PLSC 1513 American Government Syllabus W01 Fall 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
45.1001
Course Description

The student will describe and analyze the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution, the role of voters, political parties, campaigns, and the structure and processes of the three branches of the national government.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
S5-900
IAI Title
American/US Natl Government I
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Scott Kistler
Faculty Email

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the relationships between political life and the cultural ideas of American democracy
  2. Describe formal government institutions and legal structures and political behavior and processes
  3. Describe the political systems of other countries, identify international organizations, and explain the relationships between nations
  4. Analyze and evaluate political phenomena
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of and skill in the process of social scientific inquiry
  6. Make explicit and analyze value judgments about political decisions and policies
  7. Explain the social-psychological sources and historical-cultural origins of their own political attitudes and values, and analyze critically the personal and social implications of alternative values
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of the capacities and skills needed to participate effectively and democratically in society.
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.