An intensive examination of major texts, thinkers, and movements in the contemporary world. The seminar draws insights and examples from the classical and contemporary literature, the present and the future. This seminar attempts to provide a coverage of the broad background of American political ideas from the origins to the present, together with some opportunity for each student to explore some topics in more depth. The development of political attitudes and behavior throughout the entire life cycle. Major foci of attention include the agents of political socialization, the content of socialization, variations within and across political systems, and the impact of generational and historical effects.
Emphasis is on American politics, but theories and research are viewed in comparative perspective.
The theme of this course is the transmission of demands and grievances from the wider polity to the government by way of collective action. Formal non-party organizations as well as political and social movements are considered. An examination of a range of problems in the study of the organization, operation, and politics of American legislatures- especially the U.S. Congress. Political and institutional aspects of state government. This seminar provides an intensive survey of scholarly analysis of the presidency and the interaction of the president with other branches of the national government.