This introductory course explores the development of the U.S. political system, the values it is based on, how it works, how politics and policy intersect within it, and its impact upon individuals and groups alike.This introductory course explores the development of the U.S. political system, the values it is based on, how it works, how politics and policy intersect within it, and its impact upon individuals and groups alike.
In this course we engage politics through the notion of power while taking a two prong perspective: an American political development (APD) approach that pays close attention to how ideas and institutions evolve historically and within particular contexts (tracing such developments within weekly themes), and a Media approach that takes new communication technologies seriously in how citizens shape and are shaped by the developing US political culture, institutions and broader global environment. We begin our journey by exploring the role religion and/or morality has played as a foundational value to political life over time. We then give special attention to the development of the federal national system including the historical power struggles over nation-building and related national identity formation. In sum, through the notion of power we explore the development of U.S. politics by examining the many ways individuals and groups have participated in shaping/reshaping our complex system of government and the policy-making process historically and through the current use of new technologies.
General Education 1: Self & Society, GE h: Historical Perspective, (ICC) - Humanities, Liberal Arts, (ICC) - Social Sciences, Social Sciences, Theme:Power and Justice, Theme:World of Systems
For more information, please contact Carlos Figueroa: cfigueroa@ithaca.edu.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/2015041713471138