The focus of this First Year Seminar is to introduce the students to the evolution of the American political system with an accent on the reading of the US Constitution as a starting point for an in depth analysis of American politics. This course will explore the dynamics of the political system since World War II, the consequences of increasing political centralization in Washington, and the growth of the so called imperial presidency by looking at key chapters in the history of contemporary America. The class will focus on aspects of foreign and domestic policy that have come to shape the current political values and perspectives and may explain the current socio-political dynamics driving the Trump administration. Like all first year seminars, this class will help students to develop critical writing skills and methodological approaches to research papers and presentations needed to further their intellectual growth.
- Teacher: Morris Mottale