2014-2015
Political Science I
Syllabus
Official Course Description
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
POLISCI I (13018300)
Political Science I
COURSE CREDIT
1
Credits
MEETING TIME
Monday-Friday
Instructor: Eduardo J. Hinojos
Telephone Number: (915) 937-2940
e-mail: ehinoj04@sisd.net
Conference Time: 7TH Period
Room #: D107
I.
Course Description:
This course will familiarize the student with political theory through the study of differing
governmental systems; public policies and their effectiveness; and political processes,
systems, and behavior.
This course is recommended for those with a high interest in Governance and/or Public
Administration as a future career possibility.
Course Pre-requisite: Not applicable with first year course.
II.
Rationale:
Second year instruction in Principles of Governance and Public Administration, namely
Political Science I, is aimed at presenting an in depth study of ideas that have been
critical in shaping our and others’ form of government, economy, culture, religion and
region. Such ideas will be analyzed in root in order to prompt students to think in a
meaningful manner concerning the world around them. Students will essentially be
involved in a comparative study aimed at unknotting misconceptions, and overcoming
bias for the sake of clearer explanations as to the world around them. This will assist
students in the development of their own leadership style and vision for the world they
will inhabit in their adult years. Finally, students will also be expected to apply these
ideas to local government and seek ways in which their own communities can be
improved or changed positively.
*This course is the second in a 4 year long program aimed at highly preparing students
with an interest in government and public administration as a possible career choice
*Syllabus Subject to Modification
Page 1 of 3
2014-2015
Student Organizations Available:
 SkillsUSA
o A national organization serving teachers and high school and college
students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service
occupations, including health occupations.
o Dues: $7.50 State $8.00 National
III.
IV.
College Preparation/Credit
This course will prepare students to not only succeed but excel among their peers in
related government and public administration courses at the college/university level.
Course Objectives:
Semester 1 (Fall)
1. Political Theory: What is it?
2. Why Does Government Exist?
3. The Classical Political Philosophers
4. The Contemporary Political Philosophers
5. Identifying and Defining Ideology
6. Unwrapping Ideology
V.
Semester 2 (Spring)
7. American Public Policy and Ideology
8. Public Opinion and Interest Groups
9. People and Politics
10. The American Electoral Process
11. Mock Election
12. Research Component: Comparative Study
Assessment: Activities allow for systematic measurement of the effectiveness of
different teaching techniques and tools in helping students grasp key concepts, skills,
and/or information in a given course. Instructors use data from assessment activities to
modify how the course is taught to continuously improve student understanding and
mastery of course material. Therefore, students should give their best effort to their role
in assessment.
Grading Policy for each 9 Week Session
Daily assignments/Quizzes=50%
Tests/Projects=25%
Nine Weeks Test=25%
VI.
Materials and Requirements
Provided Materials:
1) American Government: Institutions and Policies, 12th Edition
2) Ideas That Shape a Nation, 2nd Edition
3) Broadview Anthology of Social and Political Thought
Materials Not Provided:
1) Writing utensils
2) Composition Notebook
3) Coloring Pencils
4) Loose leaf paper
5) Energy
*Syllabus Subject to Modification
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2014-2015
VII.
VIII.
Certifications
Not applicable
Brief semester outline of course of study
SEMESTER 1
Week
1-3
4-6
7-9
10-12
Topics
Political Theory: What is it?
AG: Chapters 1-2
Why Does Government Exist?
AG: Chapters
1,2,and 22
The Classical Political Philosophers
ISN: Selected
Readings
The Contemporary Political Philosophers
ISN: Selected
Readings
Identifying and Defining Ideology
AG: Chapters 17,
18, 19, 20, and 21
ISN: Selected
Readings
13-15
16-18
Chapter
Readings
Unwrapping Ideology
PROJECT
SEMESTER 2
Week
Topics
American Public Policy
AG: Chapters 17,
18, 19, 20, and 21
Public Opinion and Interest Groups
AG: chapters 7, 8,
9, 10, and 11
People and Politics
AG: chapters 7, 8,
9, 10, and 11
The American Electoral Process
AG: chapters 7, 8,
9, 10, and 11
1-3
4-6
7-9
10-12
13-15
Chapter
Readings
Mock Election
PROJECT
Research Component: Comparative Study
16-18
*Syllabus Subject to Modification
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PAPER AND
FINDINGS