Topic: Gender, Race, and Representation in the United States
| Time | Days | Location | Instructor | GER | Credit | OPUS Class Number | Syllabus (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1:00pm-2:15pm | TuTh | Tarbutton Hall 116 | Reingold, Beth A. | WRT. | 4 | 4316 | TBA. |
Why are there so few women (of any race) or people of color (male or female) in public office? How have candidates’ race and gender affected their campaigns and their chances of obtaining public office? What difference does the election of more women and people of color really make? Would it mean that women and people of color are better represented? What does it mean to represent women and/or people of color? This course will address these questions from the perspective of legislative politics in the United States, at both the national and state levels. We will begin with a theoretical or philosophical examination of the meaning and value of political representation. Then we will explore the research on the politics of race, gender, and representation as it relates to: candidate recruitment, elections, legislative behavior, and the policymaking process.
This is a writing intensive, advanced seminar for juniors and seniors. Thus, all students are required to conduct a significant amount of independent research, write a good number of papers of varying length and style, and participate in class discussions on a regular basis and in an informed and constructive fashion.
Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources
- 1999. Race, Redistricting, and Representation: The Unintended Consequences of Black Majority Districts. ISBN: 9780226092713.University of Chicago Press.
- 2000. Representing Women: Sex, Gender, and Legislative Behavior in Arizona and California. ISBN: 9780807848500.University of North Carolina Press.
- 1998. Representing Women: Sex, Gender, and Legislative Behavior in Arizona and California. ISBN: 9780691057385.Princeton University Press.
- 2010. Out and Running: Gay and Lesbian Candidates, Elections, and Policy Representation. ISBN: 9781589016996.Georgetown University Press.
- Numerous articles and essays (made available via BlackBoard) . NOTE: At least one copy of each text will be available on reserve at the Robert Woodruff Library.
Grading
| Assignment/Exam | Details | % of Total Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Research Papers | NA | Approximately 55% |
| Short Papers on Assigned Readings | NA | Approximately 20% |
| Class Participation | NA | 15% |
| In-class Presentations | NA | 10% |
The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.