Specialization: course opened to all study programs
Warrantor: doc. PhDr. Martin Bútora
Instructor: Nancy Virginia Baker, PhD.
Lecturing hours (weekly): 2
Credits: 3 ECTS
Date: Wednesday 3.15 PM - 4.45 PM
Room: A3.12
Working language: English
Evaluation: passed/not passed
Aim of the course: In order to better understand American policy choices, it is essential to understand American political and social dynamics. This course does exactly this. It serves as an introduction to the (federal) government and politics of the United States. It traces the roots and the origins of American political institutions and discuss their present state. It combines classic readings an, textbook chapters with readings on specific topics related to different aspects of American politics. American politics will be understood broadly in this course, including its cultural, sociological, historical, and ideological dimensions. The course discusses American politics by highlighting controversial issues, debates and variation in interpretation.
Course Sylabus to download (upgrade)
Timetable of the course:
Feb. 9 Overview of the course and the U.S. political system
Readings Course syllabus & policies
Notes Introductory Lecture Notes
Feb. 16 Political science and the study of U.S. politics
Readings Wasserman, ch. 1
Applying Political Science to American Studies.ppt
FOUNDING IDEAS
Feb. 23 The Constitutional Framework
Readings Wasserman, ch. 2 (Part A, Part B)
Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution (in the appendix of
Wasserman textbook)
Film Excerpt John Adams
1st Quiz
THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
March 2 The President and Executive Branch
Readings Wasserman, ch. 3 (Part A, Part B); current events in the New York Times
2nd Quiz
March 9 The Presidency and Other Branches of Government
Readings Current events in the New York Times; New York Times Links
Film Excerpt The West Wing
March 16 Congress
Readings Wasserman, ch. 4 (Part A, Part B); current events in the New York Times
3rd Quiz
March 23 U.S. Courts and the Law
Readings Wasserman, ch. 5 (Part A, Part B); current events in the New York Times
Assignment First analytical essay due - Essay Assignment.pdf
LINKING PEOPLE TO THE POLITICAL PROCESS
March 30 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Readings Wasserman, ch. 6 (Part A, Part B)
Film excerpt Good night and good luck
4th Quiz
Civil Rights & Civil Liberties.ppt
April 6 American Political Parties and Elections
Readings Wasserman, ch. 7 (Part A, Part B); current events in the New York Times
Film excerpt Speechless
5th Quiz
Political Parties & Elections.ppt
April 13 Interest Group Activity and Impact
Readings Wasserman, ch. 8 (Part A, Part B)
6th Quiz
Interest groups & the media.ppt
Easter Sunday is April 24, so class will be held on April 20
POLICY OUTCOMES
April 20 Examination of a Public Policy
Photos of Students´ Simulation
Readings To be announced (TBA)
May 4 Reflections on the U.S. Political System: Strengths and Weaknesses
Readings Wasserman, ch. 9
Assignment Second analytical essay due in class
Reflections on the U.S. Political System.ppt
