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American Politics, Society, and History

Welcome to the American Politics, Society, and History course! This course seeks to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of American history, politics, society, and culture. The United States has been a beacon in the international community as a constitutional liberal democracy. Through this course, you will gain insight into the historical evolution of the US from a constitutional perspective and provide an overview of the government in the US. You will also look at how critical social factors like race, ethnicity, and gender inform the evolution of American society. You will further look at what American culture is and how it is constantly evolving over time.

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What's inside

Syllabus

The US Constitutional Tradition

In this module, you will explore the roots of the US liberal constitutional order and its core functions and impact around the world. With the first written constitution in the world, every written constitution is a child of the US constitution in a limited sense. This heritage is most pronounced in democracies with a common-law tradition. The US itself inherited both the common law and the roots of its liberal order from Britain and has passed on and shared that tradition. India’s founding generation was very mindful of US’ experience in drafting the Indian constitution. This module also considers the elements of that liberal constitutional order in the US and India, and in other countries around this region. This tradition is not without failings, and the module assesses the life of this constitutional order and its capacity to meet its many challenges.

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Builds a strong foundation for learners who are new to American history, politics, society, and culture

Comprehensive study of American history, politics, culture, and society

Taught by Dr. Rajdeep Pakanati, who is an American politics, society, and history expert

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

Multi-modal and includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, discussions, etc

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive us studies overview

According to an analysis based solely on the course syllabus and description, learners would likely find this course to be a comprehensive overview of US history, government, and cultural dynamics. It offers a structured exploration of key constitutional traditions and the functioning of American political institutions. The course importantly delves into significant social factors like race, ethnicity, and gender, providing contemporary relevance. A unique comparative perspective, possibly including aspects related to India's constitutional history, might appeal to a global audience. While providing great breadth, some may seek more in-depth analysis on specific complex topics within its modules.

A broad introduction, potentially lacking deep dives.

"While it covers a lot, I felt some topics could have been explored in more detail."

"I would have liked more in-depth analysis on certain historical events or political theories."

"The course serves as a good foundation, but be prepared to supplement your learning for deeper understanding."

Offers an interesting comparative look at constitutional traditions.

"The comparison with India's constitution adds a unique global perspective."

"It was fascinating to learn about the US constitutional tradition's influence on other common-law democracies."

"This course provides a distinct viewpoint by linking American constitutional heritage to other nations like India."

Addresses current and significant societal issues.

"The discussion on systemic racism and recent events like George Floyd's murder makes the course feel very current."

"I appreciate that the course brings historical contexts to bear on modern challenges facing American society."

"The topics covered are highly relevant to understanding today's sociopolitical landscape."

Provides critical insights into race, ethnicity, and gender.

"The sections on race, ethnicity, and gender offer crucial perspectives on American society."

"I found the modules on Civil Rights and the evolving role of women particularly insightful and relevant."

"It's important to see how social factors like race and gender are woven into American history and politics."

Offers a broad and comprehensive view of American studies.

"I appreciate the course's comprehensive approach, touching on so many aspects of American life."

"The modules provide a wide-ranging introduction to US constitutional history, government, and societal issues."

"It's a great overview if you want to understand American politics, society, and culture from various angles."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in American Politics, Society, and History with these activities:

Review American history

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Reviewing American history will provide you with a foundation for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on American History

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Read a book about American history.
Watch a documentary about American history.
Take an online quiz about American history.

Explore the National Archives

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Visit the National Archives website to access primary sources and explore the historical evolution of the United States.

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Browse the online collections.
Read or view documents related to a topic of interest.
Participate in online discussions or forums.

Watch video lectures on American history

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Watching video lectures is a convenient way to learn about American history.

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Find a video lecture series on American history.
Watch one lecture per week.
Take notes on the key points of each lecture.

11 other activities

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Compile a List of Influential Women in American History

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Research and compile a list of influential women in American history to expand your knowledge of their contributions and the role of gender in shaping American society.

Browse courses on Women's History

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Research different periods of American history.
Identify women who made significant contributions in various fields.
Compile a list of these women and their accomplishments.

Read 'The American Spirit' by David McCullough

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of American history and culture.

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Read one chapter per week.
Take notes on the key points of each chapter.

Join a study group

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Joining a study group can help you learn from your peers and improve your understanding of the material.

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Find a study group to join.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Read 'The Federalist Papers'

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Review the foundational text of American constitutionalism to reinforce your understanding of the US constitutional tradition.

View The Federalist Papers on Amazon

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Read the first 10 papers.
Summarize the main arguments of each paper.

Design a Political Cartoon

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Create a political cartoon that satirizes a current political issue to deepen your understanding of the role of satire in American culture and politics.

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Choose a current political issue to satirize.
Sketch out your ideas.
Create a final cartoon using digital or traditional art tools.

Create a timeline of American history

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Creating a timeline will help you visualize the key events in American history.

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Gather information about key events in American history.
Use a timeline template to create your timeline.
Add labels to your timeline to indicate the dates and significance of each event.

Analyze Supreme Court Cases

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Practice analyzing landmark Supreme Court cases to strengthen your understanding of the American legal system and its impact on society.

Browse courses on Supreme Court

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Identify the key facts and legal issues in each case.
Apply the relevant constitutional principles to the facts.
Predict the outcome of the case based on your analysis.

Write an essay about a key event in American history

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Writing an essay will help you develop a deeper understanding of a key event in American history.

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Choose a topic for your essay.
Research your topic.
Write an outline for your essay.
Write a draft of your essay.

Organize a Community Service Project

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Plan and implement a community service project that addresses a social issue related to race, ethnicity, or gender to apply your understanding of these topics and their impact on society.

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Identify a social issue to address.
Research and develop a project proposal.
Recruit volunteers.
Implement the project.

Enter a history competition

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Entering a history competition can be a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge.

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Find a history competition to enter.
Research the topic of the competition.
Prepare your entry.

Have a debate with a friend or family member about an issue in American history

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Debating an issue in American history can help you develop a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact on society.

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Choose an issue to debate.
Research the issue.
Prepare your arguments.
Have the debate.

Career center

Learners who complete American Politics, Society, and History will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of history that a successful Historian needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems, political behavior, and public policy. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of politics that a successful Political Scientist needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of society that a successful Sociologist needs.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of the legal system that a successful Lawyer needs.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of public policy that a successful Public Policy Analyst needs.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of current events that a successful Journalist needs.

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Teacher

Teachers plan, prepare, and deliver lessons to students. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of history, politics, and society that a successful Teacher needs.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of society and public policy that a successful Nonprofit Manager needs.

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Politician

Politicians run for and hold elected office. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of politics and public policy that a successful Politician needs.

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Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Managers represent organizations before government agencies. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of politics and public policy that a successful Government Relations Manager needs.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent organizations before government agencies. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of politics and public policy that a successful Lobbyist needs.

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Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for public figures. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of politics and public policy that a successful Speechwriter needs.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers manage the public image of organizations. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of society and public policy that a successful Public Relations Manager needs.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of society and culture that a successful Marketing Manager needs.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers manage the social media presence of organizations. This course may be useful in developing the deep understanding of society and culture that a successful Social Media Manager needs.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in American Politics, Society, and History.

Original Intent and the Framers' Constitution

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Since its publication in 1960, this book has been cited in over 10,000 cases, including over 150 Supreme Court cases. It includes a detailed analysis of the Constitution's text, history, and interpretation. It is an essential reference for anyone interested in American constitutional law.

American Politics, Society, and History

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive us studies overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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