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Graduate School of American Studies
Doshisha University
Spring 2001
Prof. Taylor Dark
Office Phone: (075) 251-3927
POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN AMERICA (4 units)
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the American political system and to the theories that political scientists have devised to understand it. Although the course is designed for students who have had little or no prior study of politics in the United States, it should also prove valuable to those who have had previous exposure to the topic. The course will be organized around one of the more accessible textbooks in the field (by Bosso, Portz, and Tolley), but we will also read a selection of challenging essays by contemporary political scientists. Among the topics we will consider are: the origins and nature of the American Constitution; the workings of Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary; the political processes that connect institutions to society; and the size and scope of government. The course should be especially useful for any students who are considering doing further research on any aspect of American politics.
Course Requirements
All students must keep up with the assigned readings, and attend all class meetings. Grades will be based on two paper assignments, each of which should be between 5 and 10 pages in length. Instructions on how to complete these assignments will be provided as the course proceeds, and may be altered depending on student interest and performance. Participation in class discussion will also have a positive impact on the final evaluation.
The core reading will be selections from the textbook by Bosso, Portz, and Tolley, but in addition we will read selected classic essays and articles written by professors for a scholarly audience. These selections will be distributed in class or made available for you to copy. Students will be required on a regular basis to write brief outlines and make verbal presentations to the class on parts of the assigned readings.
Textbook
Christopher J. Bosso, John H. Portz, and Michael C. Tolley, American Government: Conflict, Compromise, and Citizenship (Boulder: Westview Press, 2000).
Other assigned readings will be copied and distributed in class by Professor Dark.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ASSIGNED CHAPTERS IN THE TEXTBOOK BEFORE EACH CLASS MEETING.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1: The Context of American Politics
Read Chapter 1
Weeks 2 and 3: The Founding and the Constitution
Read Chapter 2
Week 4: Federalism
Read Chapter 3
Week 5: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Read Chapter 4
Week 6: Public Values, Public Opinion, and Mass Media
Read Chapter 5
Week 7: Political Parties and Elections
Read Chapter 6
Week 8: Interest Groups, Conflict, and Power
Read Chapter 7
Week 9: The Congress
Read Chapter 8
Week 10: The Presidency
Read Chapter 9
Week 11: The Federal Bureaucracy
Read Chapter 10
Week 12: The Federal Judiciary
Read Chapter 11
Week 13: Challenges for American Democracy
Read Chapter 12