Degrees

HI 111 Introduction to American Government Course Objectives

Students in HI 111 should be able:

1. To introduce the student to the rise, development, structure, operations, and problems of American government, with an emphasis upon American national government.
2. To offer an analysis of the historical and intellectual forces which have shaped the formation of government in America, from the Colonial era to modern America.
3. To analyze the framework supporting the structure of government in America, as well as review the many functions of government in America, from the local level to the national level.
4. To review and analyze the major documents creating government, including the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, in order to identify and understanding the philosophical and intellectual influences shaping these documents.   Included in this review is the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 -- the Constitutional Convention -- and the dynamics of that gathering which gave the Constitution its unique structure, powers, and controversy.
5. To acquaint the student with the origins and development of political parties and their appeal and impact upon the whole spectrum of American political history.
6. To introduce the student to the varied issues confronting Americans today, derived from such topics as Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, and what they mean; the separation of powers and the concomitant issue of the balance of powers among the three branches of government -- as well as the balance of power between federal government and state government.
7. To develop/strengthen reading/comprehension skills essential for successful work both inside of and outside of college.
8. To develop/strengthen writing/communications skills demanded by today’s world, regardless of where an individual chooses to go.
9. To develop/strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills; to enable one to identify and understand the cognitive and causal relationships existing among the many components of knowledge and to apply these skills with confidence as one journeys through life.
10. To develop the requisite literacy  expected from individuals, regardless of the life path one chooses to take.