10809197Contemporary American Society
Course Information
Description
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Recognize the value of diversity in a multi-cultural society
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you differentiate among groups
    you analyze inequalities within groups in a historical perspective
    you recognize the effects of inequalities in a stratified society
    you recognize the contributions of diverse groups
    you analyze strategies to promote equality and fairness
    you select information about groups from appropriate sources

  2. Analyze the foundation and structure of American Society
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a description of the origins of American society
    analysis includes a description of the transition from autocratic rule to pluralism in American society
    analysis includes an identification of the current structure of American society
    analysis includes an identification of the constitutional and other limitations on the development of elites in American society
    analysis includes a recognition of the existence of dominant and subordinate groups in American society
    you select information from appropriate sources

  3. Advocate a position on current public policy issues
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you outline a personal position on the issue
    you defend the rationale for each position
    you present relevant evidence to support all necessary aspects of the position
    you project outcomes of each position that follow logically from the evidence presented
    you describe the limitations of opposing positions
    you present positions in a concise and coherent manner
    you conform to the democratic process
    you integrate information from appropriate sources

  4. Analyze the methods through which American society resolves disputes
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a recognition of American society's role in conflict resolution
    analysis includes a description of the conflict resolution process of the civil and criminal court systems
    analysis includes a description of alternative methods of dispute resolution (arbitration and mediation)
    analysis includes an identification of the method of dispute resolution most appropriate for particular conflicts
    you select information from appropriate sources

  5. Analyze the structures and processes of the family
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a description of functions of the family as an institution
    analysis includes a description of characteristics of the family as an institution
    analysis includes an identification of relationships between the family and other institutions
    analysis is within an international context
    analysis includes a recognition of society's need for the family as an institution
    you select information from appropriate sources

  6. Interpret current trends impacting the family
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    interpretation includes a recognition of characteristics of a trend
    interpretation includes an identification of trends affecting the family as an institution
    interpretation includes generalizations that encompass the most essential aspects of trends
    interpretation includes an identification of relationships among trends
    interpretation includes conclusions that follow logically from the explanations given
    interpretation includes an explanation of generalizations accurately
    interpretation is in historical perspective
    you integrate information from appropriate sources

  7. Analyze the structures and processes of education and religion
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a description of functions of education and religion as institutions
    analysis includes a description of characteristics of education and religion as institutions
    analysis includes an identification of relationships between education and religion and other institutions
    analysis is within an international context
    analysis includes a recognition of society's need for education and religion as institutions
    you select information from appropriate sources

  8. Interpret current trends impacting education and religion
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    interpretation includes a recognition of characteristics of a trend
    interpretation includes an identification of trends affecting education and religion as institutions
    interpretation includes generalizations that encompass the most essential aspects of trends
    interpretation includes explanation generalizations accurately
    interpretation includes conclusions that follow logically from the explanations given
    interpretation is in historical perspective
    you integrate information from appropriate sources

  9. Analyze the structures and processes of work and government
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a description of functions of work and government as institutions
    analysis includes a description of characteristics of work and government as institutions
    analysis includes an identification of relationships between work, government, and other institutions
    analysis is within an international context
    you recognize society's need for work and government as institutions
    you select information from appropriate sources

  10. Interpret current trends impacting work and government
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    interpretation includes a recognition of characteristics of a trend
    interpretation includes an identification of trends affecting work and government as institutions
    interpretation includes generalizations that encompass the most essential aspects of trends
    interpretation includes an explanation of generalizations accurately
    interpretation includes conclusions that follow logically from the explanations given
    interpretation is in historical perspective
    you integrate information from appropriate sources

  11. Analyze the structures and processes of the media and interest groups
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    analysis includes a description of functions of the media as an institution
    analysis includes a description of characteristics of the media as an institution
    analysis includes an identification of relationships between the media and other institutions
    analysis is within an international context
    you recognize society's need for the media as an institution
    you select information from appropriate sources

  12. Interpret current trends impacting the media and interest groups
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    interpretation includes a recognition of characteristics of a trend
    interpretation includes an identification of trends affecting the media as an institution
    interpretation includes a presentation of generalizations that encompass the most essential aspects of trends
    interpretation includes an explanation of generalizations accurately
    interpretation includes conclusions that follow logically from the explanations given
    interpretation is in historical perspective
    you integrate information from appropriate sources