WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

POLS 406 Special Topic - Media and Politics
Summer 2014

Instructor: Kristen Hudak Rosero Course Number: POLS 406
Office Hours: available remotely or by appt. Classroom: n/a
Office Location: Beatty 409 Class Schedule: online
Office Telephone Number: 617-989-4738 Lecture/Lab/Total Credits: 4/0/4
Email: roserok@wit.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course considers the critical role played by the media in democratic political systems. Students will
explore the ways in which the media portrays government processes and officials and shapes agendas
and public opinion. Sources of bias, regulation and censorship, as well as the role of new media and
political satire are also explored.

This class meets one 4-credit Social Science elective requirement. As such, expectations include 40
pages of reading per week and at least 20 pages of writing for the semester. Please note that taking all
Humanities and Social Sciences elective requirements in the Social Sciences will not satisfy your
graduation requirement. Check the catalog and your degree audit for more information.

This course will be conducted entirely online. Thus the format and expectations of daily interaction
between student and professor will be different than the usual classroom setting. It is critical that
students read the syllabus and course instructions carefully and are prepared to present material when
it is due. Key elements of the course include:
Blackboard Learn The course will take place on the Blackboard Learn program available here:
http://bb.wit.edu/. Try to take some time to familiarize yourself with how Blackboard works if
you are unfamiliar.
Weekly Modules Course material will be made available on Blackboard through Weekly
Modules that correspond to the course calendar included in this syllabus. For each module,
there is a folder on Blackboard containing links to readings, discussions, resources, etc. You can
locate each weeks content through the announcements or by following the Weekly Modules
link on the left-hand side.
Communication Communication with both your instructor and fellow students is absolutely
critical to your success in this course.
o Discussion boards - The course structure places considerable emphasis on the use of
Blackboards discussion boards. You should therefore be logging and participating in
these discussions regularly. More detailed information on how this is accounted for in
your grade is included below.
o Contacting your instructor - Please also be assured that although this is an online class,
as the instructor I am quite available to you. I will be regularly communicating with the
class through announcements and discussion board posts. In addition, if you would like
to contact me directly you can email me at roserok@wit.edu or message me through
Blackboard.


REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(s):
Graber, Doris and Johanna Dunaway. Mass Media and American Politics. CQ Press. Washington, DC:
2014.
Articles and additional readings as assigned These will be made available on blackboard.

THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE:
103 Ward Street Boston MA 02115
617-445-8814

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Explain the critical role of free media in a democracy and the various forces that impede media
freedom
Identify the various roles played by the media in democracies
Critically analyze both the impact of the media on politics, and the impact of politics on the
media
Assess the impact and implications of new media formats for politics

ASSIGNMENTS:
In order to facilitate the achievement of these objectives, students will be given a variety of assignments
and learning opportunities. Specifically, this course will emphasize the following:
Participation Because this course is online, participation is critical. You are expected to
complete the readings in a timely manner and log-on to blackboard prepared to discuss them.
For each of the 10 sections of the course, you will be expected to post at minimum at least 3
comments. Comments should be thoughtful and substantive (that is, not simply a I agree! sort
of statement). All comments are due by midnight of the deadline indicated in the course
schedule. There are several ways to participate:
o The instructor will regularly post discussion questions related to the readings and
course. You can respond either directly to these questions or to another students
response
o Pose your own questions about the readings, about the course, etc.
o Respond to news blog entries see below.
Tests There will be 4 tests. These tests will assess your completion and understanding of the
readings. Tests will be available for a 24-hour period and must be completed within 45 minutes.
News Blog In addition to our regular discussion of the readings, there will also be an ongoing
class blog highlighting original media analysis. Students will rotate through as contributors to
this blog. Blog entries must include references and links to outside sources, as well as an original
write-up of no less than 500 words.
Critical Analysis Papers Students will submit a series of critical analyses papers throughout the
term. Each of these papers will address a different topic related to media coverage:
o Freedom of the Press
o All Politics is Local: Network vs. Cable News
o Participatory Democracy & New Media
More detailed instructions will be available on the Blackboard site.


