Com 450

Senior Seminar

Politics and Media

Dr. Janet McMullen

Fall, 2000  


 TTH 2:00-3:15

Rm. CB116 3 credit hours

Prerequisites: None


TEXTS:

ADDITIONAL READING

A list of titles will be provided. Each student will be assigned a minimum of one and a maximum of two additional books to read for which the student will make an oral presentation when the subject matter of the books is presented in lecture and class discussion and present the instructor with a written review of the book.

INTERNET MONITORING

Each student will be assigned at least one internet site. The student will be responsible for monitoring the site on a near-daily basis and reporting on the contents in class discussions. Each student must have the appropriate clearances for use of the campus internet system or have access to the internet at home.

TELEVISION/MEDIA MONITORING

Each student will be expected to monitor broadcast and print media on a regular and sometimes assigned basis. Students must have access to television and VCR is preferred.

CLASSROOM OPERATION

Students will be expected to promptly attend ALL class meetings and contribute information and discussion. A minimum of two and a maximum of three exams will be given (including non-comprehensive final). All written work will by typed and structured properly, with appropriate documentation (APA preferred).

All work will be turned in on time or a full letter grade will be deducted for each day the work is late. Quizzes will be frequent and unannounced and may not be made up. Each student will write one term paper on an approved topic; 10 page minimum; topic and outline will have a separate due date and the paper will be due the last regular class meeting day.

EVALUATION:

Evaluation will be made on the clarity and thoroughness of thought as well as professional presentation in all oral and written work.

COURSE LINKS:

Reading List: Suggested Titles for Book Reviews

Tentative topic list for the course.

Political Links to be monitored by students in the course. Check here for a list of links providing information about the 2000 elections in Alabama and on a national scale.  This list will be compiled by Dr. Mc and students in the class during the first and second weeks of the course.

Lecture 1: The Press and Democracy

Lecture 2: Why We "Hate" the Media

Lecture 3: Governing or Game?

Lecture 4: Politics and Polling

Lecture 5: Issues: What's Important to whom and why?

Lecture 6: Debates: What's the Point?

Lecture 7: Political Advertising

Lecture 8: Campaign Finances

Lecture 9: New Approaches

BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT LIST

Lecture10: History of Political Coverage: Key Events




Copyright, 2000

Dr. Janet McMullen

Email Dr. Mc at UNA, at home  on AOL