This document provides an introduction to a Modern Politics class that will cover topics like the 2012 US election, political debates and issues, and how media affects politicians. It discusses that some lessons will be video instead of text. It also briefly outlines the historical roots of American politics in the colonial era and the writing and ratification of the US Constitution, which established the first two political parties. The class introduction concludes by mentioning that the next lesson will cover the 2012 election and encourages students to email the instructor with any questions.