PPOL-564 POLITICS AND THE MEDIA

Faculty:

Begala, Paul

Dionne, E J

This course is designed to look at both the theory and practice of how the press covers politics and public policy, and to a lesser extent, how politicians try to influence that coverage. The reading load is a book a week, ranging from the popular and highly accessible to the more academic and theoretical. It is the hope that by blending both the academic and the practical, students will gain a useful perspective on one of the more interesting and important relationships in the public arena: the interplay between politics, policy and the press. Since this is a seminar, preparation and participation are vital, and the grading regime reflects that emphasis. Critical thinking skills and the ability to analogize from the readings to contemporary events will also be important. If you don’t read a daily paper and aren’t prepared to discuss current issues affecting politics and the press, you don’t belong in this class. Finally and most importantly: robust debate will be required, as will a decent respect for the opinions of others. So bring both a thick skin and a civil tongue; both will be necessary. (A special lottery will be run for this course – details to follow.)

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.