| Program Detail |
: This course examines the politics of American political campaigns. It begins by examining the environment that faces potential campaigners, such as the nature of public opinion in America and how it is shaped by events and psychological processes. It focuses on the attributes of political candidates, and how their characteristics may help them win elections. One topic is the Permanent Campaign - how many candidates are constantly campaigning even between elections. It also examines the formal organization and processes of the political campaign. The structure and personnel associated with individual campaign organizations, and the role of political parties are studied. The importance and source of campaign finances are also examined. The role and effects of the mass media are especially important, and shall be studied at length with relevant videotapes. The course then turns to different types of political campaigns at different levels of electoral offices. Presidential elections are examined in depth. Congressional elections are also studied in some depth. The nature of state elections shall also be examined with a special focus on gubernatorial and state legislative offices. |
