Politics and the Press

Note to Journalism minors only: This course satisfies the requirement for an elective with "critical" orientation.Presidential campaigns get all the attention, but state and local politics are the beating heart of American democracy. From mayoral and gubernatorial campaigns to Congressional primaries, local races offer a unique window into what the body politic is thinking, hoping for, and worried about. For journalists, down-ballot elections offer unique considerations and opportunities. With the 2026 elections as a backdrop, including a high-profile Massachusetts governor's race and closely watched mid-terms, this course will examine the ethics, traditions, and practices of local campaign journalism. The class will take a critical look at reporting past and present and put students to work as political journalists themselves. Note: This course was formerly titled "Political Journalism".