Government and Politics of the USA
Module Code: PO3650
Module Name: Introduction to Economics
- ECTS Weighting: 10
- Semester/Term Taught: Michaelmas + Hilary Term
- Contact Hours: 2 lectures per week; 1 tutorial per forthnight
- Module Personnel: Lecturer - Professor Jeffrey Weber
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:
- approach the study of American politics in a systematic, social-scientific way
- apply rational choice and other theoretical approaches to studying political interactions and outcomes
- engage - both in terms of research design and substantive knowledge - in more advanced course work in American politics
Module Content
The course is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of the modern function government and society in the United States. We will cover the key elements of American politics, including political culture, electoral cleavages, and civil rights. We will also cover prominent topics in te social sciences from the perspective of the United States; these questions include political participation (i.e. voting, interest groups, political parties), and institutions (Congres, Judicial branch, and the Presidency). This course will also relate each of these actors to the major policy debates being waged in the present and in recent American national elections.
Recommended Reading List
Samuel Kernell, Gary C. Jacobson and Thad Kousser. 2009. The Logic of Americal Politics. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, fourth edition.
Samuel Kernell and Steven S. Smith. 2009. Principles and Practices of American Politics: Classic and Contemporart Readings. Washington, D.C: CQ Press, fourth edition.
Alexsander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. 2008. The Federalist Papers. New York, N.Y.: Oxfrod University Press.
Assessment Details
2 essays counting for 12.5% each; 1x3 hour examination