Special Topics (390-0-34)

Topic

Covering Trump: Democracy, Politics and Journalism

Instructors

Peter D Slevin

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall B4: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

Not in recent memory, or perhaps in American history, has there been a mainstream political candidate like Donald Trump, the former president who disdains facts, democratic norms, government institutions, political niceties—and, according to prosecutors, the law. In his own words, he has pledged to upend the way the United States does business, earning him the support of tens of millions of American voters and a battalion of prominent Republican politicians who have fallen into line behind his MAGA movement in what can now be called Trumpism. More than a few voices contend that American democracy is at risk. Understanding the man and the moment, the forces behind him and the people and institutions standing in his way, is essential for journalists, whom he derides as "enemies of the people." It is essential, too, for their audiences: the voters who are looking to the November elections and beyond. This new seminar, which will require a mix of reporting and analysis and plenty of classroom discussion, is taught by Peter Slevin, a Medill professor and former member of the Washington Post national staff who has written about politics for The New Yorker since 2019.

Class Materials (Required)

TBD

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Medill Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors