COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy

This course focuses on political communication in modern society. How do governments, parties, advocacy groups, social movements, and citizens use the old and new digital media to try to set political agendas and frames with the goal of winning people’s attention, donations, support, and votes? In our misinformation and disinformation-saturated media environment of partisan news outlets, ubiquitous entertainment media, and social media networks, is it possible for political communicators to have an impact? Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about Internet and social media-driven politics in an age in which democracy faces new threats, and the future of our planet grows uncertain? To answer these and related questions, this course surveys key topics in the industry, technology, and professional practice of political communication. Students learn how political communication links with democracy and the prospect for effective citizenship.