History 550: American Politics and Public Policy, Winter 2024-25

Part I: The American Political Landscape

Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

1. Introduction to the class: Definitions

Politics: 1. the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power; 2. the activities of governments concerning the political relations between countries;. 3. the academic study of government and the state; 4. activities within an organization that are aimed at improving someone's status or position and are typically considered to be devious or divisive. A particular set of political beliefs or principles: "what are his politics?" The assumptions or principles relating to or inherent in a sphere, theory, or thing, especially when concerned with power and status in a society.

Public: 1. of or concerning the people as a whole; 2. done, perceived, or existing in open view.

Policy: a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual. 

See also the Wikipedia entry on Politics, which includes this section on Political Science: Political science, "the study of politics, examines the acquisition and application of power. Political scientist Harold Lasswell defined politics as 'who gets what, when, and how.' Related areas of study include political philosophy, which seeks a rationale for politics and an ethic of public behavior, as well as examining the preconditions for the formation of political communities; political economy, which attempts to develop understandings of the relationships between politics and the economy and the governance of the two; and public administration, which examines the practices of governance.  The philosopher Charles Blattberg, who has defined politics as "responding to conflict with dialogue," offers an account which distinguishes political philosophies from political ideologies.

Question Focus: The Athenian statesman Pericles said: "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you."

EPISTEMIC CRISIS

2. Democracy, Politics, and the Media.

READ: In 550 Readings packet: pp. 3-32 (29 pp.)

Question Focus: The Mainstream media has a liberal bias that is unfair to conservatives and the Republican Party and gives credence to Trump's cry of "fake news."  (Reminder: the QF is designed to prod YOU to come up with your own questions about the readings.  Be prepared to be asked in class tomorrow what questions you came up with.)

3. More on our varied information environment

READ: 550 Readings packet, 32-58 (26 pp.)and

WATCH: Best of Enemies film trailer