GOVT107 CM - Revolutions in American Politics

This course examines major flashpoints in American politics by asking the question, How many revolutions have we had? Using both primary and secondary source readings we will examine the question of whether revolutions and refoundings are possible in the context of American political institutions. Do major historical episodes like Jacksonian Democracy, the Civil War, the New Deal or the Reagan Revolution represent fundamental changes in governing principles, or have these perceived revolutions merely altered perspectives of politics as usual? This course will devote special attention to the interaction between social movements, political leadership and institutional change. The latter part of the course will ask whether future revolutions are possible in American politics, and whether President Obama’s politics of hope and change, or the Tea Party movement’s electoral impact constitute new revolutions in American politics.

Prerequisite: GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT107 CM