Spring 2008

GOV 381L • Congress and the Presidency

Course Description

Course topics offer an overview of the major literature on Congress and the Presidency. The readings and topics reflect a mix of scholarly, historical, and practitioner perspectives.

The first is to provide a coherent introduction to the important literature on these two institutions. The second is to identify questions worthy of original research. The third is to develop student deliberation, writing and presentation skills.

Grading Policy

Grades will be determined according to the following formula: 30% Reaction Papers (3-5 pages, topics assigned) 20% Two Presentations (based on outside readings) 15% Final Paper (topic depends on student objectives) 15% Final Paper Presentation 20% In-class Participation

Texts

Congress books: Rohde, David W. 1991. Parties and Leaders in the Postreform House. University of Chicago Press. Mayhew, David R. 1974. Congress: The Electoral Connection. New Haven: Yale University Press. Presidency books: Greenstein, Fred. 2004. The Presidential Difference, 2d ed. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Brody, Richard A. 1991. Assessing The President. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. Neustadt, R.E. 1990. Presidential Power. New York: Free Press, 4th ed Nelson Reader In addition, a packet of required readings will be available.

back