Topics in American Political History: Parties, Polarization, and Partisanship

Catalog description

This course surveys topics in American political history, while also engaging students in the methods and sources of political history. Topics include domestic and foreign policy, political economy, political discourse and media, political thought, the activities and changing composition of the two major parties, the role of third parties, transformations in the party system, electoral reform, political violence, and challenges to the political order by social movements. Importantly, this course will encourage students to engage in debates about what constitutes “politics” and political action, where it happens, and who participates in it. This course may be repeated for different topics. No prior coursework or background in political history is required. This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers. Recommended background: No recommended background.