MWCC College Catalog — Political Science

POL205 AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

3 credits
This course will focus on American government by analyzing how the government attained the power it has today by examining the theories and principles that underlie the American system of governance. It will analyze the Federalist Papers, the Constitution, the necessity of checks and balances, the concept of federalism, American political parties, campaigns, elections, interest groups, the judiciary, and the media. In order to understand how government works, the course will look at social welfare issues, civil liberties, common political culture, the impact of social cleavages on policy, and who participates in the democratic process. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

POL210 AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3 credits
The impact of United States foreign policy decisions on political, economic, and military environments is discussed. Special emphasis is placed on defining and safeguarding the national interest in a rapidly changing world. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

POL211 MASSACHUSETTS AND THE FEDERAL SYSTEM

3 credits
This course is an introduction to American constitutional government and politics with special emphasis on how state and local government work in Massachusetts. Major topics include the state constitution, the legislative process in the Commonwealth, state administration, the Massachusetts judiciary, and the city and town budgeting. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.

POL250 POLITICAL THOUGHT IN AMERICA

3 credits
Students survey significant ideas in America’s political culture from Colonial times to the present. Figures to be discussed include John Winthrop, Roger Williams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Oliver W. Holmes, Jr. Prerequisite: permission of instructor or division dean. Spring.