Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-22)

Topic

Money & Politics

Instructors

Brian Libgober

Meeting Info

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

Overview of class

Money plays a central role in modern democratic politics, but scholars and policymakers continue to debate how it shapes political power, representation, and public policy. This course examines the relationship between money and politics in the United States, focusing on topics such as campaign finance, lobbying, interest groups, political influence, regulatory capture, the revolving door, and the role of corporations, unions, and advocacy organizations in policymaking. Alongside empirical research on political influence and persuasion, the course examines how democratic and legal institutions—including Congress, courts, administrative agencies, and elections—structure, constrain, and respond to political influence. The course is especially relevant for students interested in law, politics, public policy, journalism, and political economy.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze major theories and empirical evidence concerning the role of money in democratic politics; evaluate how campaign finance, lobbying, interest groups, and political organizations influence policymaking and elections; and understand how legal and political institutions structure and constrain political influence. Students will also strengthen their ability to critically evaluate political arguments and empirical research, communicate complex ideas clearly in writing, and develop original analyses of contemporary problems in politics, law, and public policy.

Teaching Method

This course will be taught primarily as a discussion-based seminar combining guided discussion, short lectures, close engagement with scholarly and legal texts, and student presentations. Students will participate in collaborative discussion of readings, contemporary political developments, and ongoing research and policy debates concerning money and politics. The seminar format emphasizes critical reading, analytical writing, and sustained discussion of complex political and legal questions.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation will be based on class participation, short written response assignments, intermediate project assignments, and a substantial final paper or project. Students will complete regular short memos responding to course readings and develop a larger research, policy, legal, or data-journalism project over the course of the quarter. Grades will be determined approximately as follows: participation (20%), short response memos (20%), project proposal (7.5%), intermediate project assignment (17.5%), and final paper or project (35%).

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Notes

The course is designed for advanced undergraduates interested in politics, law, public policy, journalism, political economy, or related fields. No prior background in campaign finance law, political science, or economics is required, although students should be prepared for substantial reading and discussion-oriented class meetings. Readings will draw from political science, law, economics, history, and journalism.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.