Navigating Political Science at Green River College: A Comprehensive Guide to POLS 202 and Campus Resources

Green River College (GRC) offers a variety of resources and courses to support students' academic and personal success. Among these is POLS 202, an introductory course to the American political system. This article will explore the details of POLS 202, along with the various support services available to students at Green River College.

Understanding POLS 202: Introduction to American Politics

POLS 202 is a 5-credit course designed to introduce students to the study of the American political system. The course delves into American political development, examining key political actors, both formal and informal political institutions, and the various means of citizen participation. It also focuses on the analysis of political processes and their outcomes.

Key Areas of Study

The course explores several key areas:

American Political Development: Understanding the historical evolution of the American political system.
Key Political Actors: Identifying and analyzing the roles of various individuals and groups involved in the political process.
Formal and Informal Political Institutions: Examining the structure and function of governmental bodies, as well as the influence of non-governmental organizations and practices.
Citizen Participation: Investigating the ways in which citizens engage in the political process, including voting, activism, and advocacy.
Political Processes and Outcomes: Analyzing how political decisions are made and the resulting impact on society.

Course Outcomes

Students taking POLS 202 can expect to:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the American political system.
Develop critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing political issues.
Understand key theories and concepts related to the study of American politics.
Learn to evaluate political processes and outcomes.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in POLS 202, students must be eligible for ENGL& 101 or obtain instructor consent.

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Core Abilities

POLS 202 focuses on developing the following core abilities:

Critical Thinking: Students will learn to reflect upon their thinking patterns and rigorously assess the quality of thought through their work. Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products.
Responsibility: The course fosters behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community.

Academic Resources at Green River College

Green River College provides a multitude of academic resources to help students succeed in their studies. These resources range from tutoring services to library assistance.

Holman Library Resources

The Holman Library offers various services to support students:

Librarian Assistance: Students can meet with a GRC librarian for 30 or 60 minutes, either virtually via Zoom or in person at the library. This service provides personalized help with research and navigating library resources. Looking for a specific librarian? This is an alternative to chat/IM if you want help specifically from a Green River College librarian. Meet with a GRC librarian for 30 or 60 minutes. After selecting your appointment option, you can choose "virtual" (Zoom) or "in-person" (at the library) in the left-hand column.
Tutoring and Resource Center (TRC): Located on the 2nd floor of Holman Library, the TRC offers one-on-one tutoring assistance during weekdays. Tutors are scheduled during the weekdays to provide one-on-one tutoring assistance. The TRC is located on the 2nd floor of Holman Library.

Additional Academic Support

Speech and Presentation Assistance: Faculty and staff can connect students with the tools to overcome challenges related to public speaking and presentations. Need to give a speech or make a presentation in front of class? Our faculty and staff can help connect you with the tools to overcome those challenges.
Course Numbering System: Course numbers 100-299 are designated for Green River College programs and courses that transfer to senior institutions (transfer is sometimes limited). The 100 series is ordinarily for first-year students and the 200 series for second-year students, but this distinction varies because of differing requirements at other colleges and universities.

Student Support Services

Beyond academic resources, Green River College offers a range of support services to address students' mental health, wellness, and specific needs.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services provides short-term mental health counseling and self-care/wellness education to Green River students. Workshops and consultation services are offered for staff, faculty, and student organizations.

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TRiO Student Support Services

TRiO Student Support Services increases opportunities for academic success for first generation, low income, and/or students with disabilities. It actively provides comprehensive academic support services and encouragement to eligible students.

Veteran's Services

Veteran's services strives "to be the most veteran-supportive campus in the United States". The Veterans' Lounge in the SA bldg is "the hub of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success. Stop by the office to see how they can help you during your time at GRC. The Veterans' Lounge in the SA bldg is "The Veterans’ Lounge is "the hub of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success.

Center for Transformational Wellness (CTW)

The Center for Transformational Wellness (CTW) hopes to support the social and emotional wellness of the entire Green River College Community.

Benefits Hub

As of 4/28/2025 the federal government cut funds to to the AmeriCorps program that helps supports the Benefits Hub, so regular services may be limited.

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