Examination of how sex and gender shape the political experiences of women in America. We will examine these experiences at both the mass and elite levels. Topics covered will include women's experiences as candidates, women's behavior as legislators, gender and public opinion, and political participation among others.
Athena Title
Women in US Politics
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4575H
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand how sex and gender shape the political experiences of women at both the mass and elite level.
Students will understand how institutional structures influence the role of sex/gender in American politics.
Students will be able to identify testable hypotheses in political science research.
Students will be able to formulate testable hypotheses for political questions.
Students will be able to synthesize arguments and produce evidence to support and refute empirical claims.
Topical Outline
1. Theoretical frameworks for studying women in U.S. politics
2. Social movements, organized interests, and suffrage
3. Women and political participation in the U.S.
4. Gender, public opinion, and voting
5. Political ambition
6. Women as candidates
7. Women in local politics
8. Women as legislators
9. Women as judges
10. Women as leaders
11. Women in the bureaucracy
12. Future research on gender and U.S. politics
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
