Political Science 171

Political Science 171 is one of the most significant subjects that I will take as a Filipino
Political Science major. This is because it deals with the American politics and government. The
course is basically, understanding the institution of the most powerful country in the world in all
its aspects. More importantly, it will be taught by a professor who once had an accessed to the
education of the free world and by that per se, made this course to be worthwhile in taking.
But, there will be certain expectations that I hoped this course can achieved.
Firstly, it is expected that the course outline is paralleled to Political Science 14
(Philippine politics and government) but focused on the American institutions. This will be
beneficial in order to efficiently compare and contrast the political and governmental features of
the two countries. Discussions on these concepts should be coherent and as comprehensive as
possible to fully grasp the essence of learning the political dynamics in an American context.
Even there will be many facts and figures to be stated, there should be given emphasis on some
critical information that the students must absorbed after taking this course. For example, in
explaining the two-party system in America, the similarities and differences and notable
members of these two parties would be elaborated and exhausted but it is also substantial to
know why the two-party system had persisted since 1776 and why both of these parties are on
the right side of the political spectrum.
Secondly, the course should also highlight the relations of the concepts studied in
accordance with the current events both in the domestic American and international scene. For
example, in discussing the American constitution, it is important to note why the right to own
personal weapons exist in such constitution which in turn, incurs restrictions in passing gun
control bill. In addition, there is also a point of inquiry on the relationship between the political
culture of America and its imperialists actions evidently observed in the passage of the Enhance
Defense Cooperation Agreement in the Philippines.
Lastly, inventive and fresh activities are expected to be conducted during the discussion.
Class activities can be spearheaded either by the professor or the reporter. This is to easily instill
some complex concepts in the most creative way.
There might be some unfortunate instances where the personal expectations would not
have been met but the most important thing above all this expectation is that the professor
assigned in teaching this course would be dedicated in sharing his profound knowledge about
American politics and government. Through such actions, the student is expected to be wellequipped in advancing his/her knowledge in order to criticize the issues involved or committed
by the free world.