POL120

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential concepts and theories in the course materials.

Illustrate an understanding of the roles, duties, and structural characteristics of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the US government.

Analyze how American political institutions and individual behaviors interact to create political outcomes, with an awareness of the global context.

Define the function of political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and the media.

Interpret how American's political history, constitutional structure, and political culture contribute to the state of contemporary American democracy.

Explain the origins and structure of American political institutions, as they reflect conflicting values of majoritarian rule and protection of minority rights;

Identify the key individual and group actors in American national politics and the manner in which they attempt to influence public policy;

Identify the basic steps in the national legislative process, as well as formal and informal strategies/tools used by political leaders to achieve goals;

Explain internet sources/tools for tracking naional legislation, court proceedings, and other political information.