Spring 2006 Courses
| Graduate-level Courses in Communication Spring 2006 |
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COMM 5814: Topics Seminar: The Boundaries of Free Speech Protection CRN 11594
Dr. W. Wat Hopkins, 6:00-8:45 pm Wednesdays Shanks 116.
The Supreme Court has established a hierarchy of protection for speech in the United States. At one end of the spectrum is speech of self-governing importance – that is, political speech – which the Court has said is most deserving of protection. Commercial speech is at the other end of the spectrum: The government may restrict such speech much more readily because it is “particularly sturdy.” This course will examine the backgrounds, rationales and logic of these differing degrees of protection, even as the Court, in its current term, is about to delve once again into the issue of campaign contributions and expenditures as a form of political speech.
About the Professor: Dr. W. Wat Hopkins teaches and writes about issues related to free expression. He is the author of a number of articles and books on free speech topics and is editor of the quarterly law journal Communication Law and Policy.
COMM 5814: Topics Seminar: Presidential Rhetoric CRN 11595
Dr. Jim A. Kuypers 6:00-8:45 pm Tuesdays Shanks 116.
This course examines the oratory of major presidents of the United States from a rhetorical perspective. Of particular interest will be how genres of presidential speechmaking arise, and also, for later presidents, how media influences message meaning. Familiarity with qualitative/rhetorical methods of analysis assumed.
About the Professor: Dr. Jim A. Kuypers specializes in rhetorical criticism and political communication, especially the role of media influence upon presidential messages.
COMM 5544: Mass Media and U.S. Politics CRN 15869
Dr. Robert E. Denton, Jr. 9:00-11:45 a.m. Mondays Shanks 116.
This course explores the role of the mass media in contemporary American politics by examining the development of the media as sources of social and political influence in twentieth century America; how the mass media cover electoral and issue campaigns; the impact such coverage has had on candidates and their campaign strategies and on the behaviors of voters. The role of new technologies in campaigns will also be examined.
About the Professor: Dr. Robert E. Denton, Jr. specializes in political communication, especially political campaigns, advertising, management and debates. His most recent publications include an edited volume on the 2004 presidential campaign (Rowman & Littlefield), an article in American Behavioral Scientist on the role of religion in the 2004 presidential campaign and a book entitled Moral Leadership and the American Presidency.
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