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Political Science 130

I. Course Title: Changing the World (GE)

II. Course Number: POSC 130

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description:

Shows students how strategic action can help them to attain their preferred public outcomes. Students learn the how-to’s of making political change such as running for office, engaging in civil disobedience, community organizing, lobbying, building social businesses, and internet activism. Student learn the stories of inspirational change makers from the United States and abroad.

Note(s): General Education and Applied Learning designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course acknowledges attitudes of young people toward politics but shows them that change is possible through their sustained and strategic involvement. Students learn about change makers of the past like Gandhi, King, and Alinsky. We focus on tools of change like voting, running for office, supporting candidates, marches, boycotts, lobbying, creating social businesses, volunteering, and internet activism. We highlight changes made at home to broaden US democracy and changes abroad to bring democracy to formerly authoritarian regimes and to end violent conflicts. Throughout, we study change makers at work today, who they are, how they do what they do, and why they succeed or fail.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course will use lecture, discussion, group activities, reading, and films to expose students to the many varieties of activism. The course will host activist/political actor guests (either in person or via Zoom) for students to learn first-hand from practitioners how to make change in the world. Students will engage in a real-world activist project.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Students evaluate change makers’ strategies and tactics.
Students apply knowledge and skills to develop their abilities as change makers.
Students critically reflect on their learning and abilities as change makers.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be evaluated based upon class participation, an individual/group project (including an after-action reflection), short writing assignments, and in-class exams.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021