American politics is undergoing a major transformation because of major technological, economic, demographic, cultural and world /political changes. 

Because the most important elements of these changes are structural, Americans do not necessarily understand their impact on a day to day basis. This has resulted in confusion, anger, and cynicism toward the perceived lack of responsiveness of political leaders as well as increased gridlock within and between political institutions. 

An important element of the transformation of American politics concerns the role of the mass media.  Structural changes within the media have influenced the way in which media reports on, and are influenced by the political process.  The electoral process, in particular, is said to have been transformed by changes in the media. This course seeks to understand these changes by surveying the contemporary relationship between the media and electoral processes in particular, and the political process in general. 

Place: BUS 111

Office: HSS 131

Office Hours:M-W 11-12, and by appointment

Phone: 338-2736

Mail: HSS 261 mailbox

email: dtabb@sfsu.edu

(All students are required to have a sfsu e-mail account.