PSCI 117 Introduction to American Government

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  • Summer 2015
    Maricella Foster-Molina
    Summer 2015 — MTWR 9:00 - 12:00

    Summer Session 2 (June 29-July 27)
    We all have an impact on the political system that governs us. This is true for all governments, but particularly for democracy. This course will explore the foundations of modern American governance. What should we expect from a democracy? What are the historical roots of the current system? How do the core political institutions, such as Congress and the Presidency, impact the law? How does this all impact our lives through phenomenon like polarization and inequality? How do we change our government through voting and influencing politicians? Students should expect to come out of this course with a strong grasp of American politics, reasoning and communicating with greater clarity, and knowing how to find answers to important questions. This course is appropriate for majors and non-majors with an interest in understanding the American political system.

  • Summer 2014
    Robert Carroll
    Summer 2014 — MTWR 13:00 - 16:00

    Summer Session 2 (June 30 - July 28)
    This course will introduce students to the foundations of American government and institutional design using the tools of rational choice theory. Students will examine important political institutions and the linkage mechanisms that connect institutions, political actors, and American citizens. This course is appropriate for majors and non-majors with an interest in understanding how and why the American political system works as it does and avenues for possible reform. Students will be graded on two midterms, a final exam, and short writing assignments.

  • Summer 2013
    Jonathan Klingler
    Summer 2013 — MTWR 13:00 - 16:00

    (May 20 - June 17)
    This course will introduce students to the foundations of American government and institutional design using the tools of rational choice theory. Students will examine important political institutions and the linkage mechanisms that connect institutions, political actors, and American citizens. This course is appropriate for majors and non-majors with an interest in understanding how and why the American political system works as it does and avenues for possible reform. Students will be graded on two midterms, a final exam, and short writing assignments.

  • Summer 2012
    Jonathan Klingler
    Summer 2012 — MTRF 13:00 - 16:00

    (July 9 - August 3)
    This course will introduce students to the foundations of American government. Students will examine important political institutions and the linkage mechanisms that connect institutions, political actors, and ordinary American citizens. This course is appropriate for majors and non-majors with an interest in understanding how and why the American political system works as it does. Students will be graded on two midterms, a final exam, and short writing assignments.