(a) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not grant to any student a baccalaureate degree unless he or she has passed a course in American history or civil government, including:
(1) Instruction in the essentials of the United States Constitution; and
(2) The study of American institutions and ideals.
(b) The Department of Higher Education shall see to the strict carrying out of this section and may take such steps and measures as may be necessary to effectuate its provisions.