POLS 023. Dilemmas of Statebuilding: Race and Gender in American Political Development (AP)

This course follows a reading seminar structure and examines how race and gender relations in America fundamentally shaped-and were shaped by-the development of the contemporary American state. Students will read and critique both classic literature as well as recent studies in American political development (APD) and related disciplines. The course is centered on two particular areas of statebuilding, the welfare state and the carceral state, and therefore takes a policy-centric approach.


Throughout the course, we will pay particular attention to empirical trends in political science, and American political development in particular. Each week, students will read a number of empirical studies and will be asked to evaluate these papers on their empirical strengths and weaknesses.


This course is designed for upper-class students who are interested in topics on gender and race, American political development, and public policy. In addition, students should be prepared to critically engage with questions of research design and methodology. 
Social sciences.
1 credit.
Spring 2023. Schwarz.
Spring 2024. Schwarz.
Catalog chapter: Political Science  
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/political-science


Check the Spring 2022 Schedule of Courses

Check the Fall 2022 Schedule of Courses



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