• Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Academic Credits: 3
  • SAS Core Certified: HST
  • Course for Minor: Government and Business
  • 20209-01-790-106-11.pdf
  • Syllabus Disclaimer: The information on this syllabus is subject to change. For up-to-date course information, please refer to the syllabus on your course site (Sakai, Canvas, etc.) on the first day of class.

Course Description:

This course will explore the foundational parts of the American government and is designed to introduce you to the study of law and the courts as an integral part of the political process in the United States. This course is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of the history and principles of the US Constitution, the structure and function of the various US court systems, the process for selecting judges and justices, how the Supreme Court in particular functions and makes decisions, what factors influence legal decisions, how to interpret Supreme Court decisions, and the ongoing debate on the proper role of the Court in a democratic political system.