Close examination of major aspects of a modern political campaign in the United States. The course takes a pragmatic, skills-based approach aimed at preparing students for high-level, meaningful work on a local, state, or national campaign for both candidates and ballot measures. Topics include: campaign organization and management, fundraising and campaign finance, communications and messaging, polls and focus groups, campaign strategy and storytelling. There will be numerous guest lecturers with experience running and working for political campaigns at the state and local level, both for candidates and ballot measures.