Group Discussion - Oct 4

As a class we'll have a open discussion day where the topic will simple be: On what basis do voters make sense of Political advertising? Ethical choices, Level of Involvement, Alternative Sources, Political cognitive complexity, believability, fairness, intent to vote, persuasively, attitude polarization, etc.?

Look for one factor discussed in an research article and be prepared to talk about it's relationship with understanding how political spots work (or don't work)..

Informational Presentations

Each individual will be responsible for a 15 minute presentation on an assigned topic. That is a very short period of time so plan accordingly. Bringing artifacts or sending ahead of your presentation to the class is encouraged (as appropriate). Be prepared to answer questions.

Oct. 9
Trends in Quantity of political advertising - Alyssa
Trends in Direct Mail - Nate
Consultants Views on Negative Campaigning - Logan
Campaign Financing - Alex

Oct. 11
McCain-Feingold (Public Law 107-155) provisions - Jay
Interaction with Polling - Justin
527 Advertising - Allan
Stand-by-your-Ad Efficacy - Eric

Oct 16
Models of State Political Advertising Regulations - Ryan
Ethical Standards for Consultants - Tom
Ethical Standards for Media - Max
Ad Watches Efficacy - Sonali

Oct 18
Internet Ads and the YouTube etc. phenomena - CJ
Radio Advertising - Marte
Newspaper Advertising - Phillip
Interaction with Interpersonal - David

One on one debates with a person for and opposed to the proposition. Format: Each individual will present a four minute presentation of their best case for or against the proposition, including evidentiary support. Their opposition will conduct a two minute cross-examination. After these two speeches each person will have a four minute speech to re-establish their position, answer the oppositions arguments and summarize. After the Speeches the class will be able direct questions to each speaker.

So: Opening Aff Speech (4 min); Cross-exam by Neg (2 min); Opening Neg Speech (4 min); C-X by Aff (2 min); Aff summary (4 min); Neg summary (4 min); Questions from Class (10 min).

Oct 30
Negative advertising depresses voter turn-out - Allan (A) vs Marte (N)
Negative advertising increases voter cynicism - Alex (A) vs Logan (N)

Nov 1
Negative advertising creates a backlash effect - Ryan (A) vs Tom (N)
Deceptive negative advertising threatens democratic decision making - Sonali (A) vs Alyssa

Nov 6
The Internet "fact checking" functions control political ad excess - Max (A) vs CJ (N)
Just like Elections, State governments should regulate political ads - Nate (A) vs Jay (N)

Nov. 8
Distorted Negative Campaign advertising should be protected by the First Amendment - Justin (A) vs Phillip (N)
Negative advertising is ethical - David (A) vs Eric (N)

Formal Debates Nov. 27, 29

Resolved: Negative campaigns work?

Resolved: Negative campaigns impact the ability to govern?

Resolved: Media oversight, e. g., "Ad Watches" control advertising excess.

Resolved: Regulating the number of advertisements spending levels, and duration of campaigns is justified.