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POSC 111

I. Course Title: Big Questions in Political Science (GE)

II. Course Number: POSC 111

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Introduction to the field of political science through the investigation of important disciplinary questions related to contemporary issues.

Note(s): General Education and Applied Learning designated course. Students may not receive credit for POSC 111 if they have taken POSC 110.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course is an introduction to the study of politics and the discipline of political science through the exploration of thematic questions related to historical or contemporary political issues. Students will learn foundational knowledge about how political science approaches specific political concepts, like democracy, legitimacy, and elections. Throughout the course, students will engage with scholarly research, application of theories, and will learn basic research skills to help answer the overarching question(s) of the course. By the end of the semester, students will be able to draw upon their substantive knowledge as well as research abilities to understand more about key questions in political science, but also what it means to be a political scientist.  

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The following instructional strategies may be employed in the course, depending on instructor preference:

  1. Lecture
  2. Reading
  3. Discussions
  4. Writing assignments
  5. Problem-based learning

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

  1. Students will summarize important questions and concepts in political science.
  2. Students will understand how to locate and review scholarly research on a given topic.
  3. Students will apply their knowledge and research skills to help understand potential answers to the given question.
  4. Students will critically reflect on their learning and research abilities.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be assessed using a variety of formative and summative measures including quizzes, essay examinations, in-class writing activities, take-home writing and research projects, and daily or weekly evaluation of class discussions.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021

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