PSCI303: Elections and Political Parties

Professor Elliott

This team taught course examines the influence American citizens have on their government through political parties and elections. Major topics include the character of American parties; the political behavior and beliefs of American citizens, especially as voters; recent history of the party system and elections; election campaigning; the role of the news media in elections; the impact of public opinion and elections on government policies; the future of the party system; and an evaluation of the party and electoral systems from the perspective of democratic theory. We will pay special attention to the presidential election of 2004 and to the topic of how we choose presidents. (This course can be used to complete the requirement in American politics for political science majors.) Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Enrollment limited.