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Dr. Rajdeep Pakanati
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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OpenCourser.com/course/lkn3k1/american
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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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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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Traffic lights
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what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
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
Show steps
Reviewing American history will provide you with a foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
-
Read a book about American history.
-
Watch a documentary about American history.
-
Take an online quiz about American history.
Explore the National Archives
Show steps
Visit the National Archives website to access primary sources and explore the historical evolution of the United States.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Watching video lectures is a convenient way to learn about American history.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Compile a List of Influential Women in American History
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of American history and culture.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Joining a study group can help you learn from your peers and improve your understanding of the material.
Show steps
-
Find a study group to join.
-
Attend study group meetings regularly.
-
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Read 'The Federalist Papers'
Show steps
Review the foundational text of American constitutionalism to reinforce your understanding of the US constitutional tradition.
View
The Federalist Papers
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the first 10 papers.
-
Summarize the main arguments of each paper.
Design a Political Cartoon
Show steps
Create a political cartoon that satirizes a current political issue to deepen your understanding of the role of satire in American culture and politics.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the key events in American history.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Writing an essay will help you develop a deeper understanding of a key event in American history.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
-
Identify a social issue to address.
-
Research and develop a project proposal.
-
Recruit volunteers.
-
Implement the project.
Enter a history competition
Show steps
Entering a history competition can be a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Debating an issue in American history can help you develop a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact on society.
Show steps
-
Choose an issue to debate.
-
Research the issue.
-
Prepare your arguments.
-
Have the debate.
Review American history
Show steps
Reviewing American history will provide you with a foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a book about American history.
- Watch a documentary about American history.
- Take an online quiz about American history.
Explore the National Archives
Show steps
Visit the National Archives website to access primary sources and explore the historical evolution of the United States.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Watching video lectures is a convenient way to learn about American history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Compile a List of Influential Women in American History
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of American history and culture.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Joining a study group can help you learn from your peers and improve your understanding of the material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group to join.
- Attend study group meetings regularly.
- Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Read 'The Federalist Papers'
Show steps
Review the foundational text of American constitutionalism to reinforce your understanding of the US constitutional tradition.
View
The Federalist Papers
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the first 10 papers.
- Summarize the main arguments of each paper.
Design a Political Cartoon
Show steps
Create a political cartoon that satirizes a current political issue to deepen your understanding of the role of satire in American culture and politics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the key events in American history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Writing an essay will help you develop a deeper understanding of a key event in American history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a social issue to address.
- Research and develop a project proposal.
- Recruit volunteers.
- Implement the project.
Enter a history competition
Show steps
Entering a history competition can be a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Debating an issue in American history can help you develop a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact on society.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Political Scientist
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.
Sociologist
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.
Lawyer
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.
Public Policy Analyst
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.
Journalist
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.
Teacher
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Politician
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.
Government Relations Manager
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.
Lobbyist
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.
Speechwriter
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.
Public relations manager
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Social Media Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lkn3k1/american
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.
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.
Save
New and important work that argues that racism costs everyone, not just people of color. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the systemic nature of racism in the United States.
This collection of essays was written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. It classic work of political philosophy that provides insights into the founding principles of the American government.
Powerful and personal account of the experience of being black in America. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of race relations in the United States.
Classic work of feminist literature. It helped to spark the feminist movement in the 1960s.
Save
Classic work of political science that provides a detailed analysis of American democracy. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of gender in the United States. It covers the major events and ideas that have shaped American gender relations.
Controversial work of political philosophy that argues that the end of the Cold War has led to the end of history.
Save
Classic work of anthropology that provides a comprehensive overview of American culture. It covers the major values, beliefs, and practices that shape American life.
Classic work of mythology that explores the universal themes and symbols that are found in all cultures. It provides insights into the human condition and the role of myth in our lives.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of American political thought. It covers the major ideas and thinkers that have shaped American political development.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the American government. It covers the history, structure, and functions of the federal government, as well as the state and local governments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of race and ethnicity in the United States. It covers the major events and ideas that have shaped American race relations.
Controversial work of political science that argues that the world is divided into different civilizations and that these civilizations are likely to clash in the future.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lkn3k1/american
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Effort
3 Hrs/Week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
O.P. Jindal Global University
Instructor
Dr. Rajdeep Pakanati
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
American Politics, Foreign Policy, and US-India Ties. It's comprised of three courses:
- India-US Relations: Geopolitics, Culture, and Business
- The Making of US Foreign Policy
- American Politics, Society, and History (viewing)
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