This seminar will explore the rapidly changing relationship between the news media, political communication and governing. Washington offers the perfect backdrop with the opportunity to visit iconic institutions, such as the White House Press Room, Washington Post and Newseum, as well as the chance to witness up close the work of journalists, politicians and other political communicators at the top of their profession. Students will keep abreast of current political news in addition to readings on the practice and history of political journalism, communication and propaganda. Each student will complete an original research project, some of which may be adapted for publication in a California news outlet. The course is designed particularly, though not exclusively, for students interning at news organizations, political press offices, speechwriting groups, public relations firms or those with a passion for writing or politics. The instructor is veteran journalist Marc Sandalow, former Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronicle, political analyst, and the author of a biography on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
*Required for all semester students enrolled in the Congress, Supreme Court, International Policy, and Media seminars: The first four weeks of this semester (August 31 to September 21) will be spent in a special topics module taught by Professor Jennifer Diascro on Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. This module will account for 15% of the core seminar final course grade. See syllabus below. Please contact Dr. Diascro at Jennifer.diascro@ucdc.edu with questions. Professor Sandalow will begin teaching the Washington Media seminar on Thursdays at 10 a.m. beginning September 29 and he will officially be your instructor of record for the term, responsible for computing and submitting final course grades at the end of the term.
**NO additional registration required.