32500

SoSe 20: Presidential Elections in the US

Christian Lammert

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ONLINE COURSE. Drawing on scholarly literature, contemporary news and analysis, and a range of primary data sources, this course probes how political science applies or doesn't to the 2020 presidential election. We will examine the impact and role of: political parties; interest groups; the media, especially social media; campaign strategy, tactics and operations; polling; campaign finance; presidential debates; and who turns out and why. Course Overview How does the 2016 presidential election compare to previous elections? How does the 2020 presidential election illustrate or challenge claims made in political science? What factors influence the electoral outcome? In this course we will probe how political science and history applies or doesn't to the 2020 presidential election as we follow the contest in real time. Readings and discussions will also draw on contemporary news and analysis, as well as a range of data sources used by political scientists. We will begin with an examination of how the presidential nominating process and Electoral College structure the game. We will study the impact and role of political parties; superPACs and interest groups; and the media, with a special focus on the increasing role of social media. We will discuss campaign strategy, tactics and operations; polling; campaign finance; presidential debates; and the importance of who turns out and why. Coursework will entail fieldwork and applying original research and analysis on one of the course themes to the 2016 presidential election. Course Learning Objectives 1. A practical and theoretical understanding of American presidential campaigns, including their history, structure and sequence, as well as the strategies and behaviors of relevant actors. 2. A better understanding of a range of political actors and institutions, and issues that affect electoral outcomes close