Political Science | Election 2010 Y200 | 20310 | Wright
Elections are pure politics. They are also absolutely essential
features of any democratic political system. This course
examines how, and how well, elections work in America. Election
2010 is an introduction to voting, campaigns, and governing in
America with a special emphasis on the upcoming midterm
elections. These are particularly important, because the outcome
of the congressional elections will be a huge factor whether the
Obama administration will succeed in its policy goals and the
general directions of national policy. At stake are what the
nation will do in key problem areas such as climate change,
immigration, and regulation of the economy. The class sessions
will be mix of lecture/discussion, various media and some
appearances by various folks involved in electoral politics.
Reading will run about 25-30 pages per session and there will
three examinations. There will also be a term project focusing
in-depth on a single state or congressional