Course Description
This course will examine the system of government as outlined by the United States Constitution and compare and contrast that ideal structure to the form of government functioning in the United States today. The latter will be accomplished by required reading of some daily news source individually chosen by each student. In addition to specific study of the traditional three branches of government and the Amendments, we will consider various schools of constitutional interpretation, the implications of each, and the impact of the media, lobbyists, the military apparatus, and other extra-Constitutional entities on the modern American government. This is not a course designed to instruct students in one single political mindset; instead, it is intended to encourage the students to develop their political understanding and better be able to discuss, analyze, and argue their personal opinions.
Course Website: American Government
Instructor: Holli Manzo
Starts: September 4, 2018
Ends: June 7, 2019
Monday 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET • Thursday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET
Tuition: $450.00
Prerequisites
A good working knowledge of the history of the United States is required. This could be fulfilled through US AP History or through our own US History course. If a student has taken neither of these courses, other arrangements might be possible, depending on the student's level of study in the field.
Recommended background
See prerequisites.
Textbooks and Materials
This item is required:
Constitution of the United States of America. [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: James Madison et al.ISBN: None
Publisher's website: Constitution of the United States of America.
Best sources: Online
Other information: Obviously this text is widely available, including many full-text online versions, one of which is linked here. Any version will serve, so long as the student can refer to it easily. Annotated versions, in any form, are welcome but not required. See course description for further details on course materials.
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