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Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Political Communications

Course Title: Department: Instructor:

JC404 - Political Communications Journalism Eric P. Brown, MBA, MS, MA E-Mail | Vita

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Political Communications explores the issue of Internationality of Political Communications. The study of political communication deals with the concepts of political organizations, political parties, and public organizations. The text will explore these ideas from a European and American perspective showing the similarities and differences that the two share. The role of the media will be discussed and explored from both a local level, and at the international stage, to highlight the importance and role it plays in everyday events. You, as the learner, will explore where the media has played a vital role in the development of political events, along with where the media has been a source of failure to the individual or party involved. In both instances, the power of the media will become apparent, from the earliest days of the media and political marriage, to the present The student will be exposed to both domestic and international aspects and issues related to the media which will help to develop the problem-solving skills that are required for this style of business.

The time frame for this course is eight (8) weeks.

Required Text: Online Bookstore

An Introduction to Political Communication, Second Edition eBooks, McNair, Brian

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Week One

• Read Chapters 1,2
• Find a current article that relates to an idea or theme presented in Chapters 1 or 2. Briefly summarize the article and give an opinion on the article in a 2 to 3 paper, double spaced paper.

Week Two

• Read Chapters 3
• Using the concept of Communication Process, define the role of media in today’s political arena. Provide examples where the media has been effectively used, and where it has been the downfall of a party or candidate.

Week Three

• Read Chapters 4
• In a two to three page paper, find an article in a journal or on the Internet, which deals with concepts presented in this chapter. Give as many specific examples as possible. Do you agree with the findings of the article or not, and why?

Week Four

• Read Chapters 5
• In this chapter, the various mediums of media have been presented to you. Find an example, online or in a trade journal, that demonstrates a political leader who is using one of these media vehicles in positive or negative way. Discuss the mistakes or successes that you find, as related to concepts in the text.

Week Five

• Read Chapters 6
• Looking at the first paragraph of this chapter, the power of television is discussed. Do you agree or not with this and why? Support your opinion with examples.

Week Six

• Read Chapters 7,8
• With the advent of Public Relations in the political realm, take one topic presented in either of the two chapters and expand upon it. Use as many concrete examples of success or failures attributed to public relations of either party, or a third party.

Week Seven

• Read Chapters 9, 10
• Find an example, on the Internet, of a source of political information. Describe what is good about the site, and what you believe can be improved. Discuss whether the Global Media of the last few decades has increased public awareness of events, or has had the opposite effect.

Week Eight

TERM PAPER

• In 8 to 10 pages, double spaced, using all of the information learned from this course, discuss the role of media in a political campaign. You may choose to look at a campaign in particular where the media was used to the advantage of a political figure, or how the media was used to negatively affect a leader. You can also focus on a party’s use of the media, or compare and contrast parties from country to country. The main goal of this paper is to show an understanding of the role that media plays from the individual to the party overall. Use as many examples as you can to support your ideas, along with those that counter your beliefs. If you have an idea that you would like to especially explore, please contact your instructor to discuss this before you undertake the project. Keep in mind that the more specific you are, the better the paper will be. Due to the complexity of this paper, and all that is involved, this should be started no later than the second week of class.

Assignments and Writing

At the undergraduate level, students are expected to have an advanced writing style, Therefore, all written assignments must be typed on a computer in an organized format of your choice as long as it is appropriate for the information being presented. Because effective communication is a primary element of success in today's competitive business environment, spelling, grammar and punctuation will be strictly enforced and graded as part of the assignment. Exceptions will not be made.

The length of your writings is up to you as long as content is not sacrificed. Please stay within the maximum guidelines I have listed.

Plagiarism is unquestionably the worst academic violation a student can commit. If you are caught utilizing material without proper reference or citation, you will receive an automatic failing grade for this course. All references must be cited as a footnote or endnote utilizing any acceptable style of your choice. If you have any questions in this area, please contact me.

All assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. Please make prior arrangements for unusual circumstances.

Grading

The course grading criteria is as follows:

Attendance Cases Questions Final Paper

05 points 25 points 10 points 60 points

100 - 90 89 - 80 79 - 70 69 - 60 Below 59

A B C D F

Final Note

I look forward to guiding you through this class and hope you find it an enjoyable experience. Feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail any time. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can during this course or any other time during your studies.