POLI 140 - American Politics

Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)

An analysis of the American political system and the structures and processes by which public policies are formulated and implemented. Attention is focused upon decision making in institutions of American national government, such as Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, and upon political behavior-public opinion, voting, and other forms of political activity. Attention is also given to evaluation of selected public policies and contemporary issues, and questions of political change. Mr. Born.

American Politics: a Multiracial and Multicultural Approach to U.S. Politics. This course represents a multiracial and multicultural approach to the study of American Politics. It examines American social history, political ideologies, and governmental institutions. It covers a broad range of topics including the Constitution, federalism, Congress, the judiciary, and the politics of difference in the United States. The thematic core of the class engages the evolution of the ideas of “equality” and “citizenship” in American society. Mr. Harris.

American Politics: Conflict and Power. An analysis of US politics as an example of the uses of conflict to uphold and/or to change established relationships of power and public policy. A main focus is on alternative theories and strategies of conflict, especially as reflected in such institutions as the constitution, court, party system, interest groups, the media, and presidency. A major focus is on the conflict implications of business as a system of power, its relation to the warfare state and the US international project. Materials may be drawn from comparisons with other political systems. Mr. Plotkin.

American Politics: Democracy and Citizenship. This course examines tensions and conflicts surrounding contemporary US democracy within the context of a global, post 9/11 world. Issues of citizenship and immigration, liberty, security, class, race, ethnicity, and gender inform a consideration of federal government institutions and processes. Specific topics vary according to changing political events and circumstances. Ms. Villmoare.

This course is an introduction to the discipline of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. One introductory course is required of majors. No more than two introductory courses in different subfields may be counted towards the major. Except where otherwise noted, enrollment of juniors and seniors for 100-level courses by permission of the instructor only.