Course Number and Title:
POL 111 Political Science
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Wilmington
- Stanton
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course focuses on the organization and operation of American government at various levels while emphasizing involvement in the democratic process. It provides a working understanding of the structure and function of the formal political system on the local, state, national, and international levels. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to reflect upon their personal political value system.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
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Describe the ideological foundations of American democracy in the United States. (CCC 1, 2)
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Explain how various levels of government interact to impact society within our system of federalism. (CCC 1, 2)
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Explain how the three branches of government evolved, interrelate, and function. (CCC 1, 2)
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Analyze the factors affecting participation in the political process and the responsibilities of citizens. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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Explain the origins and issues regarding civil rights and civil liberties within the United States. (CCC 1,2)
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Analyze the ways in which public policy is created to address issues at the national and international level. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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Develop an opinion of the American political process both orally and in writing. (CCC 1, 2)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
Describe the ideological foundations of American democracy in the United States.
Identify and discuss the ideological foundations of American democracy.
Describe the theories of government and the resultant compromises that created the American democracy.
Identify the contributions of major social contract philosophers.
Explain how various levels of government interact to impact society within our system of federalism.
Describe how power is divided between national and state governments.
Identify various levels of government and their responsibilities.
Explain the potential for conflict within our federalist system.
Explain how the three branches of government evolved, interrelate, and function.
Identify and describe the role of each branch of the United States federal government.
Identify the constitutional basis for each branch of government.
Describe the checks and balances system as it relates to the three branches of government.
Analyze the factors affecting participation in the political process and the responsibilities of citizens
Explain how the political socialization process has included certain groups and excluded others.
Identify basic factors that affect participation in the political process.
Investigate ways in which individuals may become civically engaged.
Participate in a political activity at the local, state, or federal level.
Explain how political campaigns and candidates attempt to involve more people in the political process.
Explain the origins and issues regarding civil rights and civil liberties within the United States.
Explain the concept of civil liberties.
Identify commonly accepted and debated civil liberties.
Describe the development and expansion of civil rights to various groups within the United States.
Identify contemporary issues related to civil rights
Analyze the ways in which public policy is created to address issues at the national and international level.
Describe the various groups, factors, and perspectives that contribute to policy formation.
Analyze a particular political issue and policy that has been created to address it.
Develop an opinion of the American political process
Compose a personal opinion of the American political process based on concepts in this course.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments (Tests, Essay)(equally weighted) | 60% |
Summative Assessment (Project) | 15% |
Formative Assessments (including but not limited to discussions, reflections, summaries, group activities) | 25% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.