The course offers an insight into the origins, operation, and features of the political system of the United States, providing an overview of American politics and its institutions. During our discussions of American politics we will study the Constitution, its features and evolution, the dynamics of American federalism, the conflict between the federal and state governments, and the organization, function, and powers of Congress, the Presidency, and the American Judiciary. During the semester we will also learn about civil rights and liberties, public opinion, interest groups, political participation and elections, and the role of mass media and the press in American politics.

The course will address the culture of conspiracy theories in America. During the semester we 
will discuss the concept of conspiracy theory and theorizing, while also briefly reflecting on the 
history of conspiracy theories in the United States. We will endeavor to find answers to the 
following questions. What are conspiracy theories? Who are conspiracy theorists? What makes 
conspiracy theories appealing to the public? How widespread is the belief in conspiracy theories 
in America? How do conspiracy theories spread? What role does the media and the Internet 
play in the spread of conspiracy theories? Are conspiracy theories political tools? What is 
conspiracy theory politics? The objective of the course is to learn more about the conspiracy 
theory phenomenon in American culture, while also reflecting on its contemporary significance.