Press Coverage of Politics and Policy

This course equips students to examine the interplay of legal and regulatory policies and the political process that creates them. Students learn: to gauge the impact of lobbyists, corporate support for public events, business organizations, political action groups and nonprofit organizations; to track the movement of powerful figures between the public and private spheres; to follow the paper trail of legislative and government reports; and to decode the language and forms of regulations imposed at every level. Assignments are designed to foster the critical thinking and writing skills needed to examine the political news with an eye on its impact on public policy. Formerly ENG 4200. Students will receive credit for JRN 4200 or ENG 4200. Please note: Unless otherwise specified, JRN courses may not be used within the English major or minor.