COMS 613: Applied Political Communication and Public Policy
Credit hours (3)
This course will address the contemporary theories and practices of political communication.
Topics to be discussed in this course will include the structure and function of political
messages, the strategic dissemination of political messages and the effects of those
messages on corporate, social, professional and cultural institutions. Additionally,
this course will provide an extensive overview of how the political climate influences
the creation of public policy.
Detailed Description of Course
Major topics discussed in this course will include:
1) The role of communication in representative government
2) Influential theories of political communication and how various theoretical
traditions have shaped the study of political communication
3) Major genres of political communication, such as advertising, debates, speeches,
social media, and direct mail
4) How campaigns strategically use communication to win elections
5) The role of news and entertainment media in politics
6) How political communication functions at various levels, including interpersonal,
public, and media communication
7) How communication shapes public policy
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Instructional strategies for this course will typically include the following:
1) A mix of traditional lecture-based format and student-led seminars related
to the course material.
2) Class discussions focused on the critical analysis of political communication
theories and research
3) Guest speaker discussion aimed at informing students about political communication
strategies currently being used by professionals.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1) Identify the major types of political communication
2) Explain the role served by each type of political communication in the political
process
3) Evaluate the effectiveness of specific communication strategies used in political
campaigns
4) Apply communication theories to political contexts
5) Understand the effects of political communication on individuals and society
6) Understand the relationship between political communication and public policy
Assessment Measures
Student learning outcomes will be assessed through a variety of methodologies, some
of which may include:
1) Written course assignments related to course content, research articles, and
guest speakers
2) Regular in-class examinations (using both essay and objective formats)
3) Participation in class discussions
4) A major research project applying political communication theories and research
to a specific problem or context.
Other Course Information
None.
Review and Approval
March 14, 2016