Time Schedule:
Mark A. Smith
POL S 550
Seattle Campus
Core course in American government and politics. Systematic survey of the literature; focuses on national politics. Prerequisite: undergraduate courses in American government and politics.
Class description
Description: The core seminar in American Politics attempts to survey the players, processes, and institutions of the American political system. Using a mixture of both classical and contemporary works, we will review the major topics that have been addressed. We will also assess the theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches through which scholars have investigated these topics.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts: Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, The Federalist Papers; Zaller, The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion; Baumgartner and Jones, Agendas and Instability in American Politics; Mayhew, Congress: The Electoral Connection; Arnold, The Logic of Congressional Action; Rosenberg, The Hollow Hope; Wilson, Bureaucracy; and a course pack.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: Students will write two papers that integrate and critique the course readings.
Grading: Papers: 90 %; Class/quiz participation: 10 %.
