POLI 1061 Introduction to American Politics

For majors and non-majors. An overview of contemporary American government and politics focusing on how the institutions envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution (Congress, the judiciary, the executive) function today. Particular emphasis will be placed on how developments since the 1960s have affected the interaction of national, state, and local governmental actors, political participation, the articulation of interests, and policy formulation and implementation. Topics covered will include the media, public interest and advocacy organizations, campaign technologies and consultants, and public policy research institutes (think tanks). Whenever possible, comparisons between the U.S. and other advanced industrial democracies will be explored.

Course overview

Department
Political Science
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Periodically

Catalog details

Satisfies core
Social Science

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Political Science: Introductory Sequence — Second Introductory Course (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • University Core: Social Science (All undergraduates)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

3.69 / 5

Based on 136 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Casey Puerzer
    Summer 2026, Summer 2024 · Official rating 4.00/5
  • Marc Landy
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Spring 2024 · Official rating 3.16/5
  • Michael Hartney
    Fall 2024, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.55/5
  • Michael Skeen
    Summer 2022 · Official rating 5.00/5
  • Peter Skerry
    Spring 2023, Spring 2022 · Official rating 3.62/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Summer 2026 · Casey Puerzer · On-line Asynchronous · Offered
  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Marc Landy · Devlin Hall 218 TuTh 12:00 Noon-01:15PM · Offered