Wayne State University Summer Doctoral Seminar

BRINGING DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY INTO ELECTORAL POLITICS
MAY 30 - JUNE 2, 2012
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
WITH DISTINGUISHED GUEST SCHOLARDR. JOHN GASTIL

Talking about elections increasingly means exchanging anecdotes, recalling potent slogans, comparing outsized personalities, and dissecting carefully crafted campaign strategies. In contrast, weighing arguments, scrutinizing facts, and judging value conflicts occurs less frequently in the public sphere. This seminar focuses on revitalizing deliberative discourse in the American electoral process to generate more substantive adversarial clash and, on occasion, encourage a sense of common purpose. We will examine how candidates campaign and voters vote in local, state, and federal elections, and we will evaluate reforms - real and theoretical - that could make for a more constructive and democratic electoral process in the United States.

Application Deadline is March 15, 2012.

All Ph.D. students interested in being exposed to leading communication research and theory are encouraged to apply. Most expenses for accepted candidates will be paid by the Department of Communication at Wayne State University. Covered expenses for domestic students include airfare, lodging & meals, and course materials. An opening reception and other social events will give participants time to get to know each other and exchange ideas. A small group of doctoral students will be selected to join this unique program.

For application information, please click HERE.