2020 - the American Elections

elective courses

1. Good command in at least one foreign language (English) is a must.

2. General knowledge of geography, international politics and economics very welcome.

During the course we will examine one of the most important elements of American political and social life – the elections. We will follow the historical foundation of the American voting system and the controversies around it. We will follow the building up of a strategy around the elections on the local and federal level. I plan to discuss some of the US presidential campaigns and ballots. Talking about the past we will focus however on current situation. In November this year the American people will elect their new president. Will Donald Trump continue his mission or rathe democratic candidate will prevail? We will observe it live.

This is an active participation class where you’ll have a chance to get closer to the US history, politics and political culture. How to understand the American electoral system? We will try to get deeper to the US constitutional order and country habits to examine the differences between American and European way of establishing democratic representation practice. I plan to go through the US Constitution origins and first presidential elections to get you closer to the American idea of balanced democracy, where both, all country population and territorial set up play a role. We will also discuss the most intriguing electoral cases and controversies. Formation of the political system, parties, movements and lobbies in the United States and their influence upon the electoral processes will stay in the center of our interest. We’ll dedicate some moments to the electoral campaign, its function, financing and new tendencies. Here are some of the points I will rise:

1.American Constitution. A new democracy.

2. Ballot system. In search for a balanced solution.

3. Voter and candidates. How to become a politician in America?

4. Modern political parties in the US. Pressure groups and lobbies.

5. South vs. North: two histories, two visions.

6. Electoral campaigns. Financing (PACs), media, volunteers.

7. First elections – last elections. A change.

8. Electoral caucus, convention – how to mobilize the voters?

9. Win and lose: electoral college vs. popular vote.

10. New instruments (social media, big data) – new threats.

11. Triumph of Trump. America and the world in his eyes.

12. Trump vs. Biden. The whole world holds its breath.

Mark J. Schulman: A History of American Presidential Elections: From George Washington to Barack Obama. Multieducator.2012

G. Davies, J. E. Zelizer: America at the Ballot Box: Elections and American Political History, Univ. of Pennsylvania Press.2015

Paul F. Boller: Presidential Campaign. From George Washington to George W. Bush. Oxford University Press. 2004

Bob Woodword, Fear

Upon completing this course, a student:

KNOWLEDGE

1. General knowledge in the area of international political and economic relations with special reference to the US role in the global world.

2. General knowledge in the area of international co-operation

3. Functional knowledge on the foreign service structure and practice.

4. Diplomacy language.

SKILLS:

1. Building up the projects in the area of international co-operation.

2. Fluency in analysis of global processes.

3. Building up the professional political, economic, cultural and social contacts in the international area.

SOCIAL COMPETENCES:

1. Communication skills

2. Proficiency in working out the joint international projects.

3. Understanding of the global problems.

- Attendance - 20% (max 2 absences accepted)

- Active participation - 40%

- Presentation - 40% (evaluation of the joint project presentation prepared on specific topic).