This survey course introduces the basics of American government and politics. This is not just for political science majors, but for any one concerned with the quality of their lives. Government impacts every area of life, and PLSC111 helps make sense of American government. An understanding of the people and processes of American government enable citizens to have a say in that process. This course examines the basic ideas which influenced the writers of the United States Constitution.
Political institutions are the formal organizations of people and rules within a society.
You'll learn about both the formal and informal workings of these institutions, as well as how these institutions interact with one another and with us as citizens. Sure, there are institutions and rules in any government. This course examines the political behavior of elected and appointed officials, bureaucrats, interest groups, parties and citizens. Political Science 111 is taught every semester, including summer sessions. An online distance education version of PLSC111 will be offered in the first session of summer 2001, and is offered periodically.