An introduction to the nature of contemporary politics and government. Topics drawn primarily from American national, state, and local government and politics, with other political systems introduced for comparative purposes. Emphasis on such major concepts as power, legitimacy, political culture, conflict, and rational choice and on an examination of how a political system manages problems related to political change. An introductory study of the interaction of social, cultural, linguistic, political, and economic factors in the perception and understanding of the relations among states and non-state actors in global politics. Analytical approaches from anthropology, linguistics, history, political science, and economics are used to develop explanations of these perceptions.
Special attention is paid to the role of diplomacy in promoting cooperation.
This course focuses on qualitative and quantitative research through actual projects concerning such topics as election, public opinion, and policy choices. Specific research methods covered include research design, sampling, questionnaire construction, interviewing, and analysis of data. Emphasis on applications, including computer usage. Open to majors and non-majors. An analysis of contemporary American urban politics, including patterns of metropolitan conflict and interdependence.