Political Communication

A study of strategic communication on behalf of various political actors and entities. Students will evaluate the role of media to impact political behavior, government action, and the criminal justice system. Historical and contemporary examples from American politics will be used to identify uses of political communication such as agenda setting, framing, argumentation, and branding. Students will practice using media to the advantage of agencies, policymakers, campaigns, and advocates by drafting missives such as press releases, campaign ad text, and talking points. Questions of ethical communication in politics will be discussed. As new technologies come online, students will consider their merits, capacities, and limitations; where appropriate, students will engage these technologies to enhance communication effectiveness.