Political Parties PoliticalScience 18-351 

Syllabus 

Course Description:

This course examines the role of political parties in American political process. Parties have had a two hundred year history as key actors in American politics. This longevity of the two major parties attest their staying power. However, their role has undergone considerable change. Their viability has been severely tested by changes in the political environment.

At one time political parties were at the heart of the electoral process. They were responsible for the nomination of most candidates for public office. They were also at the center of election campaigns and primarily responsible for developing public policy.

Fifty years ago parties were considered the primary vehicle for American democracy. The primary source of political participation for the average citizen in the political system. Today, they seem to be a shadow of their former selves. Operating on the periphery of the system rather than at its core. Many party functions are now performed by other political actors, especially interest groups.

Will they even survive? What role will they play in the future? What functions will they continue to perform? These questions as well as the reasons they are in their present condition will be examined in this course.
 

 Assigned Reading:
Majorie Hershey,  Party Politics in America, 14th edition, 2011  In addition to the text, students will read articles that we will discuss in class.  Most of these are short pieces that have appeared in newspapers and magazines and cover current issues involving political parties.

Exams:
Three exams will be given.  All tests are essay tests.  An exam will be given after completion of each major section of the readings. 

Grades:
Grades are based on three in-class essay exams (each 30% of the grade), and participation (10%). The participation component comes from in-class discussions and participation in the listserv discussions. 

E-mail and Listserv:
All students are required to maintain an email account at Lewis. Electronic communication may be important throughout the semester.

Use of the Internet with this Course
The Internet will serve the following purposes:
 

1. Provide distribution of class handouts, review outlines and sample tests
2. Identify links to sites on the Internet that will be useful to students
3. Offer a way for students to comment on the contents of the course including the readings, lectures and class discussions
4. Provide a electronic method to post announcements, reminders and grades
5. Present an opportunity for students to participate in electronic discussions with students and the instructor
Office Hours:

Office Location:  Room 206, McNamara Hall 
Hours:    Monday        11:00 to 12:00 
              Wednesday   11:00 to 12:00 
              Friday           11:00 to 12:00 
Other times by appointment 

You can also reach me by using email either at Lewis or at home.  At Lewis send to:  gazianjo@lewisu.edu 
           At home send to:   gazianoj@attbi.com 
For the fastest results use the Lewis address on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and my home address on Tuesday and Thursday. 
 

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