Ready to dive into the high-stakes world of political campaigns? This course offers an in-depth exploration of and actionable knowledge about the essential components. From campaign organization to navigating the digital landscape, fundraising tactics to crisis management strategies, and beyond, we’ll dissect the dynamics that shape electoral victories and defeats.
Athena Title
How to Win Lose an Election
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4515H
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will understand their candidate, their strengths and weaknesses.
Students will understand the district and who in the community the candidate would represent.
Students will develop voter goals and learn how to effectively target community members.
Students will develop a campaign mission, values, stances, and write an endorsement request.
Students will develop a fundraising plan and budget.
Students will deliver a persuasive speech in the voice of their candidate.
Students will demonstrate an ability to act in an experiential manner in the campaign context.
Topical Outline
Introduction, Candidate, and District
Vote Goals and Targeting
-Participation and Turnout
-Outreach Strategies
-Past Election Turnout
-Forecasting Turnout
Media and Endorsements
-News Media & Media Types
-Campaign Announcements
-Endorsements
-Advertisements
-Mis- and Dis-Information
Fundraising and Budget
-Campaign Finance
-Citizens United v. FEC
-Funding Sources
-Hard, Soft, and Dark Money
-Fundraising Strategies
-Budgeting
Campaign Speech
-Principles of Speechwriting
-Political Speech Techniques: Who, What, and Why
