Campaigns and Elections

Catalog description

This course will explore the institutions, processes, and activities associated with elections in the US focusing on the Congress and the President. Through directed readings, lecture, discussions, course assignments, and role play exercises students will consider the theories, strategies, and tactics surrounding modern campaigns, including but not limited to, mass media advertising, campaign financing, and candidate debate strategies. Students will study why citizens do or do not vote in elections and they will study whether or not elections matter in the governmental policy making process.