Introduction to U.S. Politics (GOVT101)

With rising partisan polarization, historic protests, and questions about democratic stability, an understanding of power dynamics within American politics is more crucial than ever. In this course, we examine the structures of American government and how the public interacts with them. We will address questions like: what causes polarization; why do or don’t people participate in politics; what does it mean to be a democracy?

Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics (GOVT207)

Race is one of the key enduring divisions within American politics. Race has shaped the growth of American institutions, influenced the parameters of what it means to be an American citizen, and demarcated who belongs. In this course, we will build on the fundamental knowledge of American government and re-examine American politics with particular attention to the role of race. We will address questions like: how do we conceptualize of race? How has race influenced what it means to be an American? What role does race play in elections and representation? How can the United States navigate multiracial democracy?

Political Analysis (GOVT275)

In a time of international tensions, political polarization, and a need for policy addressing major issues like food and housing security, economic precarity, and equal rights among other issues, high quality social science research is more critical than ever. Social science research enables us to adjudicate between empirical truths and unsupported opinions. In this course, students learn and critically engage with common research techniques in the social sciences. By learning the principles behind and engaging in the practice of these research techniques, students gain a holistic understanding of when different techniques are appropriate for a research question, the ethical implications of using a technique, and the difficulties of conducting research. Students also begin the process of conducting self-directed research by proposing their own research project. Through this course, students will be better prepared to conduct independent research necessary for many honors theses, internships, jobs, and graduate school curricula.

Immigration Politics in the United States (GOVT424)

Immigration has shaped the United States’ population, its culture, and its politics since before the formal founding of the country. The United States has often called itself ‘a nation of immigrants’. Despite this claim, immigrants have faced significant political and social exclusion. In this course, we will examine the ways in which immigration dynamics have shaped who is seen as an American, the laws which have been implemented, American governmental institutions, and American public opinion.