POLITICAL PARTIES & INTEREST GROUPS

Catalog description

Political parties are one of the central institutions of American politics. They play many roles from competing in elections to pushing policy decisions. This course focuses on the history of parties, citizen interests in parties, and the main features of the current two party system. Parties often are conceptualized in three pieces revolving around the electorate, elected officials, and the party organization. By viewing the parties in these roles, we can better understand their functions and how they interact with one another. Students will develop analytical thinking skills through evaluating concepts and literature in political science. Students will also gain skills in research and debate.