This thematic research seminar will explore the history of Congress—the first branch under the Constitution—and its role in making public policy, as well as other issues in contemporary politics and government. The subject matter will cover the relationship between Congress and the Presidency, campaign and messaging techniques, and the emergence of a highly polarized electorate and government. The course is also designed to provide students with an unbiased understanding of the broader political process and the political environment in Washington as we enter the 2016 election season.
Note: For all semester students, the final four weeks of this semester (March 14 – April 15) will be spent in a special topics module led by Professor Jennifer Diascro. This module will account for 15% of the core seminar final course grade. Dr. Lawrence will remain your instructor of record for the term, responsible for computing and submitting final course grades. The day and time of the module may not be on the same day or at the same time as the Congress and Politics in Washington, D.C. seminar, but will accommodate all student internship and elective schedules. The syllabus for the module can be found at the end of Dr. Lawrence’s syllabus (below). **NO additional registration required.**