The course examines the intersection of the media and politics. Major components include media effects, history, regulatory framework, role in other nations, and coverage of political institutions. Ways of creatively applying content analysis are developed. The course supplements the traditional focus on print and broadcasting media with a consideration of the political implications of the Internet. The course seeks to enhance critical thinking about politics and promote an informed citizenship.

COURSE WEB SITE AND READINGS

There are two textbooks for this course and both are available in the USM bookstore and through other distribution channels. The general text is The Media in American Politics: The Contents and Consequences by David L. Paletz (P) published with a 2002 (2^nd ed.) date by Longman. Media Power in Politics (4^th ed.) edited by Doris Graber (G) published in 2000 by CQ Press is an excellent reader compiling original media research articles. Some brief supplemental readings will be distributed in class or are available on the interactive course Web site, which is located at http://usm.maine.edu/~rklotz/media.htm.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. Students who may need assistance due to a disability are encouraged to contact the Office of Academic Support for Students with Disabilities located in Luther Bonney 242 at 780-4706 or TTY 780-4395.

GRADING OVERVIEW

Your grade is based on five components: 10% Involvement, 10% Web Assignments, 25% Midterm, 30% Final, and 25% Research Article. Examinations consist of short answer and essay questions. The final exam will include only material covered after the midterm exam. The involvement grade is divided equally between attendance and class participation.

Grades are based on the traditional 90-80-70-60 scale. For grades near the dividing line, pluses and minuses are assigned with the exception of A+ which is not valid under USM grading policy.

Late work will be penalized 10% for the first day and 5% for each additional day late.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend class. It is recognized that under extraordinary circumstances, a student will be unable to attend class. Extraordinary circumstances are assumed to have arisen on the first absence of the semester. Beginning with the second absence, the attendance grade will be reduced 5% for each absence. Exemption from the attendance policy should only be sought by those representing the university with their talents in extracurricular activities (advance notification required) and for long-term emergencies (reasonable notification required).

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Your assignment will be to write a brief (5 or 6 double-spaced pages), original research article similar to the short articles that can be found in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. The subject of your article can be any aspect of the conjunction of media and politics. The research article should be focused almost exclusively on reporting the results of your research. Ideally, your original research can be framed in terms of a major concept in the text and little reliance on secondary sources should be necessary. One way to meet the original research requirement is through creative application of a search and analyze methodology in a media index such as Newspaper Source or the Internet. The research article is due on or before the beginning of class on November 8. You will be asked to give a brief (5-minute) presentation of your work in class on November 8. Further details and instruction on methodologies will be given early in the semester.

USM ACADEMIC POLICIES

Specific policies for this class supplement general academic policies of USM. Any breach of the academic integrity policy will be regarded as a serious offense carrying a minimum penalty of a zero on the assigned work.