POL S 550 A: American Politics Core

This is the core seminar in American politics. The main purpose the course is to survey primary literature in the field. In doing so, course will emphasize the role of institutional structures and power arrangements in shaping political representation, the bounds of citizenship, state development, political mobilization and policymaking. The expectation is that students will develop an understanding of the varying approaches and research agendas in the American politics field, and will be able to identify basic themes regarding how political power operates in the US. The course will help prepare students for a comprehensive exam in American politics and for independent research in the field.