| Description:
| Aims:
This first semester course is designed to examine a series of debates relating to the national political system in the United States, with emphasis on theories, institutions, informal processes, recent political history and some key policy issues. The objective is to explore the American political system, enabling students to extend their understanding of some key concepts and themes in the study of politics.
Learning Outcomes:
Students should, at the end of the unit, be able to demonstrate understanding of a range of issues and topics relating to the study of American politics.
Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit.
Content:
The course applies the concepts and theories of political science to the United States of America, assessing the role played by formal and informal political entities. Notions of liberal democracy are assessed by reference to debates on the role of political parties, interest groups, elites and political culture on political outcomes in America. A number of case studies consider the political significance from a European perspective of questions of race and poverty, judicial review, and the American foreign policy process.
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Credits: