POLI 140 - American Politics

Semester Offered: Fall and 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. Richard 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. Luke Harris.

American Politics: Women in Politics. While using core theories and concepts in American Politics as its foundation, this course examines women’s participation in American Politics as citizens, voters, and activists. Featuring an exploration on gender and the foundations of the women’s suffrage movement, this course examines women within the context of U.S. politics, particularly how they experience and affect public policy. Topics include the impact of gender stereotypes on elections and political ambition. Emphasis will be placed on women and electoral politics as they challenge social norms while running for public office—as well as their quest for the executive branch. Topics also include how gender equality intersects with other categories such as race and class. Heather Mir.

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. Sidney Plotkin.

Course Format: CLS