Political Science Courses

The study of Political Science is a study in how humans allow themselves to be governed. The systems that are put in place to provide services, safety, and stability all collectively fall into the realm of government. Government course explore the divisions of power, and the different structures of law, and how citizens operate within those systems in effective, or ineffective manners. Political Science examines government systems at international, national, state, and local scales.

AP US Government and Politics

This semester long course will guide students through an introductory examination of the political structures that form the foundations of the government of the United States. Through an analysis of the different ideas, beliefs, groups, and institutions students will become more familiar with the structure and function of the country's government. By examining different theoretical approaches, and examples of prior political procedures students will gain a better understanding of the methods and reasoning for the operation of the United States Government. Throughout the course of the semesters students will be examining the United States Government by examining its constitutional underpinnings, the different political beliefs and behaviors, how it is influenced by special interest groups, the institutions of the national government, the formation and implementation of public policy, and the civil rights and liberty issues that form the foundations of our government. Upon completion of the course students will be given the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement test for the possibility of earning college credit. 

AP Comparative Government and Politics

The AP Comparative Government and Politics course is designed to introduce students to a variety of political institutions through examining issues such as citizen participation, governmental organization, the idea of sovereignty and the root of power, public policy, and the ways in which political and economic institutions change. The primary goal of the course is to increase understanding of the different political institutions, values, and structures of different governmental systems. Students will become more familiar with these institutions through examining case studies of Great Britain, Nigeria, Mexico, Iran, China, and Russia. This semester long course is designed to have the workload and rigor of a freshman or sophomore level college course. Upon completion of the course students will be able to take the Advanced Placement test for potential college credit. The course will emphasize critical thinking and application of knowledge with the goal that students will have a better critical perspective of the inner workings of different systems of government. ​

American Government

This course is designed to teach students basics of the American government. Through out the course of the semester students will be examining the democratic foundations, the structure of the federal government, and then governmental agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.  By examining the rights and responsibilities of an American Citizen students will gain an understanding for what is expected of a citizen of the United States and how they are able to influence and participate in our government. For International students this class will provide insight into a democratic form of government that can be applied back home.

Environmental Policy

This semester-long course examine the government of the United States, through a specific emphasis of how the government develops and establishes policies regarding the environment. The course begins with an overview of the guiding principles of the formation of the government, before examining the role of different governmental and non-governmental agencies in formulating policies and legislation. Students will also examine how the policy of the United States contrasts to international frameworks on the environment. The varying levels of government will also be examined to see how policy is implemented at state, local, national, and international scales. ​

International Relations

The focus of this semester long course is on the process of conflict and cooperation among different states through the lens of political negotiations. Through an examination of the relationships it is possible to see how countries interact, and how those interactions can have broader impacts. The course takes a particular interest in the actions of countries like the United States, China, the European Union, and Russia, as well as the involvement of organizations like the United Nations. One of the main areas of focus will be on the international institutions that have been established, and how they are meant to bring countries together, avoid future conflicts, and provide for international political stability. 

Principles of American Governance

Principles of American Governance goes further in depth to a number of themes related to American Government. The overarching purpose of the course is to aid in the preparation for the AP examination. The course is taken second semester - after completion of AP US Government and Politics. The enrichment activities with a focus on vocabulary and application of principles of American government will give students a deeper understanding of concepts connected to the course.

US Government and Politics

This semester long course will examine the democratic foundations, structures, and institutions of American government at local, state, and national levels. Students will study the political processes to gain understanding of the role of the individuals in the decision-making process of American government. Students will also learn about the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of the United States. By investigate American government though a variety of methods, including examining primary source documents, conducting research projects, class discussion, and written essays students will gain a deeper understanding of the function of the United States Government.