Loyola University Chicago

Department of Political Science

plsc 101: american politics

PLSC 101: American Politics
Mr. Whidden
MWF 1:40pm / LSC

This introductory is divided into eight sections: The Founding and the principles of American government, political parties and elections, Congress and the separation of powers, the presidency, the judiciary, politics and economics, foreign policy, and liberty and equality. Each class focuses on discussions and debates about the readings, which means that class participation is expected and indeed essential. The course is aimed at all students whether or not they enter the course intending further study of politics. Its goal is deepening citizens’ understanding and awareness of foundational and persistent issues, arguments, and themes of American government and its development. The course aims to give students the theoretical tools and understanding they will need to make sense out of politics and to become lifelong, thoughtful citizens.  This course is an option in the “Societal and Cultural Knowledge” section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 101: American Politics
Professor Tatalovich
TTh 8:30am / LSC

This course focuses on the "nuts and bolts" of American national government, political processes such as elections, and political actors including parties, pressure groups, and the media. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 101: American Politics
Professor Gitelson
TTh 10:00am / LSC

This class will explore and analyze problems and questions dealing with the institutions and processes of American government and politics. In addition to an overview of Congress, the presidency, the Courts, federalism, the Constitution, political parties, interest groups, and campaigns and elections, we will also explore and analyze the American political culture including the political socialization process. Special attention will be paid to the 2008 presidential and congressional campaigns/elections.  This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 101: American Politics
Professor Horan
TTh 11:30am / LSC

This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the institutions and ways of proceeding of the American political system at the national level. Among topics to be discussed are the Constitution, federalism,  the presidency, Congress, the courts, civil liberties and civil rights, political parties, and the media. A guiding principle for the consideration of these topics is that political outcomes are the products of individual preferences and institutional procedures. This course is an option in the “Societal and Cultural Knowledge” section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 101: American Politics
Professor Williams
TTh 1:0pm / LSC

The American political system has proved highly resilient, despite many pressures for change.  Why is this so, and what changes might yet be expected?  Students will explore these and other questions in this course, which is a foundation for more advanced study of the American political system.  The course will study the most important structures (legislative, executive, and judicial) of the U.S. Government and the political processes of the wider system.  It will rely heavily on class discussions, interspersed with occasional presentations.  Students will participate in between-class discussions with one another and the instructor using Blackboard and will become familiar with resources available on the internet.  This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.