Course description:
This course examines the ways that American culture influences the
political system. It starts from
the premise that considering the cultural context in which political struggles
take place can enhance an understanding of politics.
Culture is the shared interpretation of reality that binds people together.
It
provides the shared symbols and myths that help people to develop a common
understanding of the complexities and ambiguities of the world they live
in. Put another way, culture is the
cultivation of certain kinds of persons by a society. Who
we are is influenced by where we came from. If I was born and raised in
Alabama I would be quit a different person than I am, having spend most
of my life in Chicago.
The political culture is a major component
of any culture. It is the cultivation
of certain political ideas and kinds of political behavior by a society.
There are two key functions of political culture:
Political
culture sets certain limits to politics. For
example, no politician, who expects to win, would run for office claiming
we need to abolish the Constitution and set up Communism.
Political
culture influences what we argue about and what arguments we make. For
example we have been arguing about national health insurance since 1947.It
has been largely avoided because it violates a key culture value, individualism.
This course is divided into four parts. First,
is the introduction. Here we discuss
the setting of America, identifying the basic values that make up our political
culture. Second, we examine
in detail the specific values that are important in the American culture:
individualism,
competition, mobility, and materialism. Third,
we examine how these values are reflected in the modern world through the
media, such as, television, movies, and music.
Fourth,
we examine the significance of the changing political culture on the political
system and take up Wray’s argument that the essential function of the culture—to
bind a people together—is diminishing.
Assigned Reading:
- There is no textbook assigned for this class only readings which can be
accessed by going to the
Topics and
Readings page on the website.
Most of these are short pieces that have appeared
in newspapers and magazines and cover current issues involving the political
culture.
Also keep up with the online publication where politics and culture
meet poppolitics.com.
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 should maintain their Lewis email account
so they can receive emails that are sent to the whole class during the
semester.
Use of the Internet with this Course
The Internet will serve the following purposes:
- Provide distribution of class handouts, review outlines and sample tests
- Identify links to sites on the Internet that will be useful to students
- Offer a way for students to comment on the contents of the course including
the readings, lectures and class discussions
- Provide a electronic method to post announcements, reminders and grades
- 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@comcast.net