Politics and the Media: The Art of the Political Profile

All politics is personal, and this seminar will focus on how the lives and actions of individuals fit into, and shape, the broader political landscape. Shining the light away from Washington, away from pundits and operatives, away from "people with knowledge of the situation," this course will explore how political power is acquired, leveraged or denied; how ordinary Americans understand and navigate politics; and how we consume media coverage of our democracy. Students will learn foundational journalistic skills as well as the reporting techniques and writing strategies used by masters of the political-profile genre.