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Course Info for POLS - 215 - 01, Spring 2025
Class number: 2943 Title: Interest Grp Lobbying Amer Pol Department: Political Science
Career: Undergraduate Component: Lecture Session: Regular
Instructor's Permission Required: No Grading Basis: Regular Units: 1.00
Enrollment limited to 25 Current enrollment: 21 Available seats: 4
Start date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 End date: Friday, May 9, 2025 Mode of Instruction: In Person
Schedule: MW: 1:30PM-2:45PM, MC - 102 Instructor(s): Do, Dang
Prerequisite(s): None
Distribution Requirement: Meets Social Sciences Requirement
Note: No seniors unless by Instructor Permission.
Course Description:
American politics at all levels and branches of government are full of competing interests based on business, religion, class, gender, race, sexuality, etc., vying to shape policies. Several political science theories exist on how these interests are represented in the American political system. Some argue that competing interests create a plural society where no one group can dominate our politics. Others say that certain groups hold more significant sway in our politics. Recognizing the importance of interest groups in government, this course will examine who interest groups are, where they fit in our politics, how they are organized, and what influence they have on policymaking. This course will focus on how weak, marginalized interests without substantial money or power compete against powerful groups like major corporations and elite interests.