PSCI G181: American Government: The Politics of Race and Ethnicity
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 is identical to ETHS G181. This course provides an introduction to United States and California governments and examines their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Students will analyze the politics of race and ethnicity and its effect on political behavior, institutions and the exercise of political power. Central to this study will be the history, experiences and contributions of African Americans, Asians, Native Americans and Latinx. Additionally, this course will focus on policy content and relevant political issues facing racial and ethnic populations. Enrollment Limitation: POLS C1000/ETHS G181; students who complete PSCI G181 may not enroll in or receive credit for POLS C1000, or ETHS G181. ADVISORY: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 110.C-ID: POLS 110.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Analyze the role of ideology, culture and diversity in mobilizing social movements and political interest groups in the U.S.
- Analyze the distribution and exercise of political power in the U.S.
- Identify the framework and constitutional powers of the federal and state governments.
- Examine the rights and liberties of individuals as articulated in the U.S. Constitution and federal court decisions.
- Demonstrate critical thinking using the course content relative to contemporary American political issues and present their work effectively.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify and evaluate political institutions and processes at the national, state and local levels.
- 2. Explain the role of race, ethnicty, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation and decolonization in the founding and development of the U.S. and California constitutions and political systems.
- 3. Examine the politics of race and ethnicty in the operations of U.S.and California governments.
- 4. Analyze the role of race, ethncity, racialization, equity, anti-racism and diversity in shaping public opinion.
- 5. Analyze the role of social movements and other social struggles towards civil rights, civil liberties and social justice within the socio-economic and political systems.
- 6. Examine the rights and liberties of African Americans, Asians, Latinx and Native Americans as articulated in the U.S. Constitution and federal court decisions.
- 7. Apply course content through engagement with current political issues including but not limited to equity, social justice, voter suppression, immigration and naturalization.
Lecture Content
Foundations of American Government Theories of democracy and citizenship Political philosophies and the tradition of egalitarianism Classical Liberalism Classic Conservativism Comparing political frameworks The Early American and Californian Experiences Settler colonialism and ideas of "race" Colonial rule, eurocentrism and ethnocentrism California as a "free" state Diversity analysis: Incorporation of non-white populations Measuring inequity: Examples might include the political economics of slavery The Constitution: Rights and Race Intertwined Revolution for Independence Articles of Confederation The Constitutional Convention U.S. Constitution: Ratification and amendment processes California Constitution: Recall, Referendum and Initiatives Diversity analysis: Social and economic reasons for the U.S. and California constitutions Measuring inequity: Examples might include the exclusion of non-white populations American Political Culture Development of identity and political culture The importance of ideology: political values and beliefs Political socialization The social construction of race, ethnicity and white supremacy The role of public opinion and the media Intersectional political identities and the influence on voting behavior Political participation among African American, Asian, Latinx and Native American populations Voting demographics and voter suppression Interest groups and political movements Political parties and elections Diversity analysis: The institutionaliza tion of prejudice and discrimination in political culture. Measuring inequity: Examples might include the effects of voter registration laws and voter turnout among African American, Asian, Latinx and Native American populations. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Freedoms, liberties and the extent of government authority The Bill of Rights Origins Freedoms and liberties as articulated in the U.S. and California constitutions Theory of incorporation Process of extending freedoms and liberties The incorporation of freedoms and liberties at the California state level Evaluating inequality (including but not limited to): 1st Amendment: The right to practice Native American religions 5th and 6th Amendments: Lack of due process 8th Amendment: discrimination and the death penalty Segregation - Jim Crow and Black Codes in the South Segregation policies in California Civil Rights - Resistance and Change Role of racial and ethnic social movements (including but not limited to) Abolitionist movements Civil Rights movements Chicano/a movements American Indian Movement (AIM) Asian American Movement Institutional reforms Federal laws California state laws Political system reforms Governmental and non-governmental agencies Diversity analysis: How far have we come. Liberties, freedoms and rights of African Americans, Asians, Latinx and Native Amerians in the 21st Century Measuring inequity: Examples might include the race/ethnic composition of prisoners/death row inmates; racial/ethnic profiling statutes and practices and their effects. Political Frameworks, Structures and Processes Political processes and contemporary operations Checks and balances Bureaucracy Popular participation Non-governmental actors Federal Government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches California Government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches Federalism Balancing of power between state and federal governments California state and local governments institutional arrangments and power Court dualism Supremacy clause: federal and state law Diversity analysis: Structural practices and inequities Measuring inequity: Examples might include the number of Black, Asian, Latinx and Native Americans in government positions. The Politics of Race and Ethniciity The construction and exercise of political power Social, political and economic forces Race and ethnicity in decision-making Domestic and economic policy Foreign policy Diversity and inequities in public policy Political issues and political conflict (including but not limited to) Migration, immigration and citizenship Employment and discrimination in the workplace Education and healthcare The political economy: housing rights, economic disparities Social justice and criminal justice reform Environmental racism Radical racial/ethnic political philosophies and movements
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 online reading assignments from a variety of scholarly websites and journals. Complete reading of lectures (if applicable).
Writing Assignments
College-level written essays 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 American political issues. College-level written term paper(s) in which students will utilize course content, appropriate investigative methods and technologies to examine key political issues and analyze potential solutions to political problems.
Out-of-class Assignments
Primary research including attendance at scholarly lectures. Participation in discussions, presentations, debates. Secondary research within 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 course content.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Written essays or other projects (i.e. interactive assignments, term paper) in which students will summarize and analyze opposing viewpoints, their assumptions and arguments, ideological foundations, and strengths and weaknesses relevant to various American political issues. Written or oral presentation, discussion and/or debate of their findings and their own interpretation of factual information.
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 Louis Schubert
Manuals Resources
Thomas R. Dye
Periodicals Resources
Harmon Zeigler. The Irony of Democracy: An Uncommon Introduction to American Politics, 17th ed. Cengage Publishing, 2016 2. Required Paula Denice McClain, Steven C. Tauber. American Government in Black and White: Diversity and Democracy, Fourth Edition, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2019