Democracy, Politics and the Media

Catalog description

This course explores the politics of mass communication with an emphasis on the United States. Special attention will be paid to the relationships between the public, media, and government; the institutional structure of the news media and recent changes to the communication system; and factors shaping the construction of the news such as journalistic routines, media economics, and interactions with political actors. Students will critically engage with contemporary political discourse and journalism. Throughout, the course will highlight connections between empirical research and relevant concepts from political theory and philosophy.