Intro to American Politics

Overview

This course serves as an introduction to the basic concepts and institutions fundamental to understanding American politics. In addition to our broad overview of the American political system, we will consider the role of individuals and institutions in creating sociopolitical change, if at all possible. Our goals for precept this semester will be two-fold: 1) to deepen our understanding of the topics discussed in lecture and the readings, and 2) to develop the skills and content knowledge necessary to think critically about American politics. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of American government and democracy and how it developed over the nation’s history, as well as be better equipped to participate in informed public conversations about American politics.