POLT 371 - Power & American Democracy

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

This course examines how political power can either hinder or advance the struggle for democracy in America. We first discuss what many scholars call the “faces” of power. These faces denote the distinct ways in which humans exercise power by repressing or controlling the actions and considerations of others. We then explore “de-faced” forms of power. Power in these de-faced forms rests not in the ability of actors to repress or control one another but, rather, in the collective production of social relations. Finally, we develop and workshop student research projects about different themes from the course.

Enrollment Limit: 12
Instructor: M. Forrest

Consent of the Instructor Required: Yes