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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Lloyd Jansen
POL S 202
Seattle Campus

Introduction to American Politics

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: This course introduces students to the United States political system  its origins, institutions, functions, and processes. It is not just about government  although we will most certainly engage that key component of the political system on a regular basis. It is just as much about politics, focusing on issues ranging from tax cuts to regulating trucks to foreign policy. As an introductory course, it is assumed that the student begins with a very limited understanding of the American political system. The class should serve to endow students with a good working knowledge of the political system we live in. For those who pursue further studies in Political Science, this class will also serve as an essential foundational course. The class should equip all students with skills and habits that will foster a continuing engagement with the U.S. political system beyond this class as voters, newspaper readers, members of interest groups, etc.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

Texts: Required reading will include Karen OConnor and Larry J. Sabatos Essentials of American Government and newspapers.

Grading: Grading will be based on two exams, reviews of news articles and editorials, and a short research essay.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
Last Update by Suman C. Chhabra
Date: 06/04/2003