Introductory description

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the political system of the United States of America and to the rival theoretical accounts explaining the political outcomes this system generates. It focuses on the ideas that influence US politics, and the key actors that participate in the American political system. These actors include the President, Congress, the Supreme Court, political parties, and the electorate. It also assesses the power and influence of informal actors that affect US politics such as the media and special interest groups, as well as considering the impact of race, ethnicity, gender and religion on political participation and representation. Finally, the module explores the political formulation of foreign policy.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

TBC

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To be familiar with the main foundations of the US political structure
• To understand the format, functions and powers of the major institutions of US government at the federal level
• To have an awareness of the major policy debates in contemporary US politics
• To be familiar with a wide range of contemporary academic literature on US government and politics
• To be able to critically analyse complex ideas, both orally and in writing, with relation to contemporary US politics

Indicative reading list

TBC

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

TBC