Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Contemporary America: Government, Economy and Society

• Unit Code

  POL3122

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit introduces students to the basic structures of American government, its political culture and economic foundations. The ideas that produced the 'American model' are also examined as well as the challenges now facing American society in a global era. Specifically, the unit examines the operation of the major institutions of government: political parties, Congress, the presidency and the Supreme Court and it examines American approaches to contentious public policy issues: gun ownership, abortion, campaigning finance, crime and welfare.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded POL2102, POL3102, POL5122

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply an understanding of the processes of American democracy and policy-making to contemporary political issues.
2. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these institutions.
3. Evaluate the components of American political culture.
4. Evaluate the role of America within the context of globalisation.
5. Understand the role of the key institutions of American democracy.

Unit Content

1. American political culture.
2. Crime and punishment.
3. Global superpower.
4. Intractable issues: gun control, abortion, gay rights.
5. Media and democracy.
6. Poverty and public policy.
7. Power in American society.
8. Presidential power.
9. Race and politics.
10. The Constitution and the institutions of government.
11. Voters, parties, elections.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lecture, tutorials, internet, video documentary.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Duncan, R., & Goddard, J. (2011). Contemporary America. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
• Thompson, J. (2007). Confronting the new conservatism: The Right in America. New York: New York University Press.
• Fowler, R. (2010). Religion and politics in America. Boulder: Westview Press.
• Cox Han, L. (2011). New directions in the American Presidency. New York: Routledge.
• Feagin, J. (2001). Racist America. New York: Routledge.
• Thurber, J. (2011). Obama in office. Boulder: Paradigm Publishers.
• Singer, P. (2004). The president of good and evil: The ethics of George W. Bush.. Melbourne: Text Publishing.
• Garland,D. (2011). .America's death penalty. .New York: New York University Press.
• Pabetz, D. (2002). The media in American politics. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
• Hendershott, A. (2006). The politics of abortion. New York: Encounter Books.
• Smith, H. (2012) Who Stole The American Dream New York: Random Press
• Bardes, B. (2011). American government and politics today. Boston: Wadsworth.

Journal References

• American Journal of Political Science
• The Nation
• Foreign Affairs

Website References

• Washington Post on-line http://www.washingtonpost.com
• Ron Gunzberger's Politics1.com. The most comprehensive online guide to American politics. http://Politics1.com
• New York Times on-line http://www.nytimes.com

^ Mandatory reference

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