Theories of American Political Institutions (411-0-20)
Instructors
Laurel Harbridge Yong
847 4671147
601 University Place #312A
Meeting Info
Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Wed 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course explores historical and contemporary debates in the study of political institutions, with a focus on U.S. politics (both federal and state). This includes theories of parties, legislatures, the presidency, the bureaucracy, interest groups, courts, and federalism. Our emphasis is on key debates, theories, and evidence. The course provides a broad overview of the literature on American political institutions, introduces some of the major theoretical perspectives and controversies, and encourages a wide-ranging familiarity with the substance of American politics. Although not all subjects are covered nor is the entirety of any topic covered, my hope is that each student will gain a better understanding of the field and some of the newest directions of research on institutions.
Registration Requirements
Undergraduate students may enroll with instructor permission
Learning Objectives
1) Critically evaluate the arguments and evidence in articles and books.
2) Write analytic papers.
3) Understand the range of substantive and methodological approaches to studying American political institutions.
4) Critically reflect on how institutions impact representation and governing
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Short papers assessing the readings (25%); Mock journal reviews (25%); Final exam/research paper (25%); Participation (25%)
Class Materials (Required)
Noel, Hans. 2013. Political Ideologies and Political Parties in America. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-62052-0 (paperback)
Curry, James M., and Frances E. Lee. 2020. The Limits of Party: Congress and Lawmaking in a Polarized Era. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 9780226716350 (paperback)
Volden, Craig and Alan E. Wiseman. 2014. Legislative Effectiveness in the United States Congress: The Lawmakers. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521152266 (paperback)
Bailey, Michael A. and Forrest Maltzman. 2011. The Constrained Court: Law, Politics, and the Decisions Justices Make. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691151052 (paperback)
Charles R. Shipan and Craig Volden. 2021. Why Bad Policies Spread (and Good Ones Don't). Cambridge Core Elements. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108956123. Online ISBN: 9781108956123, Paperback ISBN: 9781108958363
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.