Campaign Mgmt:An Insiders View

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Over twelve weeks, students will be introduced to the essential components of campaign management including candidate recruitment and evaluation, campaign staffing, budget, public opinion research, fundraising, targeting, policy proposals, paid communications, press management and, especially, message development and management. Tactics and strategies from previous campaigns seldom dominate or determine the dynamic and effectiveness of the next. For example, virtually every assumption of the 2016 Presidential race was proven wrong and time-honored assumptions were debunked. Students will learn to assess real life campaigns -- 2019 and 2020 races -- in real time, determine how to improve them and assess the likelihood of victory. Skills required to manage a successful political campaign are applicable to virtually all professions, including development of strategic goals, building and leading a team, adjusting budgets and messages. All are critical requirements of a campaign, but also of managing any Congressional, not-for-profit or business enterprise. A detailed 12-week curriculum will be developed including assigned readings and expected class participation.