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 Capitalism. Examines the ongoing tensions between the demands of democracy and those of capitalism in US politics. Acknowledging the economy as a field of political activity, this course focuses on how political institutions and actors have shaped and responded to those demands over time. Particular attention is given to the issue of state expansion and whether a larger state challenges a capitalist economy or ensures its smooth functioning. The relative influence of various groups on the reconciliation of democratic and capitalist demands is also a main focus of the course. Ms. Chaves.