Spring 2010

GOV 310L • American Government

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to American government and politics. Topics include the structure of government, theories of electoral campaigns, public opinion and legislator behavior. Because of the size of the course, it will be mostly a lecture format, but I will also try to involve students through discussions of relevant topics. Students should also feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear of if they would like further information on any topic. While the course material is introductory in nature, I also hope that throughout the semester you will come to understand some of what it means to be a political scientist and to do political science research. With this aim, we will be discussing not only basic structures, rules and concepts in the American political system, but also looking at theories, hypotheses and evidence in the study of politics.

Grading Policy

four (non-cumulative) exams, 25% each, no final exam

Texts

Fiorina et al. "The New American Democracy" (Alternate Edition)

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