Political Science 110 (PL Sc 110): Rights in America
This course examines rights in the United States. It does so using the context of democratic theory as a theoretical framework for understanding the importance of equality in American democracy. The course also examines rights through the prism of the American Constitution, using that document as a political framework for understanding how the concepts of rights and equality have been translated into democratic governance. Along the way, the course will also focus on both the history of congressional attempts to define rights through law and on the role that the Supreme Court has performed in defining rights in a constitutional context. We will trace how rights have evolved in the United States, especially as they have affected African Americans and women and as they relate to issues about sexual orientation and voting. Finally, we will examine how the latitude of rights are affected by political crisis.
What will I learn in this course?
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss and evaluate the basis and content of rights in historical, comparative and contemporary contexts;
2. Discuss and evaluate the nature of rights in the context of democratic political theory;
3. Interpret and evaluate the evolution of rights in the United States as they relate to race, gender and other aspects of equality as they have evolved politically and constitutionally through constitutional amendments, congressional statutes and decisions of the United States Supreme Court.
This course meets the General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirements, the United States Cultures (US) requirements, and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking PL SC 110.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for PL SC 110, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- Have access to a computer with flash viewer installed
- Be comfortable with navigating the Internet
- Many reading require Adobe PDF Reader
How is the course structured?
This course is divided into five units, or modules, of three lessons apiece. The first module provides an introduction to the course and places the issue of rights in America in historical and comparative contexts. It also examines the relationship between rights and democracy. The second module examines early efforts at establishing an agenda of equality in the United States in the period during and just after the postCivil War era, often referred to Reconstruction. The third module examines the evolution of rights in the early part of the 20th century and focuses on the role of interest groups in establishing an agenda of equality, especially through the judiciary. In the fourth unit we will examine how other groups built upon the efforts and successes of African Americans in gaining equality. The final module will examine both the special issue of voting rights and also how rights are affected by external and internal threats and fear.
Each lesson within a module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas expressed through a variety of formats, such as court cases, articles available on the Internet, videos and film. Students will be able to engage with each other and with the instructor about all these topics and materials through weekly discussion boards. View outline.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about PL SC 110 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access PL SC 110 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
Lincoln met with his Cabinet for the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation draft on July 22, 1862.
-Image Source: United States Congress
Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C., Leaders marching from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963.
-Image Source: National Archives, 542010
Picture of the entrance of the National Association Opposed To Woman Suffrage's headquarters
-Image Source: Library of Congress