POL S 202 A: Introduction to American Politics

This course introduces students to American politics. It surveys basic principles and concepts of politics, the United States’ constitutional foundations (e.g., federalism, civil liberties, and civil rights) the functions of major institutions (i.e., Congress, the presidency, and the courts), sources and consequences of mass political behavior (public opinion, voting, etc.), and the impact of organizations (media, parties, and interest groups). In this course, students will gain a foundational understanding of American politics and history, receive an introduction to political science as a discipline, develop critical thinking skills to evaluate fundamental questions in American politics based on theory and evidence, and develop their writing skills to present arguments in a clear and concise manner.