Use of Symbols in American Politics

What do a flag, Martin Luther King, Jr. and socialized medicine have in common? They are all political symbols that have produced a strong public response. The political process is complicated beyond the understanding of most. But it becomes manageable when converted into sets of conflicting symbols. How does the public learn about political symbols? What is their role in the policy making process? Three types of symbols will be considered: community, regime and situational symbols. Course coverage limited to American domestic politics.