Political Communication: How Leaders Become Leaders

Catalog description

This year -- 2026 -- will be a fascinating backdrop for national as well as state and local politics. Implications of the current polarized electorate, the economic climate and an uneven but recovering economy, Inflation fears, wars in Ukraine and Gaza will continue to complicate the political landscape. At the apex of political interest will be the American Presidential and Congressional elections. Politics, perhaps like no other arena, provides a rich and dramatic laboratory for studying the art and science of influential communication. Whether it is a local school bond election or a Congressional race, a Presidential debate or a State of the Union Address, the demanding communications of politics provide insights into our own strengths and gaps as communicators and leaders. Political campaigns, by their very nature, are highly visible, oriented toward very specific objectives, and increasingly leverage a variety of new media platforms. They are often emotionally charged, and rife with conflict and drama. The principles foundational to political communications transcend politics, and are useful guides for leaders in business, the non-profit community, as well as government. How candidates, elected officials, and leaders in all kinds of organizations communicate vision, values, and experience, as well as how they perform in very fluid environments, not the least of which may be during a crisis, has a great deal to do with their career success. In its 16th year, this highly interactive course allows students to explore both theory and practice behind effective positioning and presentation. Students will analyze and evaluate both successful and unsuccessful communications strategies of political campaigns and candidates. History is an impactful learning tool, something emphasized throughout the class. As such, students will explore historic examples of US Presidential…