ADM4140 THE DYNAMICS OF U.S. POLITICS
| Course Code: | 3104140 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Political Science and Public Adm. |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assoc.Prof.Dr. NİLAY YAVUZ |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, the student will learn:
• The key institutions, processes, and actors in the U.S. political system
• The historical and constitutional foundations of U.S. politics
• The role of political parties, interest groups, and media in shaping U.S. politics
• The dynamics of public opinion, voting behavior, and electoral politics in the U.S.
• The impact of U.S. politics on domestic and international affairs
Course Content
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the dynamics of U.S. politics, examining the key institutions, processes, and actors that shape the American political landscape. The course begins by exploring the historical and constitutional foundations of the U.S. political system, including the separation of powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights. Students will then analyze the role of political parties, interest groups, and media in influencing U.S. politics, as well as the dynamics of public opinion, voting behavior, and electoral politics. The course will also delve into major policy issues and debates in contemporary U.S. politics, such as healthcare, immigration, racial justice, and foreign policy. Throughout the course, students will examine the impact of U.S. politics on both domestic and international affairs, gaining insights into the complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors that shape American politics and policy-making.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
• Understand the key institutions, processes, and actors in the U.S. political system
• Analyze the historical and constitutional foundations of U.S. politics and their implications for contemporary politics
• Evaluate the role of political parties, interest groups, and media in shaping U.S. politics
• Examine the dynamics of public opinion, voting behavior, and electoral politics in the U.S.
• Identify and assess the major policy issues and debates in contemporary U.S. politics
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding the complex dynamics of U.S. politics
• Apply theoretical concepts and frameworks to analyze real-world cases and scenarios related to U.S. politics
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Ability to reach the information they need in their daily lives, and to interpret it | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Being in command of the basic concepts of law | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Understanding the political, economical, and social transformations that occur in a wide range of areas including local and international levels | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Defining and solving problems encountered in political, social, and economic life | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Being conscious, effective and rational citizens who can comprehend the transformations taking place in Turkey and in the world today | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Being professionals who can operate as productive participants in any public organization | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Having the knowledge about how public organizations function and how their decision making processes and mechanisms work | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Developing original solutions to the problems faced in relation to their own area of interest | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Critical thinking ability | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Being in command of the interdisciplinary approaches | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution