Political Science Course Descriptions

PSC 201: Introduction to American Government, 4 credits

Development of the American political system with emphasis on decision-making in the legislative, executive, and judicial departments; Constitutional interpretation and Federalism; and the inputs of political parties, interest groups, and the federal bureaucracy.

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Understand the historical basis for Federalism.
2. Be able to interpret and understand the many clauses of the Constitution.
3. Understand the federal election process.
4. Understand the role of government in relation to the free enterprise system.
5. Understand how laws are proposed, debated, enacted, enforced, and interpreted.
6. Understand how our constitutional form of government was formed, and the pervasive effect ourconstitution has on all aspects of daily life.
7. Be able to evaluate the significance of local, state, and federal governmental actions on our political, social, cultural, and economic activities.

PSC 300: Political Philosophy, 4 credits

A philosophical examination of major social and political concepts such as freedom, authority, justice, law, obligation and rights. Emphasis on important philosophers and ideologies in the history of political philosophy.
Prerequisite: Junior Status