Fall 2025 Course Schedule 

COM 300 | Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship | Margaret Talev

This course provides students with the tools to understand the erosion of public trust in democratic governance and the media and the connections between the two, and a roadmap to earn and maximize their own credibility with the public. Using data, guest speakers, readings and individualized study, we’ll examine relationship between media coverage and the state of democracy — from elections to technology, sports, the military, race, gender, education and the workforce as well as the similarities and differences in the ethical pressures and codes that shape political candidates, public officials, journalists, non-news broadcasters and PR practitioners.

COM 350| Media, Diversity and Politics | Emily Sydnor  

This course is an introduction to fundamental issues related to diversity and inclusion in the media industries, as approached through the lens of particular topics, industries, and/or media products. This section of COM 350, offered exclusively in Washington, D.C., focuses on the tensions between democratic principles of individual liberty and equality and institutional designs, policies and procedures that reinforce social hierarchies and stratification.

PSC 315 | Media and Politics | Johanna Dunaway

This course examines the relationship between government, media, and mass audiences. It provides students with the tools to understand the relationship between democratic governance and the media, polarization, and the erosion of trust in both, and political divisions in society.

PAI 400 | Federal Policymaking Process (meets with PSC 400) | Eden Forsythe

The U.S. Constitution establishes three branches of government: The executive (led by the President), the legislative (Congress), and the judicial (Supreme Court and other courts). Each branch has a particular role to play in the design and implementation of federal policies and programs. The ambiguity of the Constitution with regards to this “separation of powers,” is messy and creates friction and disagreement between the branches. Students will consider the roles the three branches play in the policymaking process through an examination of the processes set out by the Constitution and federal code as well as consider several case studies on issues such as Presidential power, education, healthcare, labor rights, treaties, trade, technology, and the use of military force.

IRP 404 | Global Political Economy Issues | Christopher Casey

(3 credits) An evening seminar on topics such as trade, energy, domestic economic interests, impacts of globalization, tradeoffs between economic and political priorities. Focus on the economic dimension of political/military issues and the politics of economic issues, guest speakers from international economic organizations and institutes in the nation's capital.

IRP 403 | Global Issues: Narrative, Diplomacy, and War | TBD

(3 credits) This class will use an interdisciplinary approach and current foreign policy case studies to dig into how narrative drives both media and policy. The tension between these two sectors plays out in the public sphere daily—when intrepid reporters provide insights into secret government programs or when foreign governments attempt to influence US domestic politics. Understanding how media and leaders use narrative and storytelling tools, both in theory and in practice, is essential for any global citizen to navigate the modern era. 

IRP 401 | Global Policy Seminar | Fulton Armstrong

(3 credits) This traveling, all-day weekly seminar on how U.S. foreign and national security policy is made and "How Washington Works" features guest speakers and visits to agencies and institutions such as Congress, the National Security Council, the State Department, various foreign embassies, think tanks, and NGOs.

IRP 402 | Global Policy Practicum | Fulton Armstrong

(3 credits) Integrated with IRP 401. Course description same as above.

IRP 471 | Global Internship| Samantha Clemence

(variable 3-6 credits) An internship with a U.S. government office, international agency, non-governmental organization, or in the private sector. Students typically intern 20-30 hours a week.

For more information contact maxwellindc@maxwell.syr.edu.