POLT 281 - Interest Groups and Political Advocacy

Semester Offered: First Semester
Full Course
Credits: 4 credits
Attribute: 4SS

This course examines the U.S. interest group system as a source of political advocacy and representation. We start by outlining the contours of this system as it existed in the early to mid-twentieth century. We then critically analyze key shifts in this system that have occurred since that time and altered the contours of political advocacy in the U.S., including the rise of the corporate lobbyist, the weakening of labor unions, the expansion of social justice organizations, and the emergence of the nonprofit sector. We close by considering recent efforts to ~~democratize~~ improve political advocacy in light of the foregoing shifts.
Enrollment Limit: 30
Instructor: M. Forrest