POL433H1F L0101
Topics in United States Government and Politics
Presidential Politics in America
Themes
The November presidential election is an important event for understanding both the present and future directions of American government and politics. In the first part of this course we will examine the context of the election, the unique characteristics of U.S. political institutions, and the issues and dynamics of the campaign. Following the election we will analyze the outcome and consider its implications for the direction of US public policy over the next four years and the potential significance of political changes in the United States in world affairs.
Texts
Joseph A. Pika, John A. Maltese and Andrew Rudalevige. The Politics of the Presidency (9th edition). Thousand Oaks CA: Sage/CQ Press, 2016; Paul R. Abramson, John H. Aldrich, Brad T. Gomez and David W. Rohde. Change and Continuity in the 2012 and 2014 Elections. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage/CQ Press, 2015; United States Election Primer. Routledge FreeBooks, 2016; Selection of articles.
Format and Requirements
One two-hour seminar per week. Two essays (25%, 35%); class participation (20%), final oral test (20%).
Prerequisites
2.0 credits in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses