ResSem:MediaAmericanPolitics

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Media have been an essential element of American politics since the founding. Yet, at no time in history have the media been more pervasive and integral to government, politics, and civic life than during the present era. Innovations in communication have precipitated shifts in the relationship between political actors, institutions, and the public. The constantly evolving media ecosystem has changed the dynamics of election campaigns and impacted the ways people engage in their communities. These developments have created novel challenges for civic education and preparing the next generation for participation in politics and society. This seminar will provide students with the opportunity to plan and carry out a social scientific research project of publishable quality. Students will learn the fundamentals of conducting a research project, including study design, literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, hypothesis testing, and reporting findings. A key objective of the seminar is to provide participants with an intensive, hands-on research experience. Students will identify a research topic that they will work on either independently or in small groups over the course of the semester. Examples of topic areas include, but are not limited to, traditional and social media’s influence on politics, media and election campaigns, and educating students for digital civic engagement. Each student or small group will focus on readings related to their research topic. Additional readings will address research design and methodology. Seminar meetings generally will consist of short classroom presentations on research design, theory, methods, and analysis followed by work on the project. The seminar should be considered a resource--a place to discuss research strategy, share ideas, address challenges, and provide and receive constructive criticism. The seminar will draw upon the resources of the Civic Education Research Lab (CERL).