Syllabi:

• Winter 2022

• Spring 2021

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Course Description

This course examines the American political system through the lens of democratic principles. Students will be introduced to the major questions, concepts, and theoretical frameworks in the subfield of American politics. While some of the challenges we are facing in the United States today are unprecedented, others are not. Our goal is to interrogate existing theories and apply them to current events in order to better understand our present political landscape. Together, we will discuss and evaluate the status of American democracy as well as the ways it could be improved.

 

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the structures and functions of American government

• Understand and communicate political science theories used to explain American politics

• Apply political science theories to current political events

• Feel comfortable reading and comprehending scholarly research