Summer B 2013 Time and Location

MTWRF 2:00pm

134 Anderson Hall

Description and Goals

This course is designed to teach students how and why the American political system has developed and how and why politicians and citizens behave within that system. Students will learn how our political framework is structured and how it functions as a pluralistic system comprised of various individual and group interests. We will examine and evaluate both the ideals and the realities of our government, the people who run it, and the people who have to live with it.

Topics include the Constitution, federalism, civil rights and liberties, Congress, the presidency and bureaucracy, the federal judiciary, media and public opinion, elections and voting, and parties and interest groups. We will approach these topics with a focus on the logic behind governmental structure and functions and the behavior of the people participating in that government.

To augment our discussion of the facts and figures associated with American politics, we will examine contemporary problems and issues. The timing of this course allows us to review the 2012 presidential and congressional campaigns and elections and to consider government attempts to deal with the recent economic downturn, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the health care and fiscal debates, issues such as gun control and immigration reform, and the implications of each of these for the American political system.

Syllabus

The Summer B 2013 syllabus is available here.

Required Text

Kernell, Samuel, Gary C. Jacobson, and Thad Kousser. 2012. The Logic of American Politics, 5th Edition. Washington: CQ Press.

Important Dates

First Day of Class: July 1 (2:00pm, 134 Anderson Hall)

Drop/Add Ends: July 2

Independence Day (NO CLASS): July 4

Withdrawal, All Courses (25% Refund):  July 10

Exam 1: July 15

Exam 2: July 29

Last Day to Withdraw from UF (W): August 2

Exam 3/Last Day of Class: August 9

Essay and Quiz Due Dates: Included in Course Schedule on Syllabus