Two one-credit-hour constitution and government courses necessary to meet Arizona teacher certification requirements are now available through Northland Pioneer College over the Internet.
Arizona Constitution & Government, POS 221, meets the teacher certification requirements, or can be used as an elective. The U.S. Constitution course, POS 222, is intended only for those who have completed their bachelor’s degree and need to fulfill Arizona’s certification requirement. Both courses are open-entry/open-exit, and can be completed at your own pace. {Please allow 15 working days to post grades and issue transcripts.}
Tuition for each class is just $48 for in-state residents, or $80 for out-of-state students, plus a $25 course fee. You can register online, or by phone if paying fees with a VISA or MasterCard, by calling (800) 266-7845.
NPC Political Science Instructor John Deaton has been teaching the Arizona Constitution class for 29 years. "This online course is unbelievably rich in information," he said. "There is no way to present all of this data in a traditional two-day class. Students can complete just the required sections, or go off and explore other areas of personal interest. We are providing links to many state agencies for real-time data downloads," Deaton added.
The Arizona course investigates the state’s constitution, its governmental structure and operations. Students will explore a short introduction to the history of territorial Arizona, and the political processes through which Arizona made its bid for statehood. Separate modules cover each of the three branches of state government, political parties and elections, finances, local governments and current issues.
Deaton used the same pattern for the U.S. Constitution course. "It is important to understand some of the philosophical roots and origins of the Constitution," Deaton said. "Students will explore some of the contributions of important social and political philosophers as they relate to the development of the Constitution."
Other topics include the Pre-Constitution Era, the Constitutional Convention, amendments, Federalism, the Supreme Court and modern issues and concerns.
"I would encourage interested students to check out the course introductions. You’ll find everything you need to know about the course, including how to participate in threaded discussions with other students," Deaton said.
You can check out Internet-based Northland courses online at http://www.npc.edu/disted.html. Students interested in Internet courses should contact an Academic Advisor at their local NPC facility; the NPC Admissions Office (928) 536-6271; or call toll-free (800) 266-7845; or use the online registration links available from Northland’s homepage.
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