American Politics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total of 170 hours

Politics and International Studies at Levels 1 & 2

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the key actors, ideas, interests and institutions in USA politics, including the Constitution, the President, Congress, the bureaucracy, political parties and ideologies, the courts, elections, the federal system, interest groups, the policy making process and political culture. It includes an examination of theoretical debates about the nature of US democracy, key controversies in US political history, such as the civil rights movement, as well as contemporary political debates and developments, such as the role of religion in US politics and the issue of political polarisation.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the key institutional arrangements and actors of the American political system, in particular the three branches of US federal government: the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court;

• Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the key issues that shape American politics;

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Constitution of the United States and how far it bounds American political discourse;

• Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of how the American political system as a whole responds and adapts to social, cultural, and security challenges, including the differing roles of the various major political institutions.

• A research essay of 2000 words (50%) due mid-semester.
• A 2000 word take-home exam (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

A subject reading pack will be available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

This subject is available as Breadth to non-Bachelor of Arts students.