Vermont Government and Politics Vermont is the second smallest state in America. Its state government is similarly small and accessible. How does it work? Does it work well? Are there lessons for other states that didn’t fare as well as we emerged from the Great Recession? Are there lessons Vermont can learn from other states? This course will offer an insider's perspective on the political landscape and governmental system of our host state. We will learn about the state's political history, meet with those involved in the process, and discuss the intricacies of state government and how the political system affects it. (American Politics) /James Douglas, ‘72, successfully sought the office of Governor in 2002 and was inaugurated as the 80th Governor of Vermont in January, 2003.  He was re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008./

American President Biography In this course we will examine biographies, both written and filmed, of several American presidents, including those who are well known – Madison, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt – and those who are less well known – Cleveland, Polk, Van Buren, John Quincy Adams, and McKinley. What, if anything, prepared these men for the nation’s highest office? What explains their successes? Their failures? Why do we consider some great, and others not so great? What do these biographies reveal about how Americans evaluate their leaders? 3 hr. sem. AMR, CW, HIS

James Douglas

Reviews and ratings for James Douglas at Middlebury College.James Douglas teaches VT Government & Politics, American President Biography and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is James Douglas good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Jim Douglas just wants a crowd of people to lecture to. His lectures and reading are all simply about learning the history of events. In this class there is no critical analysis, and he just wants to hear you talk about the readings positively

Great j term class, very relaxed lecture style. It can get a bit dry and it was an 8 am for 2 hours with nor breaks, but totally worth it. 3 papers corresponding to 3 books; 1 book a week for all j term, so good amount of reading.