Mass Media and American Politics

Catalog description

What impact does “fake news” have on political campaigns, elections, and governing? How does it impact democracy and the functioning of government? This course examines these questions and many others about the political influence of the American news media and the relationship between the media and the American political system. We’ll explore the major roles of the media today in providing news, informing voters, shaping public opinion, and influencing public policy. We’ll also look at how government officials use the media to both campaign and govern. Some attention will be devoted to government regulation of the media, the constitutional protection of a free press, and ethical issues concerning the media in the political environment.