Political Science Courses: 2012-2013
POLITICAL SCIENCE 10. American Government. Fall. Mr. Proctor. 4 meetings weekly. Blocks D1235 and E1345. The study of American government is an interesting combination of political theory and practical application. This course will begin its examination of government with an in-depth look at our constitution and its amendments, and then move from its words to how they have formed our present-day democracy. Topics covered in this course will be the bicameral nature of our Congress, federal checks and balances, the expanding power of the executive branch, the oversight responsibility of the judiciary, the development of political parties and the concept of federalism. Internet research, Model Congress and a Supreme Court simulation will be used to bring this study of government to life. This course is a prerequisite for students interested in taking AP Political Science in the spring.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 11. Advanced Placement American Government and Politics. Spring. Mr. Proctor. 5 meetings weekly. Block D. Prerequisite: Political Science 10 and Permission of the Department. In the case of over enrollment students with the best performance in Political Science 10 will be given preference. In a “democracy,” citizens choose leaders whose policies they understand and agree with and place these leaders in positions from which they can carry out these policies. Yet recent events in the United States suggest that in many ways our nation doesn't fit this definition. We will look at the United States today to determine the extent to which a “democracy” is possible, or indeed desirable. We will review the Constitution itself, and then study voting procedures, election tactics, campaign financing, the impact of the media, three branches of government, and the political realities faced by politicians who attempt to live up to the ideals of a democratic society. The course will conclude with an investigation of the civil and criminal rights of the American citizenry. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in American Government and Politics.
