Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2009 - 2010
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Module Aims | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Building on preceding American studies modules offered in years One and Two this module explores the central importance of elections in American politics, focusing on how electoral politics shape political institutions such as the Presidency and Congress and how electoral incentives help explain choices in American domestic and foreign policy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In addition to a detailed understanding of American electoral and campaign mechanisms students will be able to understand both the origins and consequences of electoral institutions and voter behaviour. As the course progresses, participants will be able to more critically understand and analyse current developments in American politics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The primary system; the electoral college; voting behaviour; Congressional elections; campaigns and finance; the electoral basis of political institutions and decision making. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Key readings include: Abramson, Paul R., John H. Aldrich, and David W. Rohde (2007) Changes and Continuity in the 2004 and 2006 Elections (and later revisions); Roger H. Davidson, Walter J. Oleszek, Frances E. Lee (2007) Congress and its Members. Washington, DC : CQ Press; Robert Bennett (2006) Taming the Electoral College. Stanford: Stanford University Press. A full reading list will be provided in Week 1. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPL | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPLYA | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IR | BA in International Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IRYA | BA in International Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Archives: |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||