Campaign Tactics, Strategies, and Management – PPOL 630
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
Campaign Tactics, Strategies, and Management will provide both case studies and practical instruction in the art and science of starting, running and succeeding in political campaigns. The class will include expert guest lectures on a variety of topics and will provide a well-rounded overview and practical framework for the potential candidate, campaign manager, campaign counsel, and student of the electoral process alike.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
The outcome of a political campaign is not achieved strictly on the basis of the candidate’s platform and beliefs, nor does it rest solely on persuasive demeanor and rhetoric. On one hand, a successful campaign consists of a careful blending of these factors into a clear, concise message that translates well to the intended demographic audience. Additionally, a successful campaign consists of a staff who effectively apply their skills and work together, promoting the candidate and conveying the candidate’s message. This course will delve into the complexities of launching and conducting a strong campaign and will explore effective strategy development and implementation.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (3)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 750 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The thread must be supported by at least one scholarly source, as well as course textbooks and other Learn materials. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 300 words. Each reply must be supported with at least one scholarly source, as well as course textbooks and other Learn materials.
Research Paper Assignment
Thesis Proposal Assignment
The student will submit a thesis statement and very brief outline in current APA format based on the selected topic for the final research paper. This assignment must be one-two pages.
Annotated Bibliography Assignment
The student will submit an annotated bibliography of at least ten scholarly sources (not including assigned course texts) cited in current APA format. Each annotation must be 150–200 words. For each entry, the student will provide a summary of the source’s findings, description of the value of the source for the research paper, and commentary on the author’s credibility.
Outline Assignment
The student will create a three-four -page detailed outline of the final research paper in current APA format. The student will incorporate the ten scholarly sources from the Annotated Bibliography.
Final Assignment
The student will write a 13-17-page research-based paper in current APA format that applies concepts studied in the course to the analysis of a presidential election and campaign. The student must select from a list of elections provided in the course. The paper must include at least 15 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible, cited in current APA format.
Scenario Writing Assignment
The student will write a three-five -page paper in current APA format based on a specific scenario provided in the course. The paper must include at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks.
Campaign Communication Presentation Assignment
The student will create a 10–15-slide PowerPoint presentation with citations in current APA format that focuses on the importance of communication in a campaign. The presentation must also include a total of 8–10 minutes of student-spoken audio. The presentation must include at least three scholarly references and three 3 professional campaign references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.
Book Review and Application Assignment
The student will write a five-seven -page paper on the book Campaign for President. The student will create a summary, provide a critique, and evaluate the book. The student will then apply the information gained from the other course content to fully assess the strengths and weaknesses of the 2016 election and campaigns.
