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GOVT233
Campaigns and Elections
GOVT233 FA
| Section | Class Size | *Available | Times |
|---|
| 1 | 30 | 0 | Times: M.W.... 2:40PM-4:00PM; |
*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for
the current phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous
phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration.
(Last Updated on Wed Mar 4 05:01:03 EST 1998
)
Popular elections are the most basic mechanism of democratic
accountability, yet it seems that the more arduously
candidates vie for our approval, the more disgruntled and
dismayed the electorate becomes. The goal of the course is
to explore this paradox and investigate the nature of
campaigns for national elective office, i.e. the House,
Senate, and presidency.
The course will have four major themes. The first is the
voting behavior of the electorate, and the opinions,
processes, and beliefs that underlie their choices. The
second theme is the candidates: who are they? why and how
do they run? who wins (and loses)? The third is the impact
of the media, parties, and other mediating institutions on
campaigns. The final and most important theme is the
implication of the conduct of elections and campaigns in
terms of democratic accountability.
MAJOR READINGS
To be announced.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Election Report: Each student
is to prepare a report on the most recent Congressional
election from his/her home district. Further directions
will be distributed in class.
Midterm Exam: This exam will cover the first two sections of
the course.
Final Paper and Presentation: The class will be divided into
groups of four to six students to prepare presentations and
individual papers on contemporary campaign practices and
calls for reform. Possible topics include: campaign finance
reform; the role of consultants and polling; third party
candidates.
Final Exam: This exam will include material from the entire
course, with a special emphasis on the second half of the
semester.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting
or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the
first class, they will be dropped from the class list.
NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form
to the Registrar's Office.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS GOVT
Prerequisites:
GOVT151 or GOVT201
- Section 01
- Layton, M
- Times: M.W.... 2:40PM- 4:00PM;
- Grading Mode: Mixed
- Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 2, So: 3, Fr: 0
- Major Preference Given
Last Updated on MAR-03-1998
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459