In democracies, the attitudes and beliefs of the public are expected to influence government policy and action. The formation and expression of public opinions, therefore, is central to understanding democratic governance. This course examines public opinion in contemporary America. We will discuss how attitudes can be conceptualized and measured, how they form, how Americans evaluate key public policies, and the influence these attitudes have on government operation.
Pre-requisite(s): POLSC 1010 Intro U.S.Govt/Politics: Civic Engagemt or POLSC 1010FYW Intro To U.S. Govt/Politics; POLSC 2000 Introduction to Political Science Statistics or equivalent statistics course approved by instructor.
POLSC 1010 Intro U.S.Govt/Politics: Civic Engagemt (4 hours)
This course will examine the context, processes, institutions, and outcomes of the U.S. political system. Through writing, building, social science skills,and examining democratic principle, this course will introduce students to basic concepts and theories central to the study of political science. A special focus will be placed on the concept of civic engagement, and the importance of citizen participation to a robust democracy.
Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Social Science
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: UC Leadership Thread
POLSC 1010FYW Intro To U.S. Govt/Politics (4 hours)
The emphasis of this class is understanding the way that the U.S. government and politics implements concepts and theories of democracy. This course will examine the context, processes, institutions, and outcomes of the U.S. political system. Through writing, building social science skills, and examining democratic principle, this course will introduce students to basic concepts and theories central to the study of political science. Students will engage in multiple forms of developing strong first year academic writing skills over the course of this class.
Archway Curriculum: First-Year Curriculum: First-Year Writing
Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Social Science
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: UC Leadership Thread
POLSC 2000 Introduction to Political Science Statistics (2 hours)
This course introduces students to the statistical analysis techniques that are most common in analyzing social and political data. Students will be introduced to the datasets and software most commonly used in quantitative political science analysis.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science major and POLSC 2300 Introduction To Political Science.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
