In Political Communication, political scientist Sean Long gives undergraduate students the tools to better evaluate the rhetoric from politicians and media outlets
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - March 11, 2025
The production, dissemination, and adoption of information are at the foundation of all political systems. Communication is key to politics and an integral aspect of how political information is shared to and among the electorate, how the media cover politicians, and the way issues in the media affect politics. In recent decades, technological and societal changes have strongly affected the field of political communication, including the rise of internet-based communication, the increase of populist and racial rhetoric by political parties, and the fragmentation of the media landscape.
In Political Communication (PS 207), offered online via OSU’s Ecampus, Instructor Sean Long examines the role of rhetoric and communications in American politics, including the language used by politicians, the media, and interest groups.
“Political communication may seem to be dry and far from understanding politics,” said Long. “But with the rise of social media in our racialized rhetorical arena, it’s increasingly relevant exploring the mainstream study of public opinion and connection between communication, psychology, and political behavior.”
Using John Zaller’s The Nature and Origin of Public Opinion, the course’s first half examines the influence of political elites through media and how people acquire political information, as well as how actors outside of government and mainstream media increasingly affect public opinion through “top-down” political communication. Students will apply a series of theoretical models to investigate how politicians and news outlets attempt to influence and shape public opinion.
The second half of class focuses on political rhetoric surrounding race, where students will analyze politicians’ rhetoric that aims to tap into racial attitudes, as well as their intended effects.
“The entire course is focused on application, and this course couldn’t be more applicable to today’s political world,” said Long. “How do we make sense of the rapid changes in media ownership and technology? And how do we evaluate intent from those speaking to us? Students are consuming political communication all the time, whether they’re aware of it or not. My hope is to help students better understand the world around them and process what they’re absorbing.”
Political Communication (PS 207) is an asynchronous, 4-credit course delivered via OSU Ecampus during spring terms.