POLS 1013 - American National Government
Course Overview
This course provided students with a comprehensive introduction to American national government during the Fall 2024 semester. We covered the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and rights, political institutions, and contemporary policy challenges.
Final Enrollment
Students: 78
Meeting Time: MWF 10:00-10:50 AM
Location: HSS 1001
Course Highlights
Major Topics Covered
- Constitutional foundations and federalism
- Civil liberties and civil rights
- Congress, presidency, and federal judiciary
- Political parties and interest groups
- Public opinion and political participation
- Domestic and foreign policy processes
Student Projects
- Research papers on contemporary policy issues
- Group presentations on Supreme Court cases
- Mock congressional hearings on current legislation
Assessment Results
- Class Average: B+ (87.3%)
- Research Paper Average: 85.2%
- Exam Performance: Strong understanding of institutional processes
- Participation: High engagement in political discussions
Course Improvements for Future
Based on student feedback and learning outcomes: - Add more current events integration - Include more diverse political perspectives - Expand Supreme Court case studies - Increase interactive learning activities
Student Feedback Highlights
“Professor Wimpy made complex political concepts easy to understand and always encouraged thoughtful discussion.”
“The research paper really helped me understand how government affects daily life.”
“Great balance of theory and real-world examples.”
Course Materials
- Textbook: American Government: Stories of a Nation (Abernathy)
- Supplemental readings: Congressional Quarterly articles
- Guest speakers: Local elected officials
- Field trip: Arkansas State Capitol (optional)