Committees and Parties in Congress
Woodrow Wilson once noted that Congress in committees is Congress at work. However, the parties and their leaders play a key agenda-setting role, one of increasing importance in recent years. This course examines the role of congressional parties and committees, the inherent tension between the two, and their development over time.
Specific topics may include:
- The structure and functions of congressional parties and committees
- Development of the congressional committee system
- How committee rosters are determined and the role of chairs
- The evolving role of party leaders and their importance
- The powers of party leaders versus committees
- Congressional polarization trends over time
- Contemporary reform issues
Research Seminars typically meet four times for two-hour sessions, over the course of approximately 12 weeks. The first meeting date is published on the registration schedule, with the remaining meetings determined during the first class at times that are most convenient for the largest number of participants.
NOTE: Some sessions may be offered in an online format. If a session is indicated as an online option expect class meetings to be conducted in a live virtual format (generally over Zoom) with mandatory attendance. Participants will receive detailed course information with syllabus and online access details approximately a week before the start date.
Date:
September 23, 2025 (first class meeting)
Tuition: $1,400
