Political Research Seminar (395-0-25)

Topic

How to Fix U.S Politics

Instructors

Andrew L Roberts
Scott, #205
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/advising.html

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 212: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This class will consider ways to improve American politics. We will ask whether our country's problems lie in the functioning of our political institutions or in our society and culture, whether in our elites or in the people. Topics to be considered include elections, Congress and the Presidency, polarization, and inequality. Each class will consider a diagnosis of a particular problem, theories about the roots of the problem, and potential solutions to the problem. The final research project will evaluate a potential solution to our problems.

Registration Requirements

Political Science Majors and Minors only

Learning Objectives

- Understand the main problems facing American politics
- Understand the main political science theories explaining these problems
- Understand the benefits and costs of different solutions to these problems

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Weekly writing assignments, class participation & presentations, final research project

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Materials (Suggested)

None

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Political Science students who are Juniors or Seniors