Policy and Politics in American Institutions
Units: 12
The purpose of this course is to study the structure of the American government, the main actors in the policy process, as well as critical policy issues. The emphasis will be on the study of the central political institutions: The Presidency and Congress, as well as critical decisions of the Supreme Court and their societal impact. The course will also emphasize the analysis of critical socio-economic policies including social and educational policies, among others. We will also analyze Supreme Court decisions regarding minorities' rights, gender issues, and voting rights among others. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to analyze and discuss the evolution of key political and policy issues. We will place special emphasis on the interactions between government and society and the role of social and interest groups in the process.