POL203Y1F L0101
U.S. Government and Politics
Themes
POL203 is an introduction to the U.S. national government and politics. We will analyze the institutions of the U.S. governing system to understand what function they play and why, the historic underpinnings of these institutions, and the challenges they pose for policy-making and reform. Then, we will pay close attention to contemporary challenges to that system, in an effort to understand racial and gender divisions that underpin partisan divisions, dramatic changes in norms of governance in recent years and look forward at the dynamics of the primary election process that will begin this winter to select the nominees for President in 2020. Classes will meet four times a week for a mixture of discussions, activities and lectures. Tutorials will meet once a week.
Texts
Ken Kollman, The American Political System (W.W. Norton); on-line readings TBA
Format and Requirements
Two or three tests, a media simulation, an in-class essay, several short worksheets and/or quizzes and participation.
Prerequisites
1.0 POL credit or 4.0 full course equivalents