U.S. Presidential Elections: Gender, Race and Political Participation

Prerequisites

Basic studies in political science. Does not apply to exchange students.

Compensations

The course is worth of 4 (ECTS) credits and compensates two books in the study unit P220.

Target group/Course level

The course will have room for max 40 students in the order of registration. If more than forty students will register for the course, the priority is given to 1) students majoring in the subprogram of Politics, 2) political science exchange students, 3) students in the other political science subprograms, 4) others. Obs! See, the prerequisites above.

Objectives

The course will focus on the 2008 U.S. presidential elections from the perspective of historical institutionalism. The Second World War elections are used as a background to explain the nature of today’s politics. Using structural analysis and media analysis with theories of political culture and political participation the course deals with questions of gender, race and political participation in the United States. The course will help to understand specific features of the American political system compared with other political systems.

Content

See the homepage of the course: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/vol/staff/berndtso/

Course work and forms of study

The course consists of lectures, students’ written assignments and required reading material. The internet (videos, articles) will be used extensively during the course.

This is an interactive course. Students are expected to read literature for every class meeting and participate actively in discussions.

The working language of the course is English (including the assignments and the course exam replies).

Grading

The course work will be graded on a scale from 0 to 5. The grading criteria will be specified during the course. A student’s course attendance and participation affects her/his final grade.

Course results and retake

The results of the course will be posted on the notice board of the Department.

The exam retake will be held Mon 12.1. at 16-18, PR sali 1. Prior registration for the exam retake between 11.12.08 - 1.1.2009. in WebOodi. Don't mind if WebOodi informs you that you have already taken the course.

Course evaluation anddevelopment

During the last session, students will have an opportunity to give feedback on the course to the lecturer and to fill in an anonymous evaluation form. During the course feedback can be given anonymously.

When giving feedback, please evaluate the contribution of the teacher, your own contribution, the contributions of other students and the possible contribution of the Department office to the success of the course.