32505

SoSe 22: Political Communication in the US: An Introduction

Curd Benjamin Knüpfer

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This BA-level seminar will provide students with an introduction to the concept of “political communication” – both as a practice as well as a sub-discipline of political science. Through readings and live sessions, students will develop an understanding of various forms of communication between political elites, news media, and citizens/the electorate. In doing so, the course seeks to outline the distinctions as well as the interaction between political rhetoric, mediated discourse, and public deliberation. The core readings will be primarily focused on US politics and the American media system. A special emphasis will be given to the ongoing transformation of a digital media environment along with the challenges this might pose for democratic governance. By presenting class readings and actively engaging in discussions, students are meant to develop their own communication skills. To obtain participation credit, course participants will be expected to take an active part in class via regular attendance and closely familiarizing themselves with all of the required reading material. This familiarity will be demonstrated by filling out an online questionnaire before each of our sessions. To obtain full credit, students must additionally present one core reading and complete a take-home exam in written out essay form at the end of the semester. This class will take place in person, unless otherwise required by official university guidelines. Be mindful of your fellow students and instructor: this means being fully vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, and maintaining open channels of communication. PLEASE NOTE: There is a limit of 35 students for this class, some of which are allocated specifically to students from the IfPuK. If you sign up but end up not taking the class, please remember to un-enroll from via the campus management system, so that others might have a chance to take your place. (If you signed up but didn’t get a spot, then maybe see if something clears up by the second week?) I look forward to meeting all of you – hopefully in person close