American Government
Please review the technical requirements and course outcomes below before purchasing.
$200.00
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts of the United States government.
This is a self-paced online course, designed for 3 hours of college credit. It contains 13 modules, each with multiple lessons that support varied approaches to engaging with the topic, including readings, a video, and a knowledge-check quiz. To earn credit for the course, students must complete 56 low-stakes lesson knowledge-check quizzes, 13 module evidence assignments, 13 formative module quizzes, and 2 exams(proctored summative assessments).
Additional information
What can you expect to do after successfully completing this course?
- Evaluate and apply the foundations of the American government to everyday life and scenarios, including interpretations of the Constitution and civil liberties/rights.
- Evaluate and explain the structure of American politics, including public policy and the role of state and local governments.
- Explain and compare the three branches of the American government and how they interact in the development, enforcement, and interpretation of legislation.
- Analyze and compare international and national policy as well as the different types of government and economic systems around the globe.
How much work will it be?
Each TEL course includes 135-160 contact hours. The bulk of that will be reading the material, watching the instructional videos, and taking the Check Your Knowledge Participation Quizzes. Expect to spend at least 20 hours on the larger mastery assignments and the remainder studying for and taking your midterm and final exams. You have a full calendar year from registration to complete the course.
What support will you receive?
Even though the course is asyncronous so you can work through the course on your schedule, TEL's experienced instructors are active participants in your learning. They will hold regular office hours and make themselves available for any questions on the material. TEL also has Student Coaches who will check in on your progress, organize study groups, and help you set goals so you can be successful in your course.
Age and Identification Requirements
Students must be at least 13 years old to take a course through TEL. To be eligible for transferable college credit for this course, TEL must be able to verify your identiy through a government-issued photo ID. You will need an ID to complete the proctored mid-term and final examinations, as well as to appy for a transcript. You can begin your studies in this course while obtaining the appropriate identification but you must have the government-issued photo ID prior to scheduling the mid-term exam.
Learn more about our exam proctoring in the FAQs.
Technological Requirements
PC
Hardware
- Intel Core 2 Duo (or AMD 64×2 Dual-Core) processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 80 GB hard drive
- 1024×768 resolution monitor
- Soundcard with microphone and speakers
- Built-in or external webcam
- Broadband internet connection with speeds of at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Hot spots are not recommended. Test internet speed at: http://www.speedtest.net
- Browser with pop-up blocker disabled
Software
- Windows 7 or above
Mac
Hardware
- Intel Core 2 Duo (or AMD 64×2 Dual-Core) processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 80 GB hard drive
- 1024×768 resolution monitor
- Soundcard with microphone and speakers
- Built-in or external webcam
- Broadband internet connection with speeds of at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Hot spots are not recommended. Test internet speed at: http://www.speedtest.net
- Browser with pop-up blocker disabled
Software
- Mac OS 10.6 “Snow Leopard” or above
Tablet or Smartphone
NOTICE: Though you can view and interact with all of the available course content on a tablet or smartphone, you MUST USE A DESKTOP OR LAPTOP computer to complete the proctored midterm and final examinations.
Hardware
- 2 GHz process or faster
- 1 GB RAM or greater
- 80 GB hard drive
- Microphone and speakers
- Wireless internet connection
