Steve Scully, the Chair of the Hostetter Program, teaches students participating in the C-SPAN distance learning initiative at The Cable Center. He has developed three unique classes for the C-SPAN course: Money, Message and the American Political System; Money, Message, and Political Campaigns; and Congress and The Presidency in the Television Age. These classes capitalize on current events, using modern controversies and issues to drive class discussion.

VIEW ARCHIVED VIDEO CLIPS »

Money, Message and the American Political System takes a critical look at the way we elect our public officials, including the extensive behind-the-scenes process. The class debates political history, campaign financing, special interest money, media strategy, polling, and grassroots organization. By the conclusion of this course, students will have gained a clearer understanding of the dynamics of the American political system.

For a more comprehensive understanding of how Washington really works, Congress and The Presidency in the Television Age provides an overview of our governmental system. Historically, the President of the United States and members of Congress have had both a competitive and cooperative relationship. The class examines this relationship, the role of the judicial system, and the role of the media in our political process.