American Government and Politics (220-0-20)
Instructors
Matthew R Pryor
Meeting Info
University Hall 102: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to the study of U.S. government, politics, and policy. We will discuss the institutions of the American system, the nature of individual participation in the political process, and the interactions among citizens, elected officials, and other political actors and organizations (e.g., the media, political parties, and interest groups). Our approach to these topics will be theoretical and analytical: we will investigate the reasons why it is organized as it is and why it has changed over time, how individuals develop their political attitudes and patterns of behavior, and how the actions of both elites and the mass public combine to shape public policy outcomes.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course students in this course will be expected to describe the major events and ideas associated with the foundations of U.S. government, explain the linkages between political institutions and the mass public, connect current events to theories based on political science research, write critically about public policy, political actors, and political behavior, and understand the social-scientific approach to the study of politics.
Evaluation Method
Lecture/section participation; Three in-class exams. Students may opt to write a paper instead of taking the third exam. There is no final exam for this course.
Class Materials (Required)
None; Course Readings are all Available on Canvas
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Parkes Hall 223: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - Parkes Hall 224: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM