POL 120 American Government

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American national government. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. Sections of this course may also be offered at the honors level for students who are members of the GTCC Honors Program.

This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course.

Pre-requisite(s): DRE 097 or ENG 002
Course is typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At the completion of the course, the students should be able to do the following:

Explain the rights protected by the original Constitution.
Explore the impact of the Bill of Rights on American freedom.
Assess the constitutional and political authority applied by actors influencing government and the effects of this influence.
Investigate the constitutional and political responsibilities institutions within the government face and their resultant policies.
Contrast textbook knowledge of American government to current issues and events.
Explore the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship and civic activity.
Demonstrate the influences of power, money, and votes on decision making.