Book: The media and political process / P. Eric Louw 2nd edition Assignment Overview During the course, you will review one of the books listed on the following pages. As indicated, each book pertains...

Book: The media and political process / P. Eric Louw 2nd edition Assignment Overview During the course, you will review one of the books listed on the following pages. As indicated, each book pertains to a different aspect of the policy process. Some of the books are recognized classics, having fundamental influences on public administration and policy. Others are more recent publications that are being tested by the critiques of academics and professionals. As a group, these books represent the broad spectrum of fields and ideas in policy studies. You will read all of your classmates’ book reviews and participate in the corresponding class discussions. As you and your classmates share your reviews of these books, you will learn a range of important concepts and theoretical approaches to understanding various aspects of the policy process. Together, you will build a strong foundation of knowledge in policy studies that will serve your professional, academic, and community pursuits. Instructions You have two fundamental tasks in this assignment: write a review of the book, and present its main messages to the class. Your written review should include a cogent summary of the contents and a thorough assessment of it. Additional guidance for each task is provided below. Written Review Cover page (1 page, not included in page limit) · “Review of {insert full citation for book} · “Reviewed by {insert your name} · Abstract: in one or two cogent paragraphs and no more than 300 words, summarize the key points and main take-aways of your book review. It should highlight both the book summary and your assessment. · Key concepts: list 2 to 4 major concepts from the book and key to its understanding. Provide a cogent definition of no more than 2 sentences for each concept. Body of the paper · Introduction (1 paragraph) · Context for the book (5-10% of the review) · What is the historical policy context? Consider the publication date and time period written about that. Consider whether it is an era of government retrenchment or expansion, a time of widespread participation or isolation, economic prosperity or hardship, among other things. Situate the book in the relevant context for the reader of your book review. · What is the author’s disciplinary or ideological disposition? Consider whether the author is an economist, historian, political scientist, or from some other discipline. Also consider whether s/he might come from a libertarian, conservation, liberal, radical or critical orientation. Situate the book in the relevant disciplinary and/or ideological context for the reader of the book review. · Book summary (no more than 40% of review) · What are the fundamental messages of the book? Most of these books have one to three basic points that they argue. Summarize these messages as cogently as you can. Paraphrase the author in your own words; use direct quotations only when absolutely necessary. · What evidence or argument does the book provide to support its messages? For example, it might provide empirical evidence such as statistical analysis or case studies, or perhaps it offers a strictly logical argument or an appeal to a system of values. Describe the evidence and arguments presented. · Assessment (at least 50% of review) · Are the messages generalizable? Do they apply to other levels of government? Do they apply to other branches of government? Do they apply to other policy issues? Do they hold across time and place? Why or why not? Try applying the messages to a current policy issue, for example. · How do this book’s messages fit with the other class readings for your presentation date, and how does it fit in the study of public policy? Does it come to similar conclusions as others? Does it contradict what others have said? Does it complement others to give a fuller picture of the subject? What might explain the similarities or differences? You should compare it with the other class readings related to your book’s topic (these are assigned for the same week as your presentation, and usually the distance-learning week before). You may also compare it to your own readings in other classes and personal experiences. · What do think about the messages of the book? Do you agree or disagree with them? Do they agree with your personal observations of policy processes? How does this affect your professional or personal actions in policy processes? To what degree do you think the historical context or author’s orientation affect the clarity and quality of the book’s main messages? This is the place to describe your personal perspective on the book. · Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs) · Reference list (not included in page limit) Oral Presentation On the day of your oral presentation, you will convey the main messages of the book and lead a discussion on them. You should plan for a presentation of 12-15 minutes in length, including any structured discussions and activities you lead and time for questions. You should use visual aids or handouts to enhance the lesson (the classroom is fully equipped for multiple mediums). Be sure to upload your presentation materials to the ilearn forum for your presentation date. Treat this part of the assignment as an opportunity to practice your presentation and persuasion skills, both valuable assets in policy and public administration work. You can design your presentation as you wish. You can also collaborate with other presenters on your date to create a cohesive, multi-part presentation. Be creative! Participating in the Discussion You are expected to understand the main messages of the books your classmates review, and their relevance to policy processes. The way to do this is first to read their reviews on ilearn before the scheduled presentations (if their presentations are after September 28th). Discussion leaders for each session must post comments, observations, or questions to the reviewers for that day by noon of the Monday before the presentation. This will give the reviewers time to read the replies before their presentations. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the online discussion and is expected to participate during the in-class discussion. Finally, when your classmates present their reviews, engage them in discussion to better understand the messages. If they are not clear, ask questions. You should hold your classmates accountable for communicating the book’s main point and contribution to our understanding of policy processes, just as they will hold you accountable for yours. Book List & Presentation Schedule You will be responsible for reviewing ONE of the following books and can have some choice in which book you review. Send your top 3 preferences, in order of preference, to Dr. Shea, following the instructions provided via email and ilearn. Assignments will be made on a firstcome, first-served basis and to ensure that there is representation among the various topics and presentation dates listed on the following pages.