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The American Presidency (320-0-20)

Instructors

Shai Karp

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 223: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The president is the most visible and most singularly powerful figure in the American political system. How did the role of the president change over time into what it is today? What kinds of institutional structures define the presidency? How do presidents hold and exert powers? To what extent do they succeed? How are presidents selected and elected? This class introduces students to the study of the American presidency in political science. The course tracks the history, powers, and effects of the presidency through scholarly theories. Topics will include the development of the presidency, political powers, legal powers, race, the administrative state, war powers, and the evaluation of presidents. Classroom time will include on a mix of lectures, discussions, and activities. Texts in this course will draw from academic sources from political science, as well as legal and historical documents. Students will be assessed through paper assignments and discussion contributions. Students enrolling in this course should have some background knowledge in the study of the American political system, such as Political Science 220.

Registration Requirements

Pre-requisite courses

Political Science 220—American Government & Politics, or similar

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course students will be able to:


  • Identify important themes and patterns in the American presidency and in presidential power

  • Understand the historical development of the presidency

  • Explain key scholarly perspectives on the presidency

  • Develop their own arguments and analyses of presidential politics

Teaching Method

Classroom sessions will combine lectures and discussions, including some in-class activities

Evaluation Method

Students will be evaluated on written papers (5-6 pages), discussion question submissions, and participation

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area