GBL 207 US: IOWA: THE TRAIL STARTS HERE: THE IOWA CAUCUSES
The trail to the White House in 2016, like most recent Presidential campaigns, begins in Iowa. Some Presidential hopefuls have already made numerous visits to the state. Within the next year, many Democratic and Republican officials will be going to steak-fry and county fairs, shaking hands with the Butter Queen, and engaging in retail politics that has been a part of our culture for generations. Students often read about the arcane process of the Iowa caucuses, and how they are either the end of the road for many, while beneficial to the campaigns of others. This course allows students to fully engage with this important process. Students will be assigned appropriate reading for this class and will have discussions about the primary/caucus process, as well as the nomination process in general. Depending on when the caucuses are held (currently scheduled for mid-January), students will fly to Iowa a week before the start of the caucuses. Once in Iowa, they will have a choice of ways in which to engage with the process. Those who are pursuing journalism can choose to work for one of the networks or a local station in Iowa. They can also elect to work for Elon student media or a consortium of college media. Those pursuing Political Science or Strategic Communications can choose to work for a candidate or party. Anyone, regardless of major, can choose whichever path he or she wishes once in Iowa. Students will return to Elon to wrap up and write about this experience, expanding upon the knowledge and insight gained from studying the caucuses up close and in person.
Offered
Offered Presidential Election Years.