Upper level courses are on special topics and are more advanced. They often presuppose some basic knowledge in the field and should be more difficult courses than courses at the 1-199 levels.
HIST 231 Financing Democracy: Money, Corporations and American Political Campaigns
Genova
Taught as schedule allows (consult the Course Directory)
R |SEM
This course will explore the history of American campaign finance, and analyze recent developments in funding rules, such as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and the Citizens United v. FEC decision, to expose students to key trends and philosophies in corporations' role in political contests. We will address federal and state elections for office, but also single-issue initiatives and lobbying. Secondary readings come from History, Legal Studies, Communications, and Political Science. We will also engage primary sources, including media coverage and press releases; opinion polls; government documents such as speeches, hearings, and legislation; and funding data itself. Students will examine corporations' incentives and strategies, but also those of officeholders, candidates, political parties, and interest groups. Ultimately, students will assess how democracy should best be served given the practical reality of money's influence.
Course Syllabus (PDF)
