Am Civ class takes off for D.C. C-SPAN

A group of students in an American Civilization class will head to Washington, D.C., this morning to meet with politicians and consultants, and participate in a discussion to be broadcast on the C-SPAN television network. The first stop will be a round-table discussion with "some of the top journalists, some of the top consultants," according to Am Civ Lecturer Frank Luntz. Panelists will include Democratic pollster Harrison Hickman, and 1984 Reagan Campaign