4 hours 4SS, WR
This course is concerned with what has been and remains the fundamental issue of American political life: What should government do? To seek an answer to this question, the course relies on a Socratic method; through discussion of daily issues of the New York Times, academic studies, policy cases, and in-class simulations, we will inductively arrive at, test, and apply fundamental principles about the nature and operation of the American political system.
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203. Congress: Politics and Policy-Making
3 hours 3SS, WR
After a survey of major current and historical characteristics of the U.S. Congress and its evolving role in the political system, students conduct and discuss original research on the relationships among electoral politics, the making of public policy, and the policy outcomes--in areas to be selected by the class participants, such as environmental quality, abortion, privatization, and, in general, efforts to "reinvent" government. Prerequisites: One course in American Government or Economics. Enrollment Limit: 25.
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207. Electioneering: Theory and Practice
3 hours 3SS, WR
This course is concerned with how to run election campaigns, primarily at the local and state legislative district level. The course will draw on the electoral experiences of former Congressman Pease, the views of visiting practitioners, and the writings of political commentators and academic specialists. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of theory and practice. Students will be required to use course knowledge to complete and justify a design of an election campaign. Campaign designs will be presented and critiqued in-class by visiting experts. Prerequisites: One introductory American Politics course plus agreement to attend five Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-noon and one evening 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Dawson & Mr. Pease
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209. Public Policy in America
3-4 hours 3-4SS
This course is concerned with diagnosing the sources of folly in the making of public policy and with developing those political skills of analysis that enhance policy-making effectiveness. Academic perspectives expose historical errors. An emphasis on experiential learning makes the acquisition of political skills personally meaningful. The fourth credit hour option requires additional work in the acquisition and use of information literacy skills. Prerequisites: at least one course in Politics or Economics. Enrollment Limit: 30.
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305. Seminar: Policy Analysis: The Presidency
3 hours 3SS, WR
This seminar links the study of contemporary American presidents with theoretical attempts to explain the acquisition, use, and loss of political capital. The focus is on the development and testing of a theory of the strategic management of political capital. Prerequisites: senior standing, at least 3 Politics courses, or a major in Economics. Enrollment Limit: 12.
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Politics Course Catalog 1998-99
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