American Politics will examine the development of the American Republic and its institutions, and will investigate the various groups, constituencies, beliefs, and ideas that characterize current U.S. politics. Constitutional questions, political values, political beliefs, political parties, interest groups, the influence of mass media, and the effects of government and public policy both upon the states and individuals will be studied throughout the course. Because 2020 is an election year, a great deal of emphasis will be placed upon studying party politics, the presidential campaigns, and the fall’s most significant or trenchant congressional elections.

We will hold a virtual class meeting via Zoom video conferencing every week. Students will be expected to come prepared having done all assignments and ready to share and ask relevant questions. We will also use Zoom for regular small group collaborations. Students will have the chance to present their own research, and to lead discussions concerning the ongoing election.

There will be four face-to-face (F2F) meetings over the course of the term. Participation in F2F meetings is a course requirement, and students must attend all four meetings. Dates and locations are pending, but will include attending a local government session, a conversation with journalists, and a “watch party” on Election night. The first F2F will occur during the opening two weeks of the course, and the final face to face will likely happen on the last Saturday of the term at The Branson School, and will give students a chance to present their final work to one another.

About the Instructor

Ashton Richards – Branson School
Ashton Richards, a thirty-six year veteran of the classroom, teaches United States History and Modern World History at Branson where he has been teaching since 2010. A self-described “political junkie,” Ashton loves digging into the American political process and has done volunteer work on a number of political campaigns throughout his life. When he is not teaching or coaching, Ashton enjoys working in the garden, rowing, and cheering on his children in their various athletic pursuits. Ashton earned his BA in History at Syracuse University and his Master of Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University.