GRADING POLICY:
Grades for the course will be developed according to the following percentages:
Participation 20%
Tests 40%
Blog 10%
Critical Analysis Papers 30%


Participation: This class is heavily driven by class participation and students cannot participate if they
are not regularly logging in and posting to the discussion board. Thus your participation grade will be
determined by both the quantity and quality of your posts to the weekly discussion boards. Weekly
participation will be graded on the following rubric:

GRADE CRITERIA
A At least 3 substantive comments. Postings show excellent grasp of material, original
though with solid facts to back up opinions and statements. Directly addresses question.
Communicates well with other students.
B At least 3 comments. Postings show good understanding of material. Some original
thought and facts to back up positions. Answers the questions and communicates with
other students.
C 2-3 comments. Adequate understanding of material. Few facts used to support logic.
Somewhat answers questions. Some communication with other students.
D 1-3 poor quality postings. Poor understanding of material. Few if any facts, does not
adequately support opinions. Does not effectively communicate with other classmates.
F Did not participate

In general, good discussion posts are:
Timely: The best messages in the world won't do your classmates any good if they're posted
after the bulk of the discussion is over!
"On Message": They indicate that you have carefully read and considered the assignment, the
discussion prompt, and your colleague's postings. Think through your messages in advance --
compose them offline if possible so that your postings are thoughtful, substantive, well written,
and concise.
Generous and Respectful: They suggest resources or ideas that may help others in their project
work or learning. When disagreements arise, they allow others the benefit of the doubt --
valuing deeper insight and communication over proving yourself "right."
Stimulate Thinking or Reasoning: They pose provocative questions. They raise alternative
theories or explanations. They provide creative, breakthrough ideas. They make explicit
connections between course concepts, your first-hand experience, experiences of others in the
course, and things you have learned in classroom settings.

Make-up Policy: Please note that students are expected to plan accordingly in order to complete all of
the requirements for this course. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date noted in the
syllabus. Assignments that are not submitted at or before that time are considered late and will be
penalized with a 10 point deduction. Additional 10 point deductions will be made for each 24 hour
period thereafter. It is recognized that extenuating circumstances do occur. If a student has a legitimate
reason for missing a class or assignment, they should contact the instructor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and
whenever possible PRIOR to the affected assignment or date. Accommodations can only be made in
circumstances where the student is timely and forthcoming with their concerns.


Wentworth Grading System:
The symbols used in the grading system are defined as follows:

Grade Definition Weight
Numerical
Definition
A Student learning and accomplishment far exceeds published objectives for the
course/test/assignment and student work is distinguished consistently by is high
level of competency and/or innovation.
4.00 96-100
A- 3.67 92-95
B+ Student learning and accomplishment goes beyond what is expected in the published
objectives for the course/test/assignment and student work is frequently
characterized by its special depth of understanding, development, and/or innovative
experimentation.
3.33 88-91
B 3.00 84-87
B-
Students learning and accomplishment meets all published objectives for the
course/test/assignment and the student work demonstrates the expected level of
understanding, and application of concepts introduced.
2.67 80-83
C+ 2.33 76-79
C 2.00 72-75
C-
Student learning and accomplishment based on the published objectives for the
course/test/assignment were met with minimum passing achievement.
1.67 68-71
D+ 1.33 64-67
D 1.00 60-63
F
Student learning and accomplishment based on the published objectives for the
course/test/assignment were not sufficiently addressed nor met.
0.00
Less than
60

Add/Drop: The add/drop period for day students ends on Wednesday, January 15. Dropping and/or
adding courses is done online. Courses dropped in this period are removed from the students record.
Non-attendance does not constitute dropping a course. If a student has registered for a course and
subsequently withdraws or receives a failing grade in its prerequisite, then the student must drop that
course. In some cases, the student will be dropped from that course by the Registrar. However, it is the
students responsibility to make sure that he or she meets the course prerequisites and to drop a course
if the student has not successfully completed the prerequisite. The student must see his or her academic
advisor or academic department head for schedule revision and to discuss the impact of the failed or
withdrawn course on the students degree status.

ADDITIONAL CLASS POLICIES:
Class Discussions Debates and discussions are a central part of the class but keep several issues in
mind. The topics we will be covering can be quite controversial at times. Students are strongly
encouraged to develop and express their views, while remaining open-minded and respectful of
other opinions. Given the apparent anonymity of online discussions, it is essential that all
communications be polite, respectful and reasonable. When posting to the online discussion boards,
please keep in mind the following Netiquette:
o Positive comments go a long way to facilitate a conversation.
o Descriptive comments rather than evaluative (Im right, youre wrong) are more likely to
engage another student.
o Dont make disagreements personal.
o Avoid sarcasm.
o Ask for clarification when you dont understand the response of another student. We will all
benefit from this clarification.
o Think before you submit your post. Creating respectful dialogue is an essential skill for every
aspect of our lives. Hopefully our experience in the online portion of this course will help to
improve those skills.
Email communications Please note that while the online nature of this course makes materials
available 24/7, your instructor will be more likely to respond to online posts and emails during
business hours. That is, students may expect a prompt response Monday through Friday until 5pm.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Academic Honesty Statement: Students at Wentworth are expected to be honest and forthright in
their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, inventing false information or
citations, plagiarism, tampering with computers, destroying other peoples studio property, or
academic misconduct (Academic Catalog). See your catalog for a full explanation.
Accountability: Cheating, plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty will be taken very
seriously. Plagiarism is defined broadly as taking ideas, concepts, or actual words of another person
or author and passing them off as your own work. This includes but is not limited to cut and paste
construction of a paper, buying a term paper, pulling a paper off of the Internet, or using materials
from the Internet without acknowledging the source. A paper written by you (or anyone else) for
another course is not acceptable for fulfilling the paper requirement of this course. Students caught
plagiarizing in any way will, at minimum, automatically fail that particular assignment. Further
sanctions are determined according to the policies and procedures laid out in the Academic Catalog:
http://www.wit.edu/catalog/2013-Catalog/academic-policies/Academic-Honesty.html
Please note that there is no excuse for the misuse of academic materials. I am happy to answer any
questions you have about proper citation and completion of an assignment. In addition, resources
are available through the university librarys website: http://www.wit.edu/library/index.html#4

ACADEMIC SUPPORT: The Learning Center (TLC) assists all Wentworth students with academic
challenges in the areas of math, science, technical courses specific to majors, and writing. TLC is a
supportive and safe learning environment for students looking to improve or maintain their academic
standing. In this student-based learning environment, students can receive individual help with their
studies, meet and work in study groups, or go on-line to find resources to assist them in meeting their
goals for academic success. It includes tutors in many subjects, online writing assistance and workshops.
Make appointments at www.wit.edu/tlc.

DISABILITY SERVICES: Any student who thinks s/he may require a disability-related accommodation for
this course should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. Disability Services coordinates
reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. They are located in Watson Hall
003 (the Counseling Center) and can be contacted at 617-989-4390 or counseling@wit.edu. For more
information on acceptable documentation and the Disability Services process, visit the Disability Services
website at www.wit.edu/disabilityservices.

COLLEGE OF THE FENWAY STUDENTS: If you are enrolled in this course through COF Cross Registration,
notify your course instructor. Please provide her/him with your email address to be sure that you receive
course information in a timely way. You should also discuss how to access online applications that might
be used in the course. Please note that cross registered students who wish to drop or withdraw from this
course must complete the necessary paperwork according to the Wentworth calendar.



COURSE CALENDAR:
In general, the class will progress according to the following weekly format:
Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays
-Review weekly
module materials
and announcements
posted for week
-Lead Blogger Posts
due
-Be sure you have
completed all
readings for the
week
-Respond to initial
discussion questions
& Blog Posts
-Post responses to
discussion
-Final discussion
deadline - all posts
due
-Start reading ahead
for the next week
-Quizzes and/or
assignments due
(see weekly
calendar for specific
due dates)


COURSE CALENDAR BY WEEK:
The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus and also to add or omit subject matter as he
deems appropriate. Any changes will be announced in the class.

Week 1 (5/7-5/9) Introduction
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 1
Due:
Introductions posted by Wednesday 5/7
All discussion posts by Friday 5/9

Week 2 (5/12-5/16) Freedom of the Press & the Democratic System
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 3
The Economist, The Satirical Verses
Khazan, The Countries Where Internet Freedom Has Declined Most

Week 3 (5/19-5/23) Limitations on Freedom of the Press: Ownership & Regulation
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 2
Tummarello, Divided FCC tightens media ownership rules
Gross, FCC's new net neutrality proposal: What do we really know?
Nichols, Net Neutrality Will Be Saved Only If Citizens Raise an Outcry
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 5/19
Take Test 1 Due Friday 5/23

Week 4 (5/26-5/30) Changing Media
*No Classes 5/26 Memorial Day
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 4, pp. 80-92 only, Ch. 13
Gurevitch et al, Political Communication: Old and New Media Relationships
Farrell, The Consequences of the Internet for Politics
Due:
Critical Analysis Paper Due Friday 5/30


Week 5 (6/2-6/7) The Roles of the Media Dissemination
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 5
Pew Research, State of the News Media 2014: Key Indicators in Media & News
Olmstead, 5 Key findings about digital news audiences
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 6/2

Week 6 (6/9-6/13) The Roles of the Media Government Watchdog vs. Mouthpiece
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 6-7
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 6/9
Take Test 2 Due Friday 6/13


Week 7 (6/16-6/20) Media Coverage - Elections
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 11
Enda, Campaign Coverage in the Time of Twitter
Kreiss, Acting in the Public Sphere: The 2008 Obama Campaigns Strategic Use of the New
Media
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 6/16

Week 8 (6/23-6/27) Media Coverage Local News
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 8
Napoli & Yan, Media Ownership Regulations and Local News Programming on Broadcast
Television: An Empirical Analysis
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 6/23

Week 9 (6/30-7/4)
*No Class 7/2-7/4 July 4
th
Recess
Due:
Watch the News! See instructions for your second critical analysis paper
Critical Analysis Paper due Tuesday 7/1


Week 10 (7/7-7/11) Media Coverage International News
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 9
Baum, Sex, Lies, and War: How Soft News Brings Foreign Policy to the Inattentive Public
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 7/7
Take Test 3 Due Friday 7/11


Week 11 (7/14-7/18) The Media & Public Opinion
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 10
Mitchell & Hitlin, Twitter Reaction to Events Often at Odds with Overall Public Opinion
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 7/14

Week 12 (7/21-7/25) Bias and Negativity
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. 12
Baum & Groeling, New Media and the Polarization of American Political Discourse
Rodhe, How the Broken Media Helped Break the Government
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 7/21

Week 13 (7/28-8/2) The Media & Democratic Participation
Read:
Graber & Dunaway Text: Ch. pp. 92-99
Rainie et al, Social Media and Political Engagement
Schlozman et al, Weapon of the Strong? Participatory Inequality and the Internet
Due:
Lead Bloggers posts due Monday 7/28
Take Test 4 Due Friday 8/2

Week 14 (8/4-8/8) Final Week!
*No Class 8/6 Study Day
Read:
Bennet & Segerberg, The Logic of Connective Action: Digital media and the personalization of
contentious politics
Due:
Critical Analysis Paper Due Friday 8/8