Voice & Power in U.S. Politics

Catalog description

The first part of the course focuses on the various ways that citizens can participate in the political process, from voting to protesting to joining political parties and advocacy organizations. The second part of the course looks at how different component of identity – age, ability, class, and race – are represented in American politics. Finally, we examine what happens in political institutions: how election rules translate into legislative representation, how elected officials represent their constituents, and the role of unelected bureaucrats in providing a voice for citizens. The course will draw on both current political environment and U.S. political history to frame our discussions. CAS-C, CAS-W. Prerequisite: POL 241 or POL 243 .