CLASS SYLLABUS

POLIGOV
Politics and Governance
De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
SY 2010 - 2011

CLASS SYLLABUS

I. Course Overview

Course Code: POLIGOV
Course Title: Politics and Governance
Pre-requisite: None
Pre-requiste to: None
Type of Course: General
Faculty: Listana, Charo Dugan, MMPM

II. Course Description

An introductory study of Political Science with emphasis on a) goverments and governance; b) constitutionalism; c) selected ideologies and philosophical concepts that shaped various forms and nature of government. Where applicable, the Philippine political and governmental system and the 1987 Philippine Constitution will be the primary focus and locus of topics and subject matters. Politics and Governance is a three-unit course in College in the Philippine education system. An introductory study of Political Science and the 1987 Constitution is mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the tertiary level.

III. Course Objectives

At the end of the term, the students are expected to:

1) understand concepts on Philippine politics, government, and the Constitution and analyze how these concepts and institutions affect their lives;
2) understand other political and governmental systems, their ideological basis and compare these with the Philippine system;
3) understand the basis of Constitutions in a universal perspective and evaluate the significance of constitutionalism to democracies and governments;
4) describe and evaluate selected foreign policies and issues in international relations and how these affect the Philippines.
5) identify and internalize citizen's political rights and responsibilities to develop their sense of nationalism and love of country.

IV. Course Contents

A. Concepts of State, Politics, Government, Governance and Administration.

B. Overview on Forms and Structures of Government
1) Principles of Check and Balance
2) Separation of Powers

C. Models and Characteristics of Various Forms of Government
1) Monarchy
2) Aristocracy
3) Political Regimes
4) Democracy vs. Authoritarianism

D. The Legislative Branch
1) Bicameralism/ Unicameralism
2) The Making of a Law
3) Philippine Legislature
3.1) Structure
3.2) Functions
3.3) Membership

E. The Executive Branch
1) Meaning of Executive Succession
2) The Bureaucracy Power
3) Scope of Executive/ Presidential Powers

F. The Judiciary Branch
1) Functions and powers
2) Organization of Philippine courts
3) The Supreme Court

G. Decentralization and Local Governments/ Other Institutions of Government
1) Role and structure of local governments
2) Decentralization/ deconcentration
3) Role of Constitutional Commissions

H. Constitutionalism
1) Origins
2) Classifications
3) Characteristics
4) Parts
5) Process of amendments

I. Socio, Economic and Political Ideologies and Concepts: The "ISMS"
1) Origins
2) Evolution
3) NOtable personalities/ philosophers
3.1) Relevance to the present situation

J. Citizenship and Suffrage
1) Civil Society
2) Citizen's participation in politics and governance
3) Propaganda and Public Opinion
4) The role of media in shaping public opinion

V. Course Requirements and Grading System

A. Regular Attendance
1) All students are required to regularly and promptly attend all class sessions.
2) College regulations on attendance shall be observed.

B. Grading System
Quizzes (25%)
Major Exam (30%)
Project (20%)
Recitation (20%)
Attendance (5%)

Course grade will be computed based on the following:

midterm grade + final grade  = course grade
                   2

C. No special exam is given to students whatever reasons they may have.

VI. General References

Abueva, et al. The Philippines into the 20th Century.
Cruz, Isagani. Constitutional Law/ Political Law, Central Publishing Co., 1998.
Guillermo, Ramon and Sofia Almirante. Philippine History and Government. Manila: Ibon Foundation Incorporated, 1999.
Heywood, A. Political Ideologies: An Introduction. London: McMillan, 1998.
Nolledo, Jose. The Revised Administrative Code of 1987 with Related Laws and Issuances.
Ranney, Austin. Governing: An Introduction to Political Science. Prentice Hall, 1999.

http://www.gov.ph
http://www.ibon.org
http://www.elagda.com