Subject details

At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  1. find, analyse and interpret primary and secondary US political sources and present the information in a written form
  2. distinguish between competing interpretations of key US political issues, and succinctly express the strengths and weaknesses of these interpretation in written and oral form
  3. explain the main features of US political institutions such as the Constitution, Federalism, Congress and the Presidency
  4. articulate their knowledge of US politics in group discussions.

  • Topics

    • Introduction: US political culture, beliefs and values
    • The American Constitution
    • Political Parties
    • Political Participation and Elections
    • Congress
    • The Presidency
    • Research for Essay
    • Interest groups
    • Religion and Politics
    • Race and Politics
    • Social Policy and Welfare
    • The Economy and Politics
    • Examination Week

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

  • MAQ-PLTX392

Others

Students should have studied some politics at 200 level prior to undertaking this subject.

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject was previously known as PLTX392 American Politics.

US politics is today, as in much of its past, dominated by money and the power that money can buy. US cultural life is also preoccupied with money, in ways that profoundly affect the distribution of political power. Proceeding from these premises, this subject explores the relationship between money, culture and power in contemporary US politics. Topics covered include campaign financing, interest groups and the media; the impact of social inequalities of class, race, gender and sexual preference on US politics; the role of religion and political parties in the formulation of dominant political ideas; and the politics surrounding the global financial crisis and its aftermath. 

  • Assignment 1 - Essay 1 (20%)
  • Assignment 2 - Essay 2 (40%)
  • Assignment 3 - Non-Invigilated Exam (30%)
  • Assignment 4 - Participation (10%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts