Module Code - Title:
PO4017
-
POLITICS OF THE UNITED STATES
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to help students explore issues in American political development over the last century according to their interests. Students have free choice of which topics they study so that the learning outcomes of the module will be individualized.
In addition to the knowledge gained by students about the USA this module will help students to develop their analytical and research skills. All students, however, will have to search out information on contemporary America in their own time and will learn how to locate information in the library and on the WWW, will learn how to judge the merits of different information sources, will learn how to construct arguments from primary materials that they have and how to relate such materials to existing academic literatures. They will also have to learn how to interpret academic literature in changing circumstances, to relate it to a developing polity and judge it against change.
Syllabus:
This module is a reading course, students consult over and decide in consultation with the lecturer over the topics in American politics that they study and write on.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Recount key episodes in the development of US political systems.
Analyse and appraise the academic literature on specialized topics on American politics.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the specificities of US political devlopment.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Present findings of their research on aspects of US political development.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
McKay, D. (2005)
American Politics and Society
, Blackwell
McKay, D., D. Houghton, A. Wroe (eds) (2002)
Controversies in American Politics and Society
, Blackwell
Peele, G. et al (eds) (2006)
Developments in American Politics 5
, Palgrave
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Generic PRS