Time Schedule:
Rebecca U Thorpe
POL S 556
Seattle Campus
Examination of leading works in, and theories of, American political development. Topics include the development approach itself; critical junctures in U.S. political history; key changes in institutions, the American state, the representation of interests and party politics; and the relevance of development studies to current politics.
Class description
This course examines the historical evolution of American institutions and policies. While we will focus on a few critical eras, the broader course emphasis is on state and policy transformations throughout periods of history, including the presidency, political parties, race, welfare, incarceration and labor. Our goal is to identify basic themes in American institutional and policy change, locate sources of continuity and consider how historical developments shape and constrain subsequent political decision-making.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
