Print Print

BLM A21 - Government, politics and policy-making in the Americas*

Faculty
Edward Ashbee and Kevin McGovern
Course Coordinator
Merete Borch
Prerequisite
Students are advised to take History of the Americas [1] and History of the Americas [2] before joining this course.
Aim of the course
Course participants will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the core institutions and processes involved in the making of public policy. They will also be introduced to important political issues and the core components of political culture in both the US and the countries of Latin America
Course content, structure and teaching
The course assesses the institutions of government and the character of the decision-making process. It looks at the US presidency, Congress and the federal judiciary as well as the different state governments. It also surveys the role played by parties and interest groups and, at the same time, evaluates the nature of the electoral process. The course also considers the political structures and the political character of governmental systems in central and south America.
Teaching methods
The course uses lectures and group activities. There is an emphasis upon student participation.
All the teaching is in English
Examination
A mid-term essay and a written examination at the end of the term
Course literature
  • Edward Ashbee, (2004), US Politics Today, Manchester University Press.
  • Howard J. Wiarda and Harvey F. Kline (2001), An Introduction to Latin American Politics and Development, Westview Press.
  • Further reading, appropriate weblinks and discussion questions for each class are posted on SiteScape, the CBS student intranet system

Last updated by The International Office 26/05/2010