American Politics Minor - York College of

The American Politics Minor at York College of Pennsylvania provides students with a deep understanding of American government, politics, and institutions. Through a combination of core courses and electives, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for careers in government, law, politics, education, and non-profit organizations. The program fosters informed civic engagement and prepares graduates to navigate the complex political landscape effectively.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The American Politics Minor equips students with a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas and structures of American government. It fosters critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze the complex interplay of politics, institutions, and societal issues. By understanding these intricate dynamics, graduates of the program are well-positioned to navigate the political landscape and effectively engage with various social institutions, including government agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, and more.

Objectives:

The program emphasizes several key objectives:

Understanding core American political institutions and concepts
Developing critical thinking and analytical skills
Examining the role of politics in various social institutions
Analyzing current political events and trends
Preparing students for informed civic engagement and leadership roles

Outline:

Program Content:

The minor delves into the theoretical and practical aspects of American politics, covering topics such as:

American Government and Citizenship: Exploring the principles and structures of American government, including the Constitution, federalism, and separation of powers.
Political Science: Examining the various schools of thought, research methods, and analytical frameworks used in political science.
American Foreign Policy: Analyzing the history, motivations, and contemporary challenges of American foreign policy.
American-East Asian Relations: Investigating the complex historical, political, and economic dynamics between the United States and East Asian nations.
Parties, Campaigns, and Elections: Delving into the American electoral process, including party systems, campaign strategies, and voting behavior.
Public Policy: Examining the various stages of policymaking, from agenda-setting to implementation and evaluation.
Political Psychology: Exploring the application of psychological principles to political behavior and decision-making.
Public Opinion: Analyzing the formation, measurement, and impact of public opinion on political processes.
Politics and the News Media: Investigating the role of media in shaping public opinion, framing political issues, and influencing political behavior.
Principles of Law: Providing a foundational understanding of the American legal system, including its historical development, key concepts, and landmark cases.
Law and Society: Examining the complex interactions between law, legal institutions, and social structures.
Administrative Law: Focusing on the legal framework governing the actions of administrative agencies and their impact on individuals and businesses.
American Political Thought: Exploring the history and evolution of key American political philosophies and thinkers.
The Congress: Investigating the structure, functions, and internal dynamics of the United States Congress.
Judicial Politics: Examining the role of the judiciary in the American political system, including the appointment process, judicial decision-making, and the impact of court rulings.
American Constitutionalism: Exploring the principles and historical development of American constitutionalism, including its core values, structures of government, and protections of individual rights.
Policy and History in York, Pennsylvania: Analyzing the historical and contemporary policy issues facing York, Pennsylvania, and their connection to broader national and global trends.

Course Structure:

The program requires 18 credits, distributed across various upper-level Political Science courses. Students must complete two core courses: PS 101 (American Government and Citizenship) and PS 110 (Introduction to Political Science). The remaining 12 credits can be chosen from a diverse selection of elective courses focusing on various aspects of American politics and governance.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and understanding, including:

Exams: Assessing students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theoretical frameworks.
Papers and essays: Encouraging critical analysis, research skills, and written communication abilities.
Presentations and discussions: Promoting critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking skills.
Case studies: Analyzing real-world political scenarios and applying theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Teaching:

The program benefits from a dedicated faculty of experienced and knowledgeable political scientists. Professors employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and guest speakers, to foster an engaging learning environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the American Politics Minor gain a competitive edge in several career paths, including:

Government and public administration: Working in various government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Law and legal services: Pursuing careers in law, public policy advocacy, and legal research.
Politics and campaigns: Engaging in political campaigns, advocacy groups, and political consulting.
Education and research: Teaching political science and related subjects or pursuing research careers in academia or think tanks.
Business and non-profit organizations: Utilizing analytical and communication skills in various fields, including public relations, policy analysis, and corporate social responsibility.

Other:

The program encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities and internships to enhance their learning and career preparation. The program equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to excel in various professional pursuits and actively contribute to shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry.