This IL course exposes students to the theory and practice of a presidential campaign. Itseeks to teach about the practical tools of campaigning andthe philosophical dimensions of campaigns. It lets students experience life in the middle of a presidential or national political campaign. Students will finish the course with a better understanding of how campaigns illustrate important dimensions of democratic governance, republicanism, and political ethics. Students will also be equipped with an introduction to the tools of campaigning such as fundraising, organization, media, and rhetoric. The course will involve both classroom study and hands-on campaign experience during a week in Washington, DC. Interest in politics or a prior background in political science are recommended but not required.
Objectives and Content of the Course:
Political campaigns are the central feature of most Americans political lives. Despite low voter turnout and unfortunate political apathy, the widespread media attention, the centrality to the functioning of our government, and larger meaning for the country’s social norms, combine to make modern political campaigns the hallmark of American democracy. American political campaigns display some of the best parts of our democracy, but also expose some of the great weaknesses in our system of government. In each case, students can learn from the campaign process.
For many of RC students, they will cast their first vote while enrolled and residing at Roanoke College. Presidential campaigns, and to a lesser extent Congressional campaigns, shape the lives of our students explicitly by debating such issues as student financial aid and federal loan programs and implicitly as their first adult exposure to national politics. For students interested in politics, the political campaign offers a host of theoretical and practical learning opportunities. Campaigns beg theoretical questions like: are elections necessary for democracy? do we need political parties? Why is the legal voting age 18 and the drinking age 21? Campaigns also provide an opportunity to learn about practical dimension of politics, such as: how do you organize a campaign? How do you raise money for a candidate? How do you make a political ad?
The objectives of this course, Presidential Campaign 2008, include: 1) offering students a conceptual background on the role of elections in democratic governance; 2) instructing students on the mechanics of operating a political campaign (organization and management, fundraising, strategic planning, and advertising); and 3) providing students an integrative experience working on a campaign.
The Major Topics Covered Include: (see syllabus)
1. Campaign ethics
2. Principles of campaign planning
3. Organization, staffing, and personnel
4. Campaign strategy and messaging
5. Fundraising and finance
6. Political advertising
7. Technology and the internet
8. Elections and democracy
Course Schedule (more details below)
During the first week of the course, we will be meeting in West 127. We will begin class at approximately 9am and go until approximately 12pm, though the exact times may vary.
During the middle week of the course, we will travel to Washington, DC. Your lodging and transportation to DC have been covered by the course fee. We will depart from campus (Bauman Parking Lot) at 4pm on Sunday May 18. Please pack for five nights in Washington, DC including enough work-appropriate clothing for the week.
You are responsible for your meals during the time in Washington, DC. I will notify everyone of what I will be doing each evening, and you are encouraged, but not required, to join me. If you do not join me, you are responsible for getting back to the hotel at a reasonable time. Please sign the RC Waiver form and return it to me at the end of the first class.
You are responsible for your behavior during the trip to DC. I have every expectation that you will enjoy your volunteer opportunity. You are a representative of the college and have the chance to demonstrate the high quality of your work and expand the reputation of the college.
Failing to behave responsibly will greater diminish your experience, your grade, and the possibility of future Roanoke College students to participate in such experiences. I expect you to abide by all College policies while in DC. Failing to abide by any College policy will result in you returning to Campus at your own expense.
Volunteering
Students are required to volunteer for at least 20 hours on a political campaign. The campaign will be chosen by the student and faculty member. Every effort will be made to match each student with their chosen campaign, but ultimately the faculty member will make the final decision.
It is the responsibility of the student to get to and from the volunteer site by DC Metro train and/or bus. If you are uncomfortable with the Metro system, I will help you get to your site on Monday morning. When possible, students will be encouraged to travel together to volunteer locations.
Dress at each site may vary, but will typically be business casual, particularly on the first day. After the first day, students can adjust their dress as appropriate.
Tentative Reading List
· James Thurber and Candice Nelson. Campaigns and Elections American Style, 2nd ed. Westview press.
· Anonymous, Primary Colors, Random House
Assessment Procedures and Grading Strategies
During the first week on campus, students will be assessed with one quiz (10%). At the conclusion of the class, there will be a final examination related to the readings and the experience in Washington, DC (30%). Students will also be assessed on a writing assignment related to their experience in DC volunteering on a campaign (20%). Class participation while students are on campus will be worth 20% of their grade. If a student misses a class session while on campus, their final class participation grade will be reduced two full grades (maximum class participation grade will go from an A to a C). Successful completion of the volunteer component of the course will be worth 20% of the final grade. Failing to accumulate the minimum number of volunteer hours will result in a failing grade on this portion of the grade.
Tentative Schedule:
Day 1
9-12
Lunch in the Commons / Principles of Campaigning and Overview of Course
Key questions: Why do we hold elections? Why do we vote? What is representation? What is participation?
Political science 101 / Read: Chapters 1 and America Afire (BB)
Day 2
9-12
Meet in groups in afternoon
Computer lab available in West Hall / Demographics, Strategy, and Polling
Key Questions: Why do we need money to run? How do we get money? Who gives money and why?
Guest speaker
Voting Patterns
-three types of voters (ours, undecided, theirs)
- where, who, why
- Message – seven characteristics
- clear, concise, connected, compelling, contrasting, credible, consistent
Nomination
General Election
- parties, delegates, convention / Read: Chapters 2 , 3, 4 and Menand Article (Packet)
Day 3
9-12
Lunch in the Commons / Fundraising and Finance
Group presentations
The Resource Equation
“votes, media, money” Charles Manatt
“people, money, and strategy”
“the candidate, the issues, the people, and of course, the money” Tip O’Neill
Fundraising
- depletion
- finance plan
- targets, how much, tactics
Campaign Finance Law / Chapters 5 and 6
Day 4
9-12 / Media
Key Questions: Why is communications necessary? Does the media tell the truth? Do ads tell the truth? Do ads work?
Political Communications History
Five Basic Functions
- name id, image, issues, attack and defense
Political Ads
- Positive, branding and narrative
- Negative, Willie Horton
- Differences? Truth?
Agenda Setting
- policy images
Media Effects
- partisanship / Chapters 7, 8 and 9
Day 5
9-12 / Organizing
Key questions: How do you get voters to vote? Does the internet matter?
Ground War
- voter contact, message, GOTV
Technology
- internet
Mid Term Quiz
Getting ready for Washington
Key questions: What does it mean to volunteer? How do you act professionally? / Chapters 10, 11, and 12
Ickes article
Day 6-9
Times vary / Volunteering in Washington
Depart Roanoke at 4 on Sunday
Check in Hotel: Days Inn Washington DC 4400 Connecticut Ave
Depart Washington after volunteering on Thursday (Approx. 6pm) / Primary Colors
Day 10 / Reflecting on Washington experience
Day 11 / Memorial Day no class
Day 12 / Start Week 3
Guest speaker
Paper discussion Campaign fiction
Key Questions: What can we learn from political fiction? What does Primary Colors teach us about campaigning? What does it leave out?
Watch movie: Primary Colors
Day 13 / Ethics
Guest speaker:
Key questions: Are campaigns ethical? Can you be an ethical candidate? Should you be?
- Role of Money
- Media and Perceptions
- private ethics v. political ethics
- role of third parties / Chapters 13, 14, and 15
Day 14 / Campaign 2008
Key questions: Who’s in the race? What role is the internet playing? Is this the campaign we all want?
Final Exam Movie / No reading
Day 15 / Conclusion
Final Exam (35%) and Paper due (35%)
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