United States politics: media and power
Keith Wilson
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
*
Gippsland/Distance
* Prerequisites: GSC1503 and GSC1504 or
equivalents
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have gained an understanding of the nature and function of political processes, the relationship between the media and politics, domestic and foreign policy development and major democratic institutions in the USA.
Synopsis This subject 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 wither America? (Republican revolution, new world order, MacAustralia). 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 Tutorial paper (1500 words): 20%
* Essay one (2500
words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Galbraith, J K The culture of contentment Houghton Mifflin, 1992
or
Hughes R The culture of complaint the fraying of America Harvill, 1993
Donovan R J and Scherer R Unsilent revolution television news and American public life CUP, 1992
McKay D Politics and power in the USA Pelican, 1989
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