SOC 343
Political Sociology
Instructor Information Here
Course Description:
Political Sociology examines the nature of power in society, especially power exercised by the state, political parties, interest groups and social movements. It focuses on groups and categories of people, rather than individuals. A sociological focus forces us to take a wider perspective on politics. We are not just interested in politicians, nor just the public, nor the powerful interest groups that may determine political outcomes. We are interested in the total picture. In this way, political sociology often differs from law, public policy, or other fields that approach politics as specific practitioners.
Teaching Goals and Student Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:

Identify major issues involving politics, government, parties, interest group and social movements in contemporary society;

Explain major sociological theories regarding political sociology;

Explain the rationale and explicate the broader socio-cultural context of government
(elections, policy, law) as well as contemporary pressures that have led to their development;

Explain the influences of globalization, state formation, empire-building, and immigration on US politics;

Analyze the social bases of US political action and party affiliation;

Apply social network analysis to political party and terrorist affiliations and forms of political action;

Make informed choices of more advanced and specialized courses in political sociology
Course Requirements:
1.
Exams
Mid-term
Final
25 %
25 %

2.
Simulations & Deliberative Polls
Campaign Finance Reform Simulation
Deliberative Poll on Campaign Issues
Deliberative Poll evaluating the Election
Deliberative Poll on the Great Conundrum
3. Overall Participation
Grades will be distributed as follows:
A = 90% or higher
B = 80% to 89%
C = 70% to 79%
D = 60% to 69%
E = less than 60%
Course Readings:
15 %
15 %
10 %
5 %
5 %
Domhoff, G. William 1998. Who Rules America? Power and Politics in the Year 2000.
NY: McGraw-Hill.
Halstead, Ted. 2004. The Real State of the Union.
NY: Basic Books.
Sageman, Marc. 2004. Understanding Terror Networks.
Philadelphia: U Penn Press.
Green, Donald. 2004. Get Out the Vote: How to Increase Voter Turnout.
Washington,
DC: Brookings Institution Press.
Micklethwait, John & Adrian Wooldridge. 2004. The Right Nation: Conservative Power in America.
London: Penguin.
Judis, John B. and Ruy Teixera. 2002. The Emerging Democratic Majority . NY:
Scribner.
Reserve readings at WT Young Library.
Part I: Theory & Sociological Approach to Politics
Week 1. Introduction

Ackerman & Fishking, pp. 7-30 on reserve

Laslett, reserve.
Week 2. Overview of Sociological Positions

Domhoff, pp. xi-xvi and 181-97
Part II: Social Forces

Week 3. Social Bases of Politics

Domhoof, pp. 15-43
Week 4. Policy Formation

Domhoof, pp. 69-98
Week 5. Power Elites

Domhoof, pp. 147-80
Week 6. Gifts and Networks of Obligations

Clawson et al., reserve.
Week 7. Campaign Finance Bill Simulations
Week 8. Introduction to Deliberative Poll Groups
 Halstead, pp. 3-12, 15-48.
Week 9. Health Care Paradigm

Halstead, remainder
Week 10. Alternative View of Welfare / Deliberative Polls
Week 11. Political Participation in Advanced Industrial Countries

Sageman, pp. 1-59

Green, pp. 1-48

Teske, Chap 3

Eliasoph, reserve, Chap 5
Week 12. Activism in Terroristic Networks

Sageman, pp. 61-173

Green, pp. 49-111
Week 13. Social Network Basis of Terrorism and Activism
Part III: The Great Conundrum
Week 14. Neo-Liberalism and Democratic Resurgence

Halstead, reserve

Micklethwait & Wooldridge, pp. 40-150

Judis & Teixera, pp. 11-67, 145-61
Week 15. Bases of Power
 Micklethwait & Wooldrige, pp. 151-288

Judis & Teixera, ppp. 69-143
Week 16. The American Empire Larger than Rome?


Micklethwait & Wooldrige, pp. 374-97

Judis & Teixera, pp. 163-77
Debate on the future of parties: How do we resolve the conundrum:
Republican dominance vs. Democratic resurgence
Final Exam