This class "surveys" some of the most important claims, findings, and readings in the academic field frequently labeled American political institutions, policy, and politics. It's not a research seminar, but a reading course designed to help students prepare for MA and Ph.D. comprehensive examinations.

Procedure and Requirements:

There are three main requirements.

1. Since familiarity with "the literature" is essential for graduate study in political science, we are going to try to cover as many books and articles as possible. In order to make progress in this area I want each student to prepare written, two- to three-page analyses of the assigned or recommend readings for each week. Actually, the assignments may come every two weeks, depending on the schedule. These papers should be typed, copied, and distributed to other members of the class by the Monday (at the latest!) before they we come to them. The papers should first, clearly and succinctly describe the book or paper's main arguments or thesis, its methodology and methods, its findings, its data, and conclusions. Then, conclude with a brief answer to this question: did the author or authors make the case? In addition to forcing you to keep up with the reading, these assignments will give you a chance to polish your prose and sharpen your analytic skills. Note again: I and your classmates must have a copy by Monday before the next class meeting. These papers together count for 50 percent of the final grade.

2. A comprehensive final examination. This test will resemble the familiar "comp" most of you are preparing for in either this or another field. The test will consist of two or three parts, one of which will ask you to compare and evaluate broad issues. The other sections will cover more specific topics. When answering a comprehensive exam-type question you are expected to cite and use the literature (and class discussion) to make your points. Hence, a good understanding of the reading is essential. The final counts 40 percent and will in all likelihood be of the "take home" variety.

3. Class participation. I regard graduate education as a joint undertaking in which everyone learns from everyone else. Consequently, participation is essential. Unlike past practice I am going to take this requirement very seriously and will rigorously "grade" your performance. You simply can't afford to miss any classes. This part of the course is worth 10 percent.

Topics:

Note: below is a list of books. As we approach topic I may add several additional required articles and suggested readings. Also, there will in all likelihood be a hypertext version of the reading list on my web site (www.udel.edu/htr).

I. The philosophical and cultural context of American government.

Reading:

1. Richard Ellis, American Political Culture (Oxford)
2. Theodore Lowi, The End of The Republican Era (Oklahoma)

II. The Opinion Context of American Politics

Reading:

1. Warren E. Miller and J. Merrill Shanks, The New American Voter (Harvard)
2. Jennifer L. Hochschild, Facing Up to The American Dream (Princeton) (If available)

III. The Social and Economic Context of American Politics

Reading:

1. Frank Levy, The New Dollars and Dreams (Russell Sage)

IV. The Electoral Context of American Politics.

Reading:

1. Selections from Richard Niemi and Herbert Weisberg (editors) Controversies in Voting Behavior (Congressional Quarterly)

V. American Political Parties.

Reading:

1. L. Sandy Maisel (editor) The Parties Respond 3^rd Edition (Westview);
2. John Aldrich, Why Parties? (Chicago)

VI. Congress

Reading:

1. Lawrence C. Dodd and Bruce I. Oppenheimer (editors) Congress Reconsidered 6^th Edition (Congressional Quarterly)
2. David Rodhe, Parties and Leaders in the Post Reform House (Chicago)

VII. The Presidency

Reading:

1. Stephen Skowronek, The Politics Presidents Make

VIII: Politics In an Era of Demobilization

Reading:

1. Byron E. Shafer (editor) The End of Realignment? (Wisconsin)

IX. Divided Government

Reading:

1. Richard Mayhew, Divided We Govern (Yale)

X. Interpretations of American Government

Reading:

1. Samuel P. Huntington, American Politics (Harvard)

2. H. Mark Roelofs, The Poverty of American Politics (Temple) (If available)

XI. State Theories and American Government

Reading:

1. Bob Jessop, State Theory (Penn State)