POLS 330-01, Campaigns and Elections, Fall 2008

Abstract

This course examines the dynamics of elections in contemporary American politics. We will explore how political scientists study electoral politics, what we have learned, and how these academic endeavors apply to political conduct. To this end, we will examine why candidates (and others) think and behave the way the do, the rules that govern their behavior, who wins elections and why, and what difference (if any) campaigns actually make in election outcomes. Finally, we will explore how we might use what we know about campaigns and elections to make them better. Course Objectives As a campaigns and elections class, this course should help you: 1) Gain factual knowledge about the laws, processes, and participants that shape U.S. campaigns and elections 2) Learn to analyze and critically evaluate the major electoral debates, conflicts and issues in politics that political scientists (and citizens) struggle with and try to inform 3) Learn how to find and use resources to answer significant research questions about electoral politics 4) Become more effective and discriminating observers of and participants in the electoral process