts Power and types of power Factors of power Politics as the process of decision-making Public versus private policy Principles of government The factors of politics Civic responsibility Political frameworks and institutional arrangements Federalism Relationship between California government and the federal government Independence, dependency and co-dependency Process of making public policy Factors of influence Required skills, including diplomacy, negotiation, pragmatism and compromise Binding and non-binding agreements Laws and statutes Regulatory and non-regulatory policy The feedback loop Implementation of public policy Bureaucracy defined Growth of bureacracy Bureaucratic authority Political Issues Contemporary political issues Relevant historical information, events and social/political movements Opposing Viewpoints Ideological foundations Sources of conflict Reliability of information Argumentation Information and evidence Logic and Reasoning Fallacies Public Policy Identify public policy areas such as The economy: poverty and inequality The education system The health care system The justice system Immigration and naturalization Relate policy to political values, beliefs and behavior Moderate and more radical ideologies Moderate and more radicial movements Examine the economic, environmental and sociological effects of public policy Policies may include but are not limited to Migration, immigration and citizenship policies Employment and discrimination in the workplace Education leadership and curriculum standards Healthcare, including Medicare and Medical legislation The political economy: housing rights, taxation, social welfare programs Social justice and criminal justice reform Environmental water and air quality rules and regulations Relate political issues and public policies to individual lifestyles Physical effects may include but are not limited to Poverty and its affects on health Climate change and pollutions affects on health Access to healthcare The mental/psychological effects Political marginalization and apathy Education and self-improvement The behaviorial and sociological effects Political participation Social mobilization Civil disobedience Civil unrest Conflict Problem-solving Utilize problem-solving skills Examine various solutions Modification of the process Modification of the policies Consider both short and long term ramifications Formulate solutions or approaches to solutions to major issues Present and debate findings and solutions The future use of course content and skill set Civic responsibilities Critical thinking about issues and their impact Research and investigative techniques Understanding various perspectives Assessing the reliability of information Problem-solving Individual engagement through discussion, debate and participation
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
Lectures utilizing new technology Interactive Discussions
Reading Assignments
Complete reading assignments in the assigned required text(s). Complete required and/or recommended online reading assignments from a variety of scholarly websites and journals.
Writing Assignments
Written essay(s) or other projects (i.e. interactive assignments) in which students will summarize and analyze opposing viewpoints, their assumptions and arguments, ideological foundations, and strengths and weaknesses relevant to various political issues. Written term paper(s) in which students will utilize course content, appropriate investigative methods and technologies to propose potential solutions. Written or oral presentation, discussion and/or debate of their findings and their own interpretation of factual information.
Out-of-class Assignments
Primary research including interviews and attendance at scholarly lectures. Participation in discussions, presentations, debates. Secondary research utilizing scholarly journals, books, articles and online resources/databases.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking, reading and writing skills through analysis, synthesis and evaluation of political issues and public policy.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Writing, problem solving and skills demonstration shall include Written essays or other projects in which students will summarize and analyze opposing viewpoints, their assumptions and arguments, ideological foundations, and strengths and weaknesses relevant to various political issues. Written essays, projects, and/or discussions in which students will identify ways in which political issues and corresponding public policy affect their lives. Written term papers in which students will utilize course content, investigative methods and technologies to analyze a political issue, examine public policy and propose potential solutions. Written or oral presentation, discussion and/or debate of their findings and potential policy solutions.
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. Optional George McKenna, Stanley Feingold. Taking Sides-Clashing View on Controversial Political Issues, 21st ed. McGraw Hill, 2019 Rationale: - 2. Required William Miller. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Political Issues, 21st ed. McGraw Hill, 2019
Other Resources
1. Any survey text on American political issues. 2. Selected newspapers or periodicals 3. Selected materials prepared and/or distributed by the instructor on relevant topics to include: articles, videos and documentaries.