Political Campaign House

Are you interested in politics? Want to make your mark on the 2008 Presidential and Congressional Campaigns? If so, the political campaign house is for you.

This living & learning program will combine a traditional political science seminar course with real hands-on opportunities to be a part of the campaigning process. Students will have the choice of volunteering on a political campaign or with a media organization.

Between the class and the volunteering, students will be able to complete various assignments that relate to the practice of campaigns such as:

·        Developing campaign ads

·        Registering and turning out voters

·        Raising money

·        Covering candidate debates

·        Shaping opinions through the media

Since this is the first year for this program, many of the program details will be up to the House members but may include guest speakers, films, trips and much more.

About the Class

Although the course content and title have not yet been finalized, the class will pull from elements of Campaigns and Elections (PLSC 329), which explores an analysis of institutions and processes of the American electoral system and the behavior of the American electorate. It also will contain aspects of a past seminar taught by Dr. Palazzolo called Elections in America.

About the Professor— Dr. Dan Palazzolo

Dr. Palazzolo graduated from Trinity College with degrees in political science and economics. He received his master’s in political science from the University of Houston and his Ph.D. in American Government from the University of Virginia.

He has been teaching at the University of Richmond since 1989, also serving as Coordinator of the D.C. Initiative and Director for the Center for Political and Policy Studies.

Dr. Palazzolo has taught various courses on campaigns and elections, written several articles and co-edited a book on election reform. He also comments on politics for television, radio and newspapers.