Rural Political Dev in America

This course surveys the dynamics and influence of rural politics in the United States as they have developed over time. Through the examination of historical political accounts, this course seeks to explain national policy outcomes and current political puzzles as affected by agricultural interests present in the South and Midwest. Topics include how these agricultural interests shaped the founding, political institutions (such as the presidency, Congress, and courts), the Civil War, the Populist/Progressive movement, the New Deal Era, and contemporary American politics. This course emphasizes student interaction.