Course Description
Political Parties are the central linkage mechanism of American Government. They serve to connect the desires and viewpoints of ordinary Americans to actual governing in Washington and statehouses. The course will explore the structure of the party system in America, how it compares to other countries, and the struggle of third parties in America. The course will also explore political parties as organizations working towards electoral victory. The course will examine parties as changing coalitions of voters and place our current partisan polarization in context. The course will conclude by examining how all these aspects of contemporary political parties come together to shape modern American politics and policy.
Spring 2026
Instructors
Meeting Patterns
Classes Start:
January 12, 2026
Classes End:
April 28, 2026
Location:
00234 111 Lampe Drive
Class Days:
T H
Class Start Time:
1:30pm
Class End Time:
2:45pm
Class Type:
Lecture
Credits:
3.00
Restrictions:
Prerequisite: PS 201