POLS 1010 - Intro to Political Science

3 sem hrs cr

This course is an analysis of politics and political systems in various countries. Students will acquire a general understanding of the key concepts and ideas upon which different systems of government are based. Prerequisite: Students must be able to read and write at the college level.

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.

Formerly/Same As POL 1020, POLS 1020

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UN

By the end of the course, students will be able to…

• define and describe politics from various perspectives.
• distinguish between political philosophies in principle and their application in practice. 
• discuss the key political concepts developed by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
• define civil liberties, civil rights, and human rights. 
• discuss how political participation is related to self-government. 
• define political socialization. 
• explain and differentiate among different theories about how and why interest groups form. 
• describe the different aspects of a legislature’s work. 
• identify the three types of democratic regimes. 
• identify the responsibilities of a judicial system. 
• explain the importance of a free press both in the United States and abroad. 
• describe the nature of governing regimes. 
• define power as it applies to international relations.

Specific Objectives

• Introduce students to political science as an academic discipline
• Introduce students to political philosophy and theory
• Introduce students to comparative politics