Project Description

 Each student, either alone or as part of a group, will do a presentation (8-10 minutes, approximately) that will expand upon a topic raised during the semester.  Your choice of topic is wide-open. The only criterion is that it must be related  in some way to a theoretical model discussed during the semester and you must make this connection explicit during the presentation.  Creativity in presentation and originality of thought are always pluses. A written outline of your topic should be handed in on the day of the presentation.  These presentations will be scheduled for the last two weeks of the semester. See me if you have questions or concerns (20%).

Some potential topics might be:

-an elaboration on the citizen "disconnect" with voting
-the politicization of culture and cultural forms of politics
-forms of participation and non-participation
-polls and the statistical measurement of public opinion
-the growing use of the internet and its impact on politics and political practices
-what shapes public opinion
broadband policy
differing uses of technology and its impact on public opinion
twitter, facebook, in political movements
-political campaigns and propaganda
-social movements and extremist groups
non-violence and violence in movements
connection of public officials w/ public (forums, local issues, etc.)
-the break down of community structures and civil society and its impact on politics
-the role of money in politics
-what might work to address current problems in political processes
-the role of the media
-the concentration of ownership in the media
-censorship, governmental or corporate
-any other idea that you might have that is course-related.