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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Political Communication Minor (SPGIA)


Banner Code: PCOM

School/Department: Schar School of Policy and Government (formerly SPGIA)  

The interdisciplinary minor in political communication is offered jointly by the Schar School of Policy and Government (formerly SPGIA)  and the CHSS Department of Communication . This minor is available to all Mason undergraduate students with the exception of communication majors pursuing a concentration in political communication. For policies governing all minors, see the AP.5 Undergraduate Policies  section of this catalog.

Political communication explores the interaction among members of the public, the media, advocacy groups, and politicians in democratic society. This minor uses a diverse approach to questions of how mass and interpersonal communication influence democratic functioning, including (1) how political actors use strategic messaging to persuade and mobilize the public, (2) how citizens make sense of these messages and their impact on engagement, deliberation, efficacy, knowledge, and participation, and (3) the role of the mass media in facilitating or hindering this relationship. Political communication includes explicitly political activities like voting and political campaigns. It also encompasses any issue of public debate or deliberation, including culture and social movements.

Minor Requirements


Students pursing this minor must complete 18 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Eight credits of course work must be unique to the minor. A minimum of 6 COMM credits and a minimum of 6 GOVT credits are required.

COMM 386 - Special Topics in Political Communication  may be substituted for any other COMM course with the permission of the minor director, depending on the specific topic.

GOVT 319 - Issues in Government and Politics  may be substituted for any other GOVT course with the permission of the minor director, depending on the specific topic.

Courses from the Schar School of Policy and Government (formerly SPGIA)  may be substituted in the cultural politics, persuasion theory, or political process categories below, with the permission of the minor director.

One course (3 credits) in persuasion theory chosen from:


Total: 18 credits