Manchester Community College
Course Content Outline
Department: Humanities Date: September 2006
Program: Liberal ArtsPrepared by: J. Clouatre
Course Number: POL 210Course Title: Introduction
To Political Science
Theory Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0Credits: 3Prerequisites: None
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the field of political science. Political ideologies, nationalism, cultures and institutions will be discussed as well as public opinion, political parties, interest groups and voting behavior. Throughout the course, the concepts of power and legitimacy, elitism and pluralism will guide discussion. American and comparative examples will be utilized. (Fulfills Social Science requirement.)
Desired Student Competencies: Successful completion of the course should enable students to-
Describe and evaluate various political systems and ideologies.
(This is the primary objective.)
Demonstrate an ability to communicate their knowledge and beliefs about institutions and forces shaping politics.
Describe essential terminology for the field of Political Science
Demonstrate research, speaking and writing skills.
Discuss basic geographic and international system concepts.
Required Text: Roskin, Cord, Mederios and Jones. Political Science: An
Introduction 6th edition Prentice Hall 1997
or
Gordon and Wahlke. Introduction to Political Science Harcourt Brace 1997
Other Related Issues:
Outline of Topics to be Covered:
The science of politics
Legitimacy
Political Power (sources, types)
The concept and requirements of nationhood
Constitutions in the world
Ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism, Fascism, Marxist, Communism,
Democracy, Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, etc)
Political economies
The elitist and pluralist views of politics
Political culture
Political socialization (roles and agencies)
Public Opinion (definition, roles, polls)
Media
Interest Groups (roles, membership, strategies)
Political Parties (functions, types, systems)
Voting (who, why)
Governmental systems (unitary, federal, representative)
Types, roles and structures of legislatures
Roles of the executive
Bureaucracy- roles and power
Legal system (roles, types, powers)
Types, stages of revolution
International Organizations
Theories of war
Assessment: (This may not be the proper place for this but….)
Methods of evaluation may include the following:
In class discussion
Exams utilizing definitions, multiple choice, essays.
Map familiarity quizzes
Journal of news articles
Position papers
Web site evaluations
Critical Thinking Writing Exercises (about 3 pages each)
Journal writing (reflections/questions on material)
Policy writing
Position debates
National comparisons (contrasts)
Research paper (could be substituted for a web site with appropriate links if
students are so interested)