Hollywood's Take on Politics - November 18th

Which movie or TV show offers your favorite representation of politics? Be sure to offer specific examples to support your answer. You only need to refer to one class reading in support of your response.

Politics & Celebrity - October 28th

How important is a candidate’s family when it comes to shaping a candidate’s public image? What role should political spouses play both on the campaign trail and in the White House today?

Comedy & Politics - October 21st

List two positive and two negative consequences of political satire/comedy shows. If you were a campaign consultant, would you recommend that your candidate appear on one of these shows? Explain your response. Use the readings assigned for this week to support your arguments.

Talking Politics - October 14th

How has the 24-7 news cycle impacted political communication? List at least two positives and two negatives of the constant coverage of politics. Use examples to support your answer. For readings, refer to at least one reading from this week and one of the class readings from earlier this semester.

Debates - October 7th

Campaign strategists often coach their candidates by using video from past debates. Offer three historical examples that show candidates what they should, or should not, do in a debate. At least one example must be positive (behavior to emulate) and one must be negative (things to be avoided). For readings, refer to Trent Ch. 8 and one of the class readings from earlier this semester.

Campaign Advertising - September 30th

Find two examples of presidential campaign ads – one from the 2012 election and one from a previous election (2004 or earlier). Discuss what makes each ad effective and what, if anything, you might do differently.

The Role of the Internet - September 23rd

Discuss at least two advantages and two challenges/problems that can result from a politician’s use of social media. Use examples from the social media accounts of at least two different political figures to support your response.

The Constant Campaign - September 16th

How have consultants, special interest groups, pollsters, and pundits changed political campaigns over the years? Offer an example of the impact each group has had on political communication.

Media Coverage of Politics - September 9th

Do the media focus too much on politicians’ personal lives and political scandals? Offer at least two examples to support your response.

Image Construction in an Information Age - September 2nd

Why is image so important for politicians today? Give an example of a politician who you think does a good job of managing her/his image and an example of a politician who could use some help in managing her/his image.