RECENT Courses
Political Science 201: Introduction to American Government
We begin by examining who the American people are, what they want, and how they pressure the government. The second section of the course addresses how the American government is designed and functions. We conclude by examining the impact of the government on the citizenry.
Political Science 351: Public Opinion
This course is an overview of public opinion in the United States in four parts: (1) what it is; (2) where it comes from; (3) how it influences our behavior; (4) the consequences of it for democratic governance. We will rely on classic and cutting-edge research as our guide to these topics.
Political Science 401: The Election
In a democracy the actions of the government are based on the wishes of the people. In this course we examine the vital role that elections play in this process, focusing on the 20YY election. In addition to faculty lectures we will host prominent guest speakers from the world of politics, policy, campaigns, the media, and polling.
Political Science 504: Biology and Politics
Political scientists traditionally study human behavior as a product of individual-level characteristics. For example, a person’s partisan identification is highly predictive of their vote choice. More recently, political scientists have assessed the influence of social-level forces on our politics. For example, it has been shown that everyday discussions about politics with friends, neighbors, and co-workers influence our behavior. Most recently, political scientists have started to examine the influence that our biology has on our politics. For example, a number of studies show that political attitudes may be, in part, heritable. In response, many have questioned the theoretical, empirical, and ethical value of exploring links between biology and politics. This seminar explores this new and growing area of research.
Political Science 548: Civic Participation and Democracy
Citizens participate in the governing process by pressuring the government. In this course we examine these various mechanisms of civic participation, and their consequences.
Political Science 550: Advanced Seminar on American Politics
This seminar provides students with a survey of significant research on major topics in American politics. Particular attention is paid to assessing the methods and theories used in social science research we read.
We begin by examining who the American people are, what they want, and how they pressure the government. The second section of the course addresses how the American government is designed and functions. We conclude by examining the impact of the government on the citizenry.
Political Science 351: Public Opinion
This course is an overview of public opinion in the United States in four parts: (1) what it is; (2) where it comes from; (3) how it influences our behavior; (4) the consequences of it for democratic governance. We will rely on classic and cutting-edge research as our guide to these topics.
Political Science 401: The Election
In a democracy the actions of the government are based on the wishes of the people. In this course we examine the vital role that elections play in this process, focusing on the 20YY election. In addition to faculty lectures we will host prominent guest speakers from the world of politics, policy, campaigns, the media, and polling.
Political Science 504: Biology and Politics
Political scientists traditionally study human behavior as a product of individual-level characteristics. For example, a person’s partisan identification is highly predictive of their vote choice. More recently, political scientists have assessed the influence of social-level forces on our politics. For example, it has been shown that everyday discussions about politics with friends, neighbors, and co-workers influence our behavior. Most recently, political scientists have started to examine the influence that our biology has on our politics. For example, a number of studies show that political attitudes may be, in part, heritable. In response, many have questioned the theoretical, empirical, and ethical value of exploring links between biology and politics. This seminar explores this new and growing area of research.
Political Science 548: Civic Participation and Democracy
Citizens participate in the governing process by pressuring the government. In this course we examine these various mechanisms of civic participation, and their consequences.
Political Science 550: Advanced Seminar on American Politics
This seminar provides students with a survey of significant research on major topics in American politics. Particular attention is paid to assessing the methods and theories used in social science research we read.
