What role does the media play in affecting political attitudes and behaviors—and what does it reveal about the inner workings of political institutions and systems?

For decades, politicians have used communication platforms—newspapers, radio, television, and social media—to boost public outreach, enhance their message and manage their brands in a complex media environment. Through this interdisciplinary minor, you will learn the analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills in high demand on the campaign trail, in Congress or in boardrooms, situation rooms and news desks across the country and around the world.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a Minor in Political Communication

  • COMM1502  Media & Society (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1201  Introduction to American Government and Politics (SA) (SS)(SJ) OR POLSC1301  Introduction to Comparative Politics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC1401  Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)

MEDIA WRITING (Choose one):

  • COMM2501  Journalism 
  • COMM3501  Writing for Electronic Media 
  • COMM3801  Feature Writing

THEORIES OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION (Choose one):

  • POLSC2207  Politics and the Media 
  • POLSC2409  The Politics of International Economic Relations 
  • POLSC3201  Congress, Representation and the Legislative Process 
  • POLSC3303  Street Democracy

POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN PRACTICE (Choose two):

  • POLSC2211 Campaign Strategies and Electoral Politics
  • POLSC2421 Model UN
  • COMM2521 Public Relations and Persuasion (LI)
  • COMM2523 Advertising and Culture (VCI)
  • SPCH1111 Public Speaking: Voice and Diction
  • IDS4994 Internship (in Political Communication)