 | Use this page to view syllabus information, learning objectives, required materials, and technical requirements for the module.
As a result of College adapting your modules to combine face-to-face on campus and online teaching and learning support, the breakdown of notional learning hours set out under the heading “Technical Requirements” below may not necessarily reflect how each module will be delivered this year. Further details relating to this will be made available by your department and will be updated as part of the student timetable. |
| PR 2410 - Government and Politics of the United States |
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Associated Term:
2021/22 Academic Session
Learning Objectives:
This module introduces students to the institutions and politics of the United States. It offers a thorough, entry-level grounding in the empirical and theoretical literature on American politics, and requires students to evaluate that literature critically through seminar discussion and oral presentations, two pieces of assessed coursework, and an unseen examination. Starting by building up students’ basic historical knowledge of the development of American politics, the course covers the Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and federal bureaucracy, separation of powers, federalism and state governments, the Supreme Court, elections, political parties and interest groups. By the end of the course students are prepared to engage knowledgeably with American political news and to tackle advanced courses in American Political Development and/or US Foreign Policy. This course provides a good all-round introduction to one of the world’s most influential democracies.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand how political institutions work in the United States;
2. Deploy appropriate American politics terminology;
3. Read and evaluate the empirical and theoretical literature in American politics;
4. Understand the significance of current questions and puzzles in American politics;
5. Use qualitative and quantitative data to form their own interpretations of governmental processes;
6. Think rigorously and critically for themselves.
Required Materials: Click here for the reading list system Technical Requirements: The total number of notional learning hours associated with course are 300. These will normally be broken down as follows: 20 hour(s) of Lectures across 20 week(s) 20 hour(s) of Seminars across 20 week(s) 260 hour(s) of Guided Independent Study Formative Assessment: Seminar Presentations In-class Discussions Summative Assessment: Essay 1 (2000 words) - 25% Essay 2 (2000 words) - 25% Examination (2 hours) - 50% |
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