Starting spring 2011, the Department of Political Science is offering a section of American Government and Politics for international students.

The class will cover the foundations of the U.S. political system starting with federalism and the Constitution. Other areas covered in the class include civil rights and liberties, the three branches of government and foreign policy.

Steffen Schmidt, professor of political science, feels that there is a need for international students to have their own section in a political science class.

“Most students coming from other countries have not studied American government or politics. Yet they live in a world where the United States is a very big factor and the U.S. economy is still the largest in the world. Studying about the United States and understanding it better can be very important for students both personally and professionally,” Schmidt said.

Political Science 215 will help give international students a more catered understanding of American government.

“I think of America as a model of democracy. I want to understand how American government and democracy works. Understanding what is going on in America will ultimately affect my future life as a student in the United States,” said Fana Teffera, junior in chemical engineering.

The discussion section of the class will allow international students to ask detailed questions each week about the material covered. Students will also receive study material specifically tailored for someone who has little background in each of the weekly topics.