Political Science 297K - ST-Political Organizations

In this class we will examine the changing role and significance of interest groups and, to a lesser extent, political parties, in politics and society. We consider the extent and nature of group influence in government and policy making and how this has changed over time. Among the wide range of questions we will work together to answer are: What does it mean to say that defining an ?interest? is a political act? How does our electoral system, in concert with other U.S. political institutions, influence which groups? interests become a ?legitimate? political matter? How much power do interest groups really exert in the policy making process and what is the source of their influence? When are interest groups most likely to ?win?? What role did advocacy groups play in the recent health care reform debate? How are political parties any different from interest groups? What is the most important resource lobbyists possess (it?s not money) and what rules do successful lobbyists follow?

Open to Sophomore and Junior POLISCI majors and seniors from any major. Non majors (Seniors) after first week of registration. Intro class in Political Science recommended but not required.