Fall 2004

GOV 370L • Congressional Elections - W

Course Description

Fulfills second half of legislative requirement for 6 hours of American government. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. May be taken for credit only once.

In this course, we'll examine congressional elections historically and contemporaneously. We'll also analyze them from a political science as well as political junkie perspectives. The first half of the course will discuss campaigning and the second half of the course will deal with election outcomes and their consequences on policy making. Each student will be required to become an expert on a particular congressional and senate race. Given that we'll be meeting only once a week, students should expect a good mix of discussion and lecture.

Grading Policy

Grades will be determined by a major paper, several midterms, and in-class participation.

Texts

The course readings consist of the following: Gary Jacobson's The Politics of Congressional Elections, 5th ed. Aldrich and Rhode's Change and Continuity in the 2000 and 2002 Elections A course packet available at Speedway (in Dobie Mall)

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