News Media and Politics

4 credits

How political journalism and political communication are embedded in and connected to technology, history, and culture. Role of journalism in a democratic system; how mass media contributes to and inhibits the development of a viable public sphere and effective political process. Theories and functions of journalism, political communication, and political participation. The web as a possible democratizing force; the changing nature of public deliberation in a pluralistic democratic system. Prerequisites: COMM 10, COMM 20, COMM 30, COMM 30GS, or COMM 40.