Module: Introduction to US History & Politics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to US History & Politics
Module Code	POL1015 (ITS: LG113)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To examine the key features of the contemporary US political system and to account for the development of the system over time. To investigate the context in which the US Constitution was established and to analyse the system of separation of powers and checks and balances. To identify the main political parties in the US, to consider their policies, and to account for their electoral success and failure. To evaluate interest group politics in the US and the role of lobbying

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the key institutions of the US political system
2. Account for the dynamics of political competition in the US
3. Acquire an insight into the development of the US political system
4. Engage in logical thinking via class simulations

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent Study	103	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20911	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gary Murphy	Module Teacher	Donnacha Ó Beacháin

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	The module is assessed by one written essay that should be between 2,500 and 3,000 words long. It should include a full list of references and a bibliography	100%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

1. The US Constitution - Separation of Powers and checks and balances

2. The Presidency

3. The Congress

4. The Supreme Court

5. Federalism

6. The Political Parties

7. The Voting behaviour

8. Interest Group Politics

9. Electing a President

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None