IMS FSV UK – Katedra severoamerických studií
Winter Semester
Garant
Tomáš Klvaňa, Ph D, MA
Course
Populism in the United States
Class Description
Populism in politics is among most mentioned words today. The course sets it in the context of U.S. history and Western political thought. It explores the question of how we got here and why. Students will read short texts and excerpts from political philosophy and political science. They will watch key political speeches. They are required to participate actively in class discussions, analyze and evaluate the ideas introduced in class lectures, texts and videos.
Desired Outcomes
Students will understand the phenomenon of populism in the U.S. politics from political, historic and philosophical perspectives. They will demonstrate an ability to explain current wave of populism, which threatens liberal democracy, in its various contexts.
Assessment Components 10% -- Class Attendance 25% -- Class Activity (discussion moderated by professor based on course reading, films and lectures; possible short quizzes based on readings) 25% -- Midterm Presentations (students present in teams on selected topics from U.S. political history: Anti-Federalist Movement in opposition to the constitution in 1787; the Jacksonian Democracy of the 1820s and 1830s; the Populist Movement of the late 19th century; Father Charles Coughlin; Huey Long; George Wallace) 40% -- Final Examination (three hand-written essays in class; comprehensive; open notes and books: students are allowed to use the course resources)
A failure to submit or fulfill any of the above would result in the F grade for the course.
Assessment Expectations
Grade A: Excellent work demonstrating a critical and observant approach to the subject, sound research and an ability to express thoughts cogently and persuasively. Grade B: Very good work. Grade C: Satisfactory work. Grade F: Failure to achieve a passable standard.
Grading
A = 91-100, B = 81-90, C = 71-80, F = 70 and below
Required Text(s)
Book (excerpts)/Papers
· Publius Decius Mus – The Flight 93 Election. The Claremont Institute, Sept. 5, 2016 http://www.claremont.org/crb/basicpage/the-flight-93-election/
· Richard Hofstadter – The Paranoid Style in American Politics. Harvard University Press, 1965, 3-40