Kenneth Manning, PhD

Theory and practice of national government in Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, and the interaction of these institutions with interest groups, political parties, public opinion and the mass media.

Theory and practice of national government in Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, and the interaction of these institutions with interest groups, political parties, public opinion and the mass media.

Review and discussion of influential films that address or touch upon important political issues in the United States. By exposing students to classic and/or out-of-the-way movies that they might not otherwise experience, the course promotes the development of critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to view film as more than simple entertainment, but also as an influential means of conveying political ideas.

Course centers on the development of the constitutional framework of American government with emphasis placed on reading and analysis of U.S. Supreme Court cases. Topics covered may include judicial review, separation of powers, federalism government regulatory authority, and the rights of criminal defendants.

In effect the second half of the course on Constitutional Law. The Civil Liberties and Rights course discusses individual protections from arbitrary acts by government and other individuals. Topics may include freedom of expression, church-state relations, freedom of the press, minority rights, and protection of individuals from discrimination.

Available topics seminar in the field of American politics. Repeatable with change in content.