In this political communication course, you will learn to apply public communication principles to the specific needs and goals of advocacy and political campaigns. Coursework explores major political communication elements, including the role of media relations in politics, the impact of television on political discourse, political message development, political advertising, ethics in political persuasion, and the effect of political communication on our democratic institutions. You will also learn as how to interpret public opinion, identify and reach constituencies, and develop political communication strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Develop a political communication plan that incorporates core communication and information-processing principles as well as techniques such as targeting and audience segmentation.
• Produce a clear and concise assessment of a political communication campaign, including both situational analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify appropriate creative solutions to strategic political communication challenges.

Sample Topics:

• Advocacy Communication
• Information Processing and Media Effects
• Electoral Campaign Communication and Advertising
• The Role of Research in Political Communication
• Framing, Language, and Message Development
• Social Media and Digital Strategies
• Opinion Research and Communication Strategy

Sample Assignments:

• Political communication plan
• Analytic paper: Communication Campaign Case Study
• Roundtable discussions

Click here for the official course description from the American University Catalog.

Note: The content presented on this page is representative information for example purposes and is subject to change as courses and student needs change over time.

Learn more today about the Political Communication course of the Advocacy and Social Impact concentration: Call us at 855-725-7614 to speak to an admissions adviser, or request more information here.