GOV 2335 Power in (Mostly) American Society

The concept of “power” is central to the discipline of political science as well as to governance and political disputes.  But its meaning, measurement, causes, and effects are all elusive. How to attain, use, and challenge power is even harder to define or articulate. The seminar’s goal is to give students clearer ways of thinking about power, preparatory to doing research or engaging in contests  that will in one way or another revolve around making sense of and using it.