This general introduction to the study of American government focuses on the federal level with special attention to the framing of the U.S. Constitution, the general organization and functioning of the national government, the nature of federalism, political parties, elections, and current issues of public policy at the national level. This course gives special attention to federal-state relations and to the workings of state government in policy areas such as taxation, budgeting, and education. The politics of state government are closely examined.
Local government is considered, but to a lesser degree.
This independent course teaches the legislative process while preparing student-delegates for the convocation of the North Carolina Student Legislature held annually in Raleigh. An introduction to theory, hypothesis generation, data collection, data analysis, computer usage, and research methods of political science. This course culminates with student preparation of a research project or grant proposal. A historical survey of the society, culture, and politics of the principal Latin American nations in the 20th century. The course will emphasize the national period and the intellectual, political, international, economic, and social course of contemporary Latin American history.