POLS 330 - The American Presidency

Institution:

Point Park University

Subject:

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Description:

The purpose of this course is to offer a general introduction to some important institutions, issues and problems relating to study of the American presidency. During this course, we will try to relate the material presented in the text to contemporary issues on a continuing basis. Inasmuch as this course coincides with a presidential election, we will pay close attention to the way we choose presidents in our political system. A central objective of this course is to examine the current state of the presidency, considering particularly the problems challenging the institution and its occupants over the last several years. Although this is not a course in recent presidencies per se, we will strive for careful and thoughtful consideration of the institution of the American presidency by studying presidencies from FDR to George W. Bush. Course Objectives (1) Explain and analyze the emergence of the modern presidency; differing assessments of presidential leadership and greatness; (2) Explain and analyze the debate over the constitutional presidency and various theories of presidential power; (3) Explain and analyze presidential recruitment and the nominating process; some case studies of nominations; interpreting recent nominating struggles; (4) Explain and analyze the Presidential Election and the Electoral College The Election Campaign and strategy; Appraising the Process; (5) Explain and analyze appraising the nomination and election process; (6) Explain and analyze the president, the public and the media; the presidency and the parties; the president and ideology; (7) Explain and analyze presidential personality, character and effectiveness; presidential management style; (8) Explain and analyze the President's office and White House staff; (9) Explain and analyze the cabinet and presidential decision making; (10) Explain and analyze The President's legislative role - President and Congress; (11) Explain and analyze Domestic policymaking and presidential leadership; (12) Explain and analyze The president and the judiciary - determinants of Supreme Court nominations; (13) Explain and analyze Foreign policy and the Presidency: Case Studies of Decision Making; (14) Explain and analyze the vice presidency; succession and impeachment; (15) Explain and analyze the future of the Office; Evaluating the current Presidency and Presidents.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.pointpark.edu

Phone Number:

(412) 391-4100

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.