POL 1001: American Democracy in a Changing World
This course provides an overview of the politics of American government. The topics covered are the historical development of American politics, federalism, political participation, institutions, and public opinion. We explore the many ways in which political behavior impacts institutions and the interactions between political actors in the United States. Specifically, we will explore American politics through the lens of, perhaps, the most in-depth and specific TV show of all time to explore modern American government: The West Wing.
POL 3309 Supreme Court Process
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision making. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and the legal process.
POL 4501W Constitutional Law
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the powers of the national government in Article I (the legislature), Article II (the executive), and Article III (the judiciary). In addition, we will discuss the Court’s interpretation of how the national government relates with the states through the commerce clause and the concept of federalism. Finally, we will discuss one of the most controversial topics in the Court’s history – substantive due process.
POL 4502W Supreme Court and Civil Liberties
This writing intensive course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, the focus is on the First Amendment (speech, religion, press, and limits of the speech), and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis is placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.