American Government and Politics (220-0-20)

Instructors

Chloe Nicol Thurston
847/467-4067
601 University Place
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/chloe-thurston.html

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 217: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of American national government. The course explores the following core questions: What are the philosophical foundations of the American republic? How does America's constitutional design shape the functioning of the nation's institutions? What are the basic roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches? What is the history of political parties in America? How are American public policies made?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be expected to know the history of American political development, the structure and function of American political institutions, and the dynamics of political behavior in America.

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion sections

Evaluation Method

Lecture/section participation; weekly short writing assignments; midterm exams; final project

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Wed 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Wed 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 106: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Locy Hall 109: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Kresge Cent. Hall 2-380 Kaplan: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 305: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM