PSC 205

Politics & Government

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course is a study of the concepts and problems involved in our relationships with governments and political change.  This course emphasizes comparative institutions of governments, analysis of political behavior, and political ideology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  This course is designed to give the student a general introduction to the concepts and problems involved in the relationship with governments, the nation-state, and political change.  Its purpose is to provide an understanding of the basic concepts, ideas, and institutions of politics. The course begins by defining such concepts as politics, power, influence, authority, and legitimacy, and then indicates how these concepts relate to the basic institutions of government.

            Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1) Understand and apply core concepts (e.g., politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.

2) Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

3) Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. 

4) Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.

5) Demonstrate the ability to establish goals, set priorities and meet deadlines.