Elections in American politics are dynamic events in which many different groups struggle to gain control of political institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. During the campaigns, candidates and their supporters move across the land, appear on television, radio, and through the printed press. Simultaneously, various organizations and interest groups attempt to gain influence with the candidates and with public opinion by raising money, making endorsements, running political appeals in the various media, and supplying activists to work for the candidates they favor. This course explores the factors that shape the outcome of political elections in America. Among the factors we will consider are: the state of the economy, international events, the role of political parties at the state and national levels, the current partisan balance, ideology, media, special interests, money, candidates, the "hot" issues of the moment and long enduring issues, campaign debates, media, and campaign polling and public opinion. We will consider in detail the 2002 national elections both at the Federal level (Senate and House) and State. Format: lecture. Requirements: a midterm, a final, and a research paper. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 39 (expected: 20-24). Open to first-year students with Advanced Placement credit in American Politics. American Politics Subfield