PSCI 4701 Symbolic Politics
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT:
Dr. Michael Kanner
Email: Michael.Kanner@Colorado.EDU
OBJECTIVES:
Unlike courses that look at politics in terms of institutions or norms, this course looks at how political rhetoric uses the emotions associated with symbols as a means of promoting political agendas and change. By the end of the semester, students are expected to –
- Identify how political discourse reflects dominant discourses in American society;
- Examine the manipulation of discourse and symbols in governance;
- Evaluate how various political actors establish agenda and framing to their advantage;
- Analyze the use of symbols in the acquisition of power.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
McNair, Brian. 2011. An Introduction to Political Communication (Communication and Society). New York: Routledge Publishing, Inc.
Perloff, Richard M. 2013. The Dynamics of Political Communication: Media and Politics in a Digital Age. New York: Routledge Publishing, Inc.
GRADING:
Module I Critical Paper 25 points
Module II Critical Paper 25 points
Module III Critical Paper 25 points
Campaign Ad Analysis 10 points
On-line participation 15 points
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Total 100 points