You'll explore the evolution of presidential power, key executive branch functions, and the relationship between the president and other branches of government. The course covers presidential elections, decision-making processes, and how different presidents have shaped American politics. You'll also analyze current events and historical case studies to understand the complexities of executive leadership.
It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely manageable. The course involves a lot of reading and critical thinking, which can be challenging if you're not used to it. The trickiest part is often keeping up with current events and connecting them to historical patterns. But if you're interested in politics, you'll probably find it pretty engaging and not too overwhelming.
Introduction to American Government: This course covers the basics of the U.S. political system, including the Constitution, branches of government, and federalism. It's a great foundation for understanding the presidency's role in the broader political landscape.
U.S. History Survey: This class provides an overview of American history from colonial times to the present. It helps contextualize the evolution of presidential power and the impact of different administrations on the nation's development.
Congress and the Legislative Process: Focuses on the structure, functions, and dynamics of the U.S. Congress. You'll learn about lawmaking, committee systems, and legislative-executive relations.
Constitutional Law: Examines the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution through Supreme Court cases. It's crucial for understanding the legal limits of presidential power.
Public Policy Analysis: Explores how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. You'll study the president's role in shaping domestic and foreign policy agendas.
Media and Politics: Investigates the relationship between mass media and political processes. It covers presidential communication strategies and the media's influence on public opinion.
Political Science: Focuses on the study of government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze various aspects of politics, from local to international levels.
History: Examines past events, trends, and their impact on society. Students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of how historical context shapes current political landscapes.
International Relations: Concentrates on global politics, diplomacy, and foreign policy. Students study how nations interact and the role of the U.S. presidency in shaping international affairs.
Public Administration: Prepares students for careers in government and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum covers policy implementation, bureaucratic structures, and leadership in public organizations.
Political Analyst: Examines political trends, policies, and events to provide insights for organizations or media outlets. They often specialize in specific areas like domestic policy or international relations.
Campaign Manager: Oversees the planning and execution of political campaigns for candidates or issues. They develop strategies, manage staff, and coordinate various aspects of the campaign to achieve electoral success.
Legislative Aide: Assists elected officials in researching policy issues, drafting legislation, and communicating with constituents. They play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of legislative offices.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages communication between organizations and the public, often focusing on political or governmental clients. They craft messages, handle media relations, and shape public perception of their clients.
How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several papers analyzing presidential decisions and policies. You'll likely have a mix of shorter response papers and longer research projects.
Are there group projects in this class? Many professors incorporate group presentations or debates to encourage collaborative learning. These often focus on specific administrations or policy areas.
How can I prepare for exams in this course? Focus on understanding key concepts and being able to apply them to real-world scenarios. Practice analyzing presidential actions and their implications rather than just memorizing facts.