Formation/Cours

Assessments:
1. A group work consisting in a prepared debate (groups of 3-4) on a chosen
topic. 40%
2. A reading report of a set of documents on a topic chosen from a list that will be
given in class. In this report, the student is asked to identify the questions
raised by the documents and analyze the way in which these documents
address the issue. 60%

The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the study of American
politics. The course is designed as a broad survey; as such, it does not provide a
comprehensive treatment of all possible topics in American politics but rather
provides you with the building blocks necessary to understand the American political
system as a whole. As the title of the course implies, we will examine the dynamics
that structure American political institutions, behaviors, and outcomes.

Foundations

Week 1 Introduction & The Founding and the Constitution

Week 2 Federalism

Institutions

Week 3 Congress: the First Branch

Week 4 The Presidency

BREAK

Week 5 Bureaucracy

Week 6 The Judicial Branch and the Supreme Court

Politics

Week 7 Political Parties & Groups and Interests

Week 8 Public Opinion and the Media

Week 9 Foreign Policy