MASTER COURSE OUTLINE
Big Bend Community College
Date: March 2008
COURSE TITLE:
DEPT: POLS
NO: 210
(Formerly: POL 104)
Modern American Political Process
CIP Code:
451001
Intent Code: 11
Program Code: N/A
CREDITS:
5
Total Contact Hours Per Qtr: 55
Lecture Hours Per Qtr:
55
Lab Hours Per Qtr:
Distribution
Desig.: SS
______________________________________________________________________________
PREPARED BY: Chris Riley
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course examines the American political culture, including interest
groups, the parties, campaigns, public opinion, and the power of the press. It also examines the policy
making process.
PREREQUISITE(S):
TEXT:
None
Government by the People, by James M. Burns, et al.
Other texts deemed appropriate by the instructor
COURSE GOALS:
1) To familiarize the student with the manner in which modern politics works in America.
2) To bring about an understanding among students of why participation in politics is essential for
a democracy to work
3) To foster a greater understanding of the various organizations formulating public policy
4) To promote critical discussion as to the meaning of democracy in its various forms
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1) Describe the political culture and ideology in the United States today
2) Explain the influence held by interest groups and why they are important to the political
process
3) Describe the importance of political parties and how they are organized
4) Examine the role of media and public opinion in the political culture of the United States and
how that shapes the image of the nation abroad
5) Explain the manner in which national policy is formed and how it reflects the greater society
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE:
1) The meaning of political culture and ideology
2) Interest Groups: The Nature of Influence
3) The development and role of political parties
4) Public opinion, participation and voting
5) Political campaigns and elections
6) The role of the media
7) Making economic and regulatory policy
8) Making social policy
9) Making foreign and defense policy
10) The democratic faith: what does it mean?
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EVALUATION METHODS/GRADING PROCEDURES:
1) Students will be evaluated through a variety of means, including critical papers, essay
examinations, in-class discussions.
2) Special projects may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor.
3) Students will be required to meet with the instructor once during the term with the instructor
to evaluate their success.
PLANNED TEACHING METHODS/LEARNING STRATEGIES:
X Lecture
Laboratory
Supervised Clinical
X Small Group Discussion
X Audiovisual
Individualized Instruction
X Special Project
Other (List)
Division Chair Approval
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