Time Schedule:
John D Wilkerson
POL S 202
Seattle Campus
Institutions and politics in the American political system. Ways of thinking about how significant problems, crises, and conflicts of American society are resolved politically. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Description: Most people have an opinion about the American political system. Some believe the system is controlled by special interests and does not really represent the concerns and interests of ordinary people. Others believe that the system represents the concerns and interests of ordinary citizens fairly well. The purpose of this course is to consider what existing Political Science research tells us about the representativeness of the American political system. We will begin by thinking about what we mean by representation. We will then examine the design of American political institutions and think about the kind of representation each was intended to promote. We will also examine political participation and think about how differing levels of public participation influence the behavior of candidates and the elected officials. The picture that emerges is one of a political system that is responsive, but that is most responsive to, and representative of, those who are most likely to participate in politics.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assignments. Two examinations and a review essay.
Grading. Exams: 65 % Papers: 10 % Class/quiz participation: 25 % TOTAL: 100 %
