POLI1061

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

Requirements fulfilled

  • 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 2026-07-23. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

Sections

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