U.S. Government and Politics - PLS 135 at Virginia Western Community College


         
 
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PLS 135 - U.S. Government and Politics
Teaches the political structure, processes, institutions, and policymaking of the US national government. Focuses on the three branches of government, their interrelationships, and how they shape policy. Addresses federalism; civil liberties and civil rights; political socialization and participation; public opinion, the media; interest groups; political parties; elections; and policymaking. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

Schedule at Virginia Western Community College

Summer 2026 ➜

Live Schedule
Class # Section Credits Day Time Start Location Mode
66155 PLS 135-V1 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2026-05-18 Virtual Distance Learning WW
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $110.53 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.

Fall 2026 ➜

Live Schedule
Class # Section Credits Day Time Start Location Mode
76988 PLS 135-HY1 3
 M     
9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m.
 2026-08-24 Main HY
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $119.41 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
This is a hybrid class delivered partially in the classroom and partially on the web.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
76987 PLS 135-V1 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2026-08-24 Virtual Distance Learning WW
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $119.41 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
94956 PLS 135-V2 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2026-08-24 Virtual Distance Learning WW
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $119.41 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
This is a 1st seven-week class. Begins August 24 and ends October 14.
77449 PLS 135-V3 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2026-10-20 Virtual Distance Learning WW
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
This is a second seven-week course. Begins October 20.
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $119.41 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.

Spring 2027 ➜

Live Schedule
Class # Section Credits Day Time Start Location Mode
40947 PLS 135-HY1 3
 M W   
10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
 2027-01-19 Main HY
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
This is a hybrid class delivered partially in the classroom and partially on the web.
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $110.55 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
40726 PLS 135-V1 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2027-01-19 Virtual Distance Learning WW
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $110.55 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
41414 PLS 135-V4 3
       
0:00 a.m.-0:00 a.m.
 2027-03-22 Virtual Distance Learning WW
This is a 2nd seven-week class.
This course may require proctored testing as described in the course syllabus. A student may request an alternative proctoring method, but the student will be responsible for any additional fees associated with the alternative method.
IMPORTANT: This class section includes a fee for the cost of the required digital course materials. You have the option to opt-out of using the digital course materials once you log into this course in Canvas. Should you choose to opt-out, you will receive an adjustment on your student account for the digital course materials after the last day to drop and receive a refund, as noted in the Academic Calendar located here https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academic-calendar/.
Access to a personal computer and internet are required for this online course. For information on the required minimum computer specifications visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/online/computer-access/
An additional Class Fee has been added to the tuition and mandatory fees for this course in the amount of $110.55 to cover the cost of provided class textbook or select materials.
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