PS 101 - American Government

Tim Cantrell's syllabus

Course Description:

A survey of national government and the political process in the United States, with emphasis on the Constitution, the President, Congress, and the Judicial System.

Course Objectives:

KNOWLEDGE: The student should
  1. have an understanding of the history, development, and operation of American government.
  2. be able to take a more active part in government affairs from the local through national level.
  3. learn how public policy can be changed by organized political action.
  4. develop familiarity, through observation, with the operation of a governmental body or agency.

SKILLS: The student should

  1. learn the practical aspects of government which will help them in their everyday life.
  2. be able to become a better citizen through active participation in the governmental process.
  3. be able to sample and analyze and evaluate public opinion polls.
  4. know how to keep up with current events through reading about current events during the semester.

Course Outline:

A. Introduction
B. The U.S. Political Environment
C. The Constitution
D. Individual Liberties and Civil Rights
E. Political Opinions & Participation
F. Elections & Parties
G. Interest Groups & Lobbying
H. News Media
I. The Legislature
J. The Executive
K. The Bureaucrats
L. The Courts

Sample Writing Assignment:

Write a report on a major trial (murder, rape, robbery, etc.) in your home county which occurred during the past two years. Include the following points:

  1. Details of the crime
  2. Testimony of defense witnesses
  3. Testimony of prosecution
  4. Testimony of defendant
  5. Final argument by lawyers for both sides
  6. Results of the trial
  7. Bibliography
Reports must be a minimum of five pages (typed double spaced) or eight pages handwritten. It must have a bibliography with at least five references.
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Posted May 17, 1996
http://www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/LCC/HIS/101