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American Government and Politics (220-0-20)

Instructors

Elizabeth L Thom
847/467-7443
2001 Sheridan Road, 3207
Office Hours: By appointment only

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan GPC 1440: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of American government from the nation's founding to the present. We will cover a range of topics, including the philosophical and cultural foundations of the republic; the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; the development of political parties and theories of representation; federalism and state and local politics; the policymaking process; interest groups; the role of the media in a changing information environment; and major social movements that have shaped the trajectory of American politics. Throughout the course, we will focus on how power is exercised and contested, and how both formal and informal mechanisms underpin American democracy. The goal is to prepare students to be informed observers and participants in contemporary American politics.

Learning Objectives

There are five main learning objectives for the course. By the end of the quarter, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the key institutions and features of the American political system, including the principles outlined in the Constitution, the three branches of government, federalism, political parties, and American political culture.

  2. Evaluate how existing institutional arrangements affect representation, inequality, and the health of American democracy.

  3. Analyze core political science theories and concepts, including power, norms, collective action, representation, and federalism.

  4. Apply existing theories and frameworks to current events and policy issues in American politics.

  5. Develop the skills to engage fellow classmates, friends, family, and other community members in respectful and reasoned debate.

Evaluation Method

Participation; Midterm and Final Exams; Observe and Write about a Political Process

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro

Associated Classes

DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC 2109: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC 1135: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC GN210: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC 4103: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM