Governing the USA (PO31002)
Module Convenor: Dr John MacDonald
Credit Rating: 30 SCQF credits
Level: Level 3 optional module
Module Content
What are the main political issues and institutions in the United States? How is politics and policymaking affected by America’s federal system of government? Does this system work to produce a society of equality? Why is gun control such a significant issue in American politics? Does money always talk in Washington? Does the President have an all-powerful role within the American political system? This third year module aims to provide the answer to all these questions.
The module provides students with an understanding of the structure, functions and powers of the major institutions of American government at the federal level. It also examines the significance of interest groups and political parties. Students are also encouraged to explore some of the major debates in contemporary American politics, such as gun control, abortion and civil rights. .
Module Aims
The aims of this module are to:
- Examine how the US federal government operates
- Consider the relationship between the different government and non-government actors
- Analyse a range of issues in contemporary US politics
- Further development of key skills (communication, IT skills and team-working)
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- At the end of this module students will have an awareness of how American federal government operates.
- They will also have an understanding of the relationship between the different aspects of government in the USA.
- Students will have given consideration to a range of major issues in American politics and their relationship to government.
Skills
- Students will have developed their key skills.
Teaching
There will be eleven one-hour lectures (one per week), and 11 one-hour tutorials (one per week).
Assessment
The assessed components on this module are:
- Coursework (50% of total mark - 25% project; 25% essay)
- Unseen two hour examination (50% of total mark)
Indicative Reading
- David McKay, American Politics and Society, 7th edition (Wiley Blackwell, 2009)
- Kenneth Janda, Jeffrey M. Berry and Jerry Goldman, The Challenge of Democracy: Government in America, 6th edition brief (Boston/New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006)
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