POLS 151, United States Politics, Fall 2008

Abstract

This course is designed to both reinforce and increase students’ understanding of American politics broadly construed. We will cover not only the historical genesis and modern function of American political institutions, but also covers the theoretical grounding of such institutions. This course also includes an introduction to the American public policy process, a unit on popular culture and American politics, and a very brief introduction to the professional study of American politics. Drawing on both contemporary examples from the 2008 electoral campaign and examples from American political history, we will take up questions like, “What are the pros and cons of representation?” “Should we be concerned by the growth of bureaucracy?” “How ‘grassroots’ are most interest groups?” and “Is the average eighteen year old American truly prepared to be a citizen ‘under the law’?”