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This course focuses on the politics and government of the United States. Topics include civil rights and civil liberties, institutions, Presidential-Congressional relations, the national security establishment (eg, the military and Central Intelligence Agency), and the 2016 Presidential election. We also consider key foreign policy issues such as the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. - China relations, U.S.- Israel relations, and the global significance of the U.S. economy.
This course introduces the core ideas and institutions of the United States political system. It begins with the Constitutional period (1789 – 1809), in order to provide an essential foundation in core concepts such as federalism, separation of powers, capitalism, and the Bill of Rights. We then focus on the modern era and the emergence of the United States as a global superpower, spanning the Kennedy Administration (1961-1963) through the first months of the new Trump Administration (which we will monitor over the course of the semester). Topics to be considered include: American foreign policy (particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East), the war powers, civil rights and civil liberties, and the role of interest groups and money in the U.S. system. The United States is moving through a difficult period, characterized by a resurgent populism, the weakening of political consensus, rising geopolitical threats, and by public institutions that are under significant stress. Yet it is also the most powerful military and economic actor in the world system, one that is able to exert a consequential influence on world affairs. This course provides students with a platform from which to understand and analyse U.S. politics and to evaluate the causes and consequences of its actions both domestically and on the global stage.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:1) attain a comprehensive foundation in the ideas, interests and institutions of the United States political system;2) be able to conduct either a historical analysis of a key event/individual or a threat assessment of a contemporary issue facing the United States;3) understand the evolution of U.S. politics since the 1960s and be able to explain both continuities and discontinuities;4) understand the complicated relationship between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government;5) be able to evaluate the new Trump Administration with reference to historical context, statutes, and political institutions;6) be able to analyse and explain U.S. domestic and foreign policy from a critical and informed position;7) and, be able to evaluate the United States as a global economic and military superpower.
15 points in POLS at 100-level. Students not meeting the prerequisites but with at least a B average in 60 points in appropriate courses may be admitted by the approval of the Department coordinator.
Amy Fletcher
• Valelly, Richard M. (2013) American Politics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.• Ritchie, Donald (2010) US Congress: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Additional required readings should be available by clicking on the appropriate link in the syllabus posted on Learn.
Domestic fee $732.00
International fee $2,975.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .