Credits: 15 Semester: 1
Module Convenor: Dr Richard Johnson Overlap: None Prerequisite: None
Description: The United States remains an important actor in the world and understanding its politics is vital both in comparison to other political systems and in terms of how its own political outcomes emerge. The module provides a comprehensive overview of US politics, starting from its foundations in the Constitution, through the core institutions of US government, and the political process itself. The module covers rival perspectives on understanding US politics and government, as well as core thematic areas such as political culture, informal actors in the political system, the influence of ideas, foreign policy, and an understanding of race, class and gender in US politics and society.
Assessment: Item 1: 40% Essay 1 (1500 words) Item 2: 60% Essay 2 (2000 words) Level: 5