We will devote considerable attention to the political process as it has developed from important underlying political theories to evolving and increasingly democratic institutions. We will investigate the impact of social participation in the United States and in California from a multicultural perspective including the interaction between civil rights, civil liberties, and linkage institutions. In so doing we will cover the development of public opinion, gender relations, campaigns, campaign funding, interest groups, and the process of policy formation and implementation. The course will encourage critical thinking about these processes and their implications for the American political system. In addition to the required readings, I will also occasionally show videotapes that analyze and discuss political issues.
Students are responsible for reading, lectures, and all videotape material.
The historical components of this course cover the development of United States history from the colonial period to the American Civil War. There are of course many topics which can and will be covered in this class. They will range from economics and politics to social movements, military history, and others. We will be looking at the major personalities, causes and affects, and historical facts which are relevant to each major subject. We will also present both the conventional and alternative interpretations of subjects whenever possible.