Short courses

Summary

Today, American politics is more polarised than at any time since the civil war with populists and progressives presenting bitterly opposing visions. The Trump presidency tested the constitution to breaking point, while dramatic rulings from the Supreme Court, pandemic measures and mass ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests brought into question everyday rights and freedoms like never before. After the storming of the US Capitol, can the centre hold? What led up to these political earthquakes and what does this disunity mean for the future of the United States? 

Join this informative and timely course to learn how 21st century American politics are shaped, what it means and where it is headed. Take a deeper look with us at the interplay between institutions, elected politicians and US society to consider the ideals of the American system and the reality of its outcomes. On this constantly updated course, get the inside story on the very latest developments in US elections and policy as they happen.  

Over a series of talks our expert tutor will explain: 

• key aspects of the United States Federal political, social and cultural systems, including its constitutional and ideological underpinnings 
• the background behind several socially and politically contested issues  
• several key contemporary sources and the main political perspectives on recent events 

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars  

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

-key aspects of the United States of America Federal political system: how they work and why they matter 

- the key political ideas and concepts at work behind the headlines