Political Science 279: American Political Economy

This course examines how the American economic and political systems are linked, and how the investigation of these linkages can strengthen our understanding of important economic and political phenomena. We will draw heavily on research in comparative politics and on various research programs in American politics that might be modified to speak to important issues in political economy. We will pay particular attention to the many implications of the unusually fragmented nature of American political institutions, to the ways in which racial cleavages and racial inequalities have influenced the development of the American political economy, and to the role of economic interests and coalitions in shaping American party competition and policy development.

Note: The course will be taught remotely and run parallel with an identical course at MIT taught by Kathleen Thelen. Students from both Universities will have access to both instructors.