Course Description:  An introduction to the structure, functions, and politics of the United States national (federal) government within its historical, constitutional, social, and theoretical contexts.

Communication Policy: There are no synchronous or on-site requirements for this online distance learning course.  I will login to the course regularly throughout the course to answer email, respond to bulletin board questions, etc. As I am a professor at the University of Bahrain in the Kingdom of Bahrain which is located in the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East, you will not be able to see or meet with me in person, unless you plan on travelling a long distance; consequently, all interaction for this course will be online.

Required Texts: Available Online at the HCC Bookstore

Greenberg, Edward S. and Benjamin I. Page. 2009. The Struggle for Democracy, Ninth Edition. New York, NY: Longman. [ISBN-13: 9780205705948]
[ISBN-10: 0-205-64846-0 or ISBN-13: 978-0-205-64846-7]

Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison and John Jay. 1787/2003. The Federalist Papers. New York: Penguin Books. [ISBN: 9780451528810]

Ketcham, Ralph, ed. 1787-8/2003. The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates. New York: Penguin Books. [ISBN 9780451625250]

Course Objectives:  Upon successful completion of the course, students of POLSCI 110 will:

• possess a knowledge of the structure, functions, and politics of the United States national (federal) government;
• will understand the political history of the U.S. with regard to the establishment of the present Constitution and the ensuing debates and theoretical questions posed by republican (i.e. representative) government;
• will be familiar with ongoing discussions regarding our unfinished democracy and proposals to perfect our system of government;
• and will be able to express one's political opinions and offer critical evaluation in a group context.

Method of Instruction:  Online Distance Learning activities will include:

• Online Chapter quizzes; 
• Federalist and Anti-Federalist Online Presentation;
• Online Chapter Discussion Topics;
• Midterm Exam;
• Research Paper;
• Final Exam.

Basis for Student Grading and Evaluation:

If you would like to sign up for American National Government (POL 110-56), contact Colin S. Cavell at ccavell@hcc.edu.