Politics, Parties & Elections

Term: 1 (not offered every term)
Grades: 10, 11, 12, PG

This course helps students gain a greater understanding of the history and current landscape of American political culture which will in turn will help us grapple with the relationships between activists, citizens, and their elected officials. This fall we will explore the evolution of America€™s two-party system, including the shifting coalitions and platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties. Students will learn about the complex primary system, the electoral college, and contemporary voter access and disenfranchisement efforts. This course encourages civic engagement and media literacy in order to prepare students to better understand the American electoral process and for their role as global citizens in a time of political uncertainty. By tracking current events, students will also participate in challenging conversations concerning politics and policy formation and implementation.

Note: This course precedes American Government 101: From Politics to Policy. Students who have taken, or are taking AP US Government cannot take this course.