top of page

POLS 4355 - Mass Media in American Politics

About the Course

This course focuses on the role of mass media in political campaigns, public opinion, and political behavior. Students will analyze the impact of media on the electoral process and governance.



 

Syllabus (as of Spring 2024)




Select Required Reading


  1. Abernathy, P. M. (n.d.). The loss of newspapers and readers. The Expanding News Desert. UNC Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media.

  2. Iyengar, S. (2016). Media politics: A citizen’s guide (3rd ed.). W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 9780393937794.

  3. Potter, C. B. (2020). Political junkies: From talk radio to Twitter, how alternative media hooked us on politics and broke our democracy. ISBN: 9781541644991.

  4. Manansala, K. (2021). Choosing process over policy: The unavoidability of horserace journalism.

  5. Thompson, D. (2019, March 26). Local news coverage is declining—and that could be bad for American politics. FiveThirtyEight.

  6. Pickard, V. (2021). The Fairness Doctrine won’t solve our problems — but it can foster needed debate.

  7. Kolhatkar, S. (2018). The Growth of Sinclair’s Conservative Media Empire.

  8. Deflem, M. (2020). Popular Culture and Social Control: The Moral Panic on Music Labeling.

  9. The Long and Tortured History of Cancel Culture. (2020, December 3). The New York Times.

  10. Frisby, C. M. (2015). How You See Me, How You Don't.


Select Assignments


Final Project - Propaganda Doc


For this project, you will explore the concept of propaganda in the context of mass media and American politics. Each group will analyze existing examples of propaganda, create their own propaganda piece on a chosen political subject, and critique the work of their peers. 


Y'all will apply your understanding of propaganda techniques to create a 5-10 minute documentary film. 


Instructions:


Develop a concept that is pro-something, avoiding any form of bigotry or hate speech. Your documentary should advocate for a cause, idea, perspective, or even a candidate for office. 


You can use your smartphone to shoot the documentary. For guidance on shooting a documentary with a phone, refer to online resources like the 'Mobile Filmmaker's Guide' here and here.


Apply techniques such as emotional appeal, facts and statistics, and testimonials.

  • Ensure that these techniques are used within ethical boundaries.


Integrate these techniques to construct a compelling narrative.


Edit your footage using free online editing software. Recommended options include HitFilm Express (user-friendly for beginners), Microsoft Clipchamp (this is what I'm using right now), or trusty ole Biteable. Tutorials for these can be found on their respective websites.


Ensure that your final edit is polished, with clear audio and visuals. Remember, your peers will be evaluating it! 


Things for Submission:

  1. Your Prop Doc (5–10-minute mp4 upload).

  2. Your Prop Doc-Script (tips on how to create this for your group).

  3. A brief explanation of the propaganda techniques your group used and the intended impact of your documentary.


 

Film Analysis


For this assignment, you are to write a critical review of the EDEN film ____.


The review should be between 500-750 words and written in clear, concise language. 


You also have the option to record and submit your review (just make sure the recording is 3-5 minutes long and answers the below questions).


Submission Instruction

  1. Watch the film closely, noting significant scenes, dialogues, characters, and storylines related to American politics.

  2. Write a critical review of the film. Your review should provide a brief summary of the film's content (without revealing any major spoilers) and then focus on critiquing the portrayal of politics in the film. 


While writing, consider the following questions:

1. How does the film portray American politics? Is it in a positive, negative, or neutral light? 

2. What political ideologies, trends, or events are depicted in the film?

3. What is the film's perspective on these political elements? Does it take a stance or remain neutral?

4. How do the film's characters represent or reflect political figures or ideologies?

5. How does the film's setting, era, or context influence the portrayal of politics?

6. How might the film's portrayal of politics influence the audience's understanding or perception of American politics?

7. What biases, if any, does the film display in its portrayal of American politics?

8. How does the film compare to real-world political events or issues? 

9. What is your assessment of the film's accuracy or authenticity in depicting American politics?

10. What role does the film play in shaping public discourse on the political issues it covers?


Select Student-Created Propaganda Video:



bottom of page