GSC2502

United States politics: media and power

(ART)

Keith Wilson

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Gippsland and OCDL + Prerequisites: GSC1503 and GSC1504 or equivalents + Prohibition: GSC3512

Synopsis: This unit has two aims, namely to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental elements of United States politics, and to give students an insight into the role of the media in the political process. It has four parts: foundations of democracy (the constitution), the media and the political process (congressional and presidential elections, party politics), the media and contemporary political issues (civil rights, poverty, crime and urban decay) and whither America? (Republicans, foreign policy). All parts seek to describe the dynamics of the political process and the way politics is presented, via the media, to the American people and the world at large.

Assessment: Essay (2500 words) (on-campus students include oral presentation): 60% + Examination (2 hours): 40%