Objectives: By the end of the semester the student will be able to:

• objectively examine political ads
• objectively discuss political debates
• objectively examine political forms of communications
• identify persuasive movements in political communications

Textbook: Smith, C.A. (1990). Political Communication. San Diego: Harcourt-Brace- Jovanovich

Instruction Methods:
Lecture
Discussion
Collaborative work in "laboratory" setting
Small group major project

Methods of Student Evaluation:
Attendance 10%
Position Papers 30%
Movie Papers 20%
Group Presentation 20%
Exams 20%

Instructor Policies:

Attendance: Be here! You can learn best by participating. And you are responsible for class assignments and information presented regardless of attendance. After two absences, I will send you a warning. (Note that while you are encouraged to explain a necessary absence, I do not distinguish between "excused" and "unexcused" absences for the purpose of this warning.) Further absence may result in required withdrawal from the course.

Exams: All exams will be taken on the date given unless prior approval is obtained from the instructor. Exams will cover assigned text readings, class lectures, presentations, and assignments.

Written Assignments: All written assignments are to be typed in proper designated style, using the "you" attitude, concise form, and correctness of detail with no gross grammatical errors and no spelling errors. The student will be assessed on the material presented in the text and by the instructor. Place the assignment in your folder as you enter class.

Grading: Standards for paper and homework:

A = An excellent paper. It offers an effective solution to the problem based on good audience analysis; it fulfills minor as well as major purposes. Its overall pattern of organization is appropriate; the internal organization of ideas is effective; transitions are smooth. Reader benefits and logic are well developed. The message is well written, interesting, and easy to read. It may show originality in visual impact, reader benefits, details, or word choice.

B = A good paper. It offers an effective solution to the problem. Both the overall pattern of organization and the internal organization are good. Reader benefits and logic are developed adequately. The writing style is clear, concise, and friendly. It may have a few mechanical errors or some awkward spots, but basically it is well written and may have good visual impact.

C = A satisfactory paper. It offers a solution which is basically acceptable; it uses an acceptable pattern of organization; the writing follows the conventions of standard English and the principles of business writing. There may be minor errors in style, tone, internal organization or mechanics; reader benefits or logic may not be fully developed. It may also be a "b" paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.

D = A satisfactory ("C") paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style. It may also be a paper which shows some evidence of attempting to solve the problem, but has many minor errors in organization, development, word choice, style, tone, and mechanics. None of these alone necessarily dooms the paper; however, together they make the paper unsatisfactory.

F = A poor paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style. It may also be a paper that violates the facts explicitly given in the case. It may also be a paper that is marred by an unacceptable number of errors in organization, development, word choice, style, tone, and mechanics.

Minor errors in format (for example, not initialing a memo or not signing a letter) will lower the paper grade one-third letter. Major errors (for example, using a letter when a memo is needed) will lower the grade one full letter.

Late assignments will be penalized 2.5% per calendar day (not class period). Assignments more than 2 class days late will not normally be accepted. Extensions to due dates must be requested one class day in advance.

Grading: Standards for Oral Presentations

A = An excellent presentation. The presentation effectively matches the assignment, with excellent audience rapport. The organization is clear; the material is presented in a knowledgeable manner. The message is clearly focused and the audience is engaged from opening to closing. Delivery is excellent (eye Contact, inflection, gestures and movements, appearance, volume). Questions (if applicable) are handled comprehensively and confidently.

B = A good presentation. The presentation effectively matches the assignment with good audience rapport. The organization is clear; the material is presented in a knowledgeable manner, but use of notes may sometimes indicate hesitance. The message is clearly focused and the audience is generally engaged. Delivery is good, but there may be some weaknesses in a few areas. Questions (if applicable) are handled adequately.

C = A satisfactory presentation. The presentation is basically acceptable in terms of the assignment, with acceptable audience rapport. The organization is acceptable; the material is presented in an acceptable manner, but use of notes may be fairly frequent. Delivery is adequate, buy weaknesses in some areas are evident. Questions (if applicable) are answered with effort.

D = A satisfactory presentation with a major flaw in one area: organization, audience rapport, or delivery. It may show an attempt to complete the assignment, but he delivery is too weak and loses the audience.

F = A poor presentation with a major flaw in assignment completion, organization, audience rapport, or delivery. The delivery is so weak that the re is no successful communication between presenter and audience.

Late assignments for oral presentation will be allowed only by prior arrangements with the instructor. You must present on the day and at the time assigned.

Reading and Course Assignment Schedule:

The student will read the Chapter Outline and the Summary of Key Points for each assigned chapter of the text and be able to identify the correct definitions of all bold print words and phrases printed in the chapter on a test.