TYPE OF COURSE UNIT	Elective Course
LEVEL OF COURSE UNIT	Bachelor's Degree
YEAR OF STUDY	-
SEMESTER	-
NUMBER OF ECTS CREDITS ALLOCATED	4
NAME OF LECTURER(S)	-
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT	At the end of this course, the students; 1) Explain the foundations and purposes of the American political system. 2) Distinguish the roles played by institutions, groups, and individuals in influencing government policies and actions. 3) Develop critical thinking skills through class discussions and written assignments.
MODE OF DELIVERY
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE	No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
COURSE DEFINITION	This course aims to introduce students to the American political system and covers topics such as the Constitution, American political culture, civil rights, the presidency, political parties, elections, public opinion, and interest groups.
COURSE CONTENTS	WEEK TOPICS 1st Week Introduction to the Course 2nd Week Foundations: The Founding and the Constitution 3rd Week Foundations: Federalism 4th Week Political Institutions: Congress 5th Week Political Institutions: The Presidency and the Bureaucracy 6th Week Political Institutions: The Judiciary, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties 7th Week Midterm Exam 8th Week Political Behavior: Voting and Participation 9th Week Political Behavior: Political Parties and Polarization 10th Week Political Behavior: Interest Groups 11th Week Political Behavior: Public Opinion 12th Week Political Behavior: Media and Social Networks 13th Week Political Behavior: Inequality and Representation 14th Week Revision
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING	Bianco, William. American Politics: Strategy and Choice. Norton, 2000. Kollman, Ken. The American Political System. Norton, 2017.
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS	Lecture,Discussion,Questions/Answers
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA	Quantity Percentage(%) Mid-term 1 30 Assignment 1 10 Attendance 1 10 Presentation of Case Study 1 10 Total(%) 60 Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60 Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40 Total(%) 100
ECTS WORKLOAD	Activities Number Hours Workload Midterm exam 1 2 2 Preparation for Quiz Individual or group work 14 3 42 Preparation for Final exam 1 12 12 Course hours 14 3 42 Preparation for Midterm exam 1 10 10 Laboratory (including preparation) Final exam 1 2 2 Homework 1 8 8 Presentation (including preperation) 1 8 8 Total Workload 126 Total Workload / 30 4,2 ECTS Credits of the Course 4
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION	English
WORK PLACEMENT(S)	No