[UConn Storrs]
This course will approach the subject of American Political Leadership from a number of different perspectives. Students will review groundbreaking studies on leadership that hail from a variety of disciplines, as well as extensive case studies of U.S. political leaders. Students will be asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches to the study of political leadership. We will also conduct simulations in which students assume different roles in political conflicts; through these simulations, students may effectively test some of the findings on leadership that have already been discussed. At least two themes will receive special emphasis over the course of the semester: (1) how do the structure of American political institutions, American political culture, and American democratic principles define both opportunities and constraints for political leaders? and (2) Do great leaders make history or does history make great leaders, and how can we even know the difference?
Trouble registering? POLS 3622 is coded at the catalog level as “open to juniors or higher.” We can override this requirement. If you are an Honors student, you may register by emailing honors@uconn.edu and including (1) your name; (2) your 7-digit Student Admin number; (3) your registration “pick time”; (4) the course number and section (POLS 3622-001); (5) the class number from Student Admin; and (6) confirmation that there are seats available in the course.
This course has a pre-requisite of junior standing. If you are interested in taking it, discuss the feasibility of waiving that requirement with your Orientation advisor.