Coppin State University Political Science Course Description

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Coppin State University supports all students in their academic endeavors.  Should you need academic accommodations because of a disability, please contact Ms. Pat Johnson, CSU’s Disability Support Services program (DSSP) counselor, to register for reasonable accommodations and to provide your Professor with documentation from DSSP about the accommodation. Ms. Johnson’s office is in HHSB 355. If you have already registered with this program, please provide the DSSP Accommodation Form to your Professor immediately to inform him of the required accommodation. Accommodation cannot reasonably be made for exams, evaluations and other course activities that take place before the professor receives the requisite DSSP documentation from the student. 

This is a general, comparative introduction to the concepts, subject matter and general issues of political science. This course examines a variety of approaches to the study of politics. The institutions, policies and benefits of modern government, including the government of the United States, will be a major focus of analyzing the relationship between the government and the governed. 
 
Course Objectives

This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the following learning outcomes identified by Coppin State University as expected of all graduates: 
ISLO 1. Written and Oral Communication. 
-Writing clear expository and persuasive prose 
-Use of valid research based arguments to support written or oral positions 
-Expression of ideas in language appropriate to the topic and audience 
-Writing and speaking proficiently for various audiences 
ISLO 2. Analytical Reasoning. 
-Thinking critically and analytically to respond to various issues and problems/concerns 
-Applying applications of classical and/or current theories and principles from specific content areas; 
-Using critical judgments from a combination of evidences and assumptions to reach viable conclusions 
-Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data via computational literacy and scientific reasoning 
ISLO 3. Information Literacy. 
-Proficiency in the use of technology and its appropriate applicability 
-Use of multiple information sources such as online databases, videotapes, government documents, and journals in conducting research and/or in problem solving (e.g., electronic and print periodicals, chapters in books, government documents, archival material, and microfilm) 
ISLO 4. Social and Self Awareness. 
-Understanding of self and responsibilities as an engaged citizen and leader of service in the community 
-Awareness/understanding of economic, political, and organizational systems, and 
-Appreciation of diverse cultural heritages and global societies.
ISLO5. Reflective Practice 
-Personal responsibility for intellectual growth through reflective practice in order to engage in continuous personal and academic development 
-Use of professional organizations to develop a comprehensive understanding of the expectations of the chosen profession; and 
-Development of professional competence through continuous learning experiences. 
ISLO6. Responsive Citizenship 
-Participation with broader communities 
-Understanding of society and commitment to political and civic engagement; 
-Understand and respect diversity of people, ideas, communities and cultures; and 
-Appreciation and awareness of environmental issues and initiatives.
Student Learning Outcomes 
Upon successful completion of the course, a student will be able to: 
1. Synthesize knowledge of political science in terms of its sub-fields in American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Theory and American Political Economy by communicating the purposes, concepts, theories, and varieties of methodologies utilized in the discipline. (ISLO Communication and Analytical Reasoning). 
2. Evaluate and analyze the nature of political processes and their subsequent policy formulations both in the United States and in comparison with the governments and politics of other nations.(ISLO Analytical Reasoning) 
3. Effectively utilize a variety of theoretical constructs and research methodologies to understand and explain historical, contemporary political events, and public policies. (ISLO Information Literacy) 
4. Demonstrate the ability to reflect and respond to current political issues. (Reflective Practice) 
5. Cultivate social and self-awareness by becoming engaged in local, state, and federal political issues, political institutions, programs and public policies. (ISLO Social and Self Awareness) 
6. Develop talent of being a responsible citizen by being engaged in various political processes, and activities taking place in his or her community. (ISLO Responsive Citizenship) 
7. Develop effective leadership skills by actively participating in local, state, and federal political science organizations. (ISLO Analytical Reasoning; Social and Self Awareness)
8 Increase knowledge and appreciation of the democratic policy process. (ISLO Social and Self Awareness; Reflective Practice) 
9. Evaluate the underlying cultural, societal, philosophical, and political factors which have led to the policies found in the United States and different countries around the world. (ISLO Analytical Reasoning; Information Literacy) 
10. Integrate appropriate methodologies into narratives which add to the ability to both analyze and explain political events and public policies. (ISLO Analytical Reasoning; Information Literacy)