HISTORY
The Modern American Presidency: From FDR to Obama
AUTUMN HN164
Monday
Tutor: Sarah Feehan
This course is a study of the American Presidency in the twentieth century from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama incorporating the 2012 presidential election. Taking a thematic approach the course will examine the presidents of the period and the challenges that they each faced during their time in office. It will consider how each of the presidents dealt with major issues such as domestic and foreign policy, the economy, relations with other branches of government and relations with their own party. By taking a thematic approach we will be able to compare and contrast the presidents handling of various issues.
While the course will touch on major events and policies in twentieth century American history they will be viewed only in the context of the presidency. A third of the course will be dedicated to presidential elections. We will consider previous presidential election campaigns and their outcomes as well as looking forward to the 2012 presidential election. We will examine how elections campaigns were conducted by different presidents and how this impacted on the election result. Finally we will evaluate the modern presidency and how it evolved from the presidency of FDR to the 2012 presidential election. We will then endeavour to assess the challenges that face the newly elected president as they take office in 2013.
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BELFIELD |
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10 Mondays |
Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3 (No class Oct 29) |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
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FEE €190 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
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Tutor Bio
Dr Sarah Feehan earned her PhD from UCD. Her thesis was on the Heath government and proposed arms sales to South Africa. She has previously taught courses on American foreign policy and a history of the American presidency. Her research interests include American politics and foreign policy, Britain foreign policy and Britain and the Commonwealth.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
- The president, the constitution and the other branches of government.
- The president and his party.
- Domestic Policy: Social Security, Healthcare, Education, Civil Rights.
- Foreign Policy: Diplomatic relations, Foreign conflicts.
- Economy: Domestic economy, Recessions, Great Depression.
- Election Campaigns and Results.Election 2012.
- The modern presidency going forward.
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone who has an interest in the history of the American presidency and presidential elections. It should appeal to those interested in the current presidential campaign who wishes to gain a greater understanding of the modern presidency.
Reading List:
The readings for this course will mainly be from electronic articles and websites.
A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.
