PIR-20071: U.S Government and Politics

School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy

PIR-20071

U.S Government and Politics

Co-ordinator:

Prof Christopher Bailey Room: CBA1.022, Tel:33151

Teaching Team:

Mrs Paula Hughes, Dr Jon Herbert, Dr Jonathan Parker, Mrs Julie Street, Miss Laura Barcroft, Mrs Diane Mason

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

American Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
American Studies Minor (Level 2)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 2)
International Relations Dual Honours (Level 2)
International Relations Major (Level 2)
International Relations Minor (Level 2)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 2)
Politics Dual Honours (Level 2)
Politics Major (Level 2)
Politics Minor (Level 2)
Politics Single Honours (Level 2)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

None

Description

Through a detailed examination and analysis of the US governmental institutions, political parties, voting behaviour, interest groups, and public opinion, students will gain an understanding how the mass public can influence the making of public policy.

This approach will enable students to identify, research, analyse and comment on the key issues facing the US political system developing their understanding of the interactivity of its component parts. An analysis of the literature will introduce students to the different conceptual frameworks and methodologies that have been adopted by leading US political scientists providing an intellectually rigorous training for the further study of the US political system.

Aims

1. To give students a basic introduction to US Government and politics to prepare them to take more advanced courses in US politics provided by the School.
2. To enable students to analyse the interrelationships between US political institutions, the electoral system, public opinion and the making of public policy.
3. To enable students to develop a critical perspective on the scholarly debates in the current literature and to develop their own perspectives on modern American politics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Interpret and distinguish between different theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of US politics will be achieved by assessments: 1
Analyse key problems in the US political system integrating theoretical concepts and empirical material will be achieved by assessments: 1
Acquire, assess, organise and engage with a variety of sources as a part of conducting research will be achieved by assessments: 1
Effectively and fluently communicate complex arguments supported by the appropriate evidence in written form will be achieved by assessments: 1

Study hours

Lecture attendance - 15hours
Tutorial attendance - 5 hours
Preparation for tutorials - 40 hours
Research and Preparation for portfolio - 90 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Portfolio weighted 100%

Students will be required to complete four 1000 word portfolio exercises.
Students will be required to complete four 1000 word portfolio exercises. Each exercise will focus on a different aspect of US politics and government. Typically, students will be asked to respond to a statement or claim about the subject or asked to interrogate a text or website.

Version: (1.05A) Created: 01/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.