Description
This course is an introduction to American politics and government. It covers the formal and informal institutions which organize American politics, including the three branches, the bureaucracy, and the party system, and the media. Special attention is paid to the political significance of racial, cultural,
sexual, religious, and other forms of diversity in American society. These institutions deeply shape the policies and events that concern us as citizens. Diligent students will acquire knowledge and practice critical thinking skills required for good citizenship. By the end of the course, students should
be able to demonstrate an improved understanding of how American politics works, and an improved ability to evaluate whether it is working well.