An analysis of the behavior and organization of parties and pressure groups and the role of elections in the American political system. An examination of the administration of justice in American courts, emphasizing the nature and function of law, court organization, participants in the system, trial processes, juries, appellate processes, and the impact of court rulings. Theoretical notions of justice, virtue, equality, excellence and democracy are examined in light of the political theorists examined. Theoretical notions of justice, power, freedom, rights, equality, and democracy are examined in light of these political thinkers. An examination of the major political theories of the 20th century with references to their philosophical progenitors in classical, medieval, modern, and Marxian theory.
Emphasis is placed on the thinkers' conceptions of human nature, society, and ethics.
An examination of the relationship between religion and politics as presented by the major theologians in the Christian traditions, as well as contemporary representatives of Liberation Theology and the Christian Right. American documents on religious freedom, including United States Supreme Court rulings on the First Amendment along with contemporary American issues in religion and politics, conclude the course. An examination of the foundational document of the American government and the historical development of the U.S. Constitution through interpretive Supreme Court rulings. An examination of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution and civil rights legislation as applied in the criminal justice system at the federal and state levels of government through interpretive Supreme Court rulings. The analysis of the manner in which American foreign policy is created and executed.