DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2005 - 2006

Module Title American Political System
Module Code LG113
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProfessor Robert ElgieOffice NumberC219
Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
To introduce students to the political system of the United States of America.To highlight the differences between the US system of governance and typical European models.

Learning Outcomes
Students should acquire an insight into the complex politics of the USA and how the system of checks and balances at the heart of its system of governance operates.

Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 24
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 51

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

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

Assessment
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Indicative Reading List

S. Kernell and G. Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics, 2nd. ed., CQ
Press, 2003.
R. Singh (ed.), Governing America: the politics of a divided democracy, OUP,
2003.
T. Lowi, B. Ginsberg and K. Shepsle, American Government. Power and Purpose,
7th. ed., Norton, 2002.
G. C. Edwards, M. Wattenberg and R. Lineberry, Government in America, Longman,
2002

Programme or List of Programmes
BSBachelor of Business Studies
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
CABSc in Computer Applications
EBTBA in European Business (Trans.Studies)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
EPLBA in Economics, Politics & Law
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IFCEPLInt Foundation Cert (Econ, Pol & Law)
IRBA in International Relations
JRBA in Journalism
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
Archives: