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Purpose and Approach for
PLAP 101: Introduction to American Politics
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3 - 3:50 p.m., Wilson 402, 301 This course examines the fundamentals of American politics. It will systematically cover the major institutions of American democracy (e.g., the Presidency, Congress, courts, bureaucracy, media, etc.) as well as the system's essential processes (e.g., voting, electioneering, policymaking, intergovernmental relations, etc.). There are no prerequisites and the course is open to anyone with an interest in understanding how the American governmental system works. The instructor will take a "political" approach to the subject because all institutions and processes of the American republic are inherently political to varying degrees. The political nature of government is not something to be deplored or regretted. To the contrary, politics is the glue that holds society together and the oil that lubricates the machinery of government. Despite the common pejorative use of the term, politics is a good thing. This view will be a constant and consistent theme in the course. (It is also an officially recognized slogan that adorns a lapel button and a famous T-shirt, both of which will be made available to our students and guests.) Please note well: A student cannot possibly obtain a full understanding of American politics and government from this brief introductory course. The instructor himself has no such understanding. However, a glimpse of the system will be provided so as to encourage your further inquiry in succeeding semesters. The instructor will not be hesitant to express his views - nor should you! There is NO partisan or ideological line to tow in this course. Indeed, it will be surprising (or indicative of a lack of critical thought) if you do not find yourself disagreeing with the instructor's viewpoints or that of the readings on occasion. You must think for yourself, using the lectures and the readings merely as tools. No student will ever be penalized for respectfully disagreeing with the instructor or the TAs in this course. |
According to the Wall Street Journal, Larry J. Sabato is "probably the most quoted college professor in the land." Dr. Sabato is an election analyst and the Robert Kent Gooch Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia. He is a former Rhodes Scholar and Danforth Fellow. After he received his B. A. in government from the University of Virginia as a Phi Beta Kappa in 1974, he did a year's graduate study in public policy at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Upon receipt of the Rhodes scholarship in 1975, he left Princeton to begin study at Queen's College, Oxford University. In less than two years he received his doctorate in politics from Oxford, and was invited to become a tutor (instructor) for students in the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program. In January 1978 he was elected Lecturer in Politics at New College, Oxford. He joined the faculty at the University of Virginia in September 1978. |
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Site Design & Construction By Paola Sanmiguel Last updated by James M. Patterson, February, 2005 |
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