American Government and Politics (220-0-20)
Instructors
Matthew R Pryor
Meeting Info
Harris Hall 107: 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 will be able to:
• Describe the essential formal and informal features of U.S. politics, including federalism, the three branches of government, political parties, and American political culture.
• Understand core theoretical concepts and analytical frameworks of political science, including the various manifestations of power; coordination and collective action problems; and formal and informal institutions.
• Apply these theoretical frameworks to specific episodes and phenomena in American politics to build their own understanding and ability.
• Develop basic tools for understanding the nature and evaluating the equality of evidence and analysis.
• Communicate to others their insights into American politics, by means of live and asynchronous discussions and debates, as well as written compositions of various styles.
Teaching Method
Lecture and discussion sections
Evaluation Method
Section Attendance & Participation (15%). Attendance at discussion sections is a vital and mandatory component of the course. You are expected to complete the assigned readings for section and should come to section prepared to participate. Be aware that your TA may assign additional section-specific assignments - these are mandatory and TA grades are final. Sections begin in week 1 of classes.
Exams (2) (30% each): In addition, there will be two in-class midterms scheduled for. Both exams are closed book and closed notes. The exams are cumulative, but the second exam will be weighted towards the material covered in the second and third parts of the course. A review document will be circulated prior to each midterm. You are encouraged to form study groups. Please reach out to me or your TA if you need assistance finding a study group.
Take-home assignment (2) (25% total)
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 - Harris Hall L05: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L28: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM
DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - Locy Hall 303: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 106: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM