Time Schedule:
Lloyd Jansen
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: 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.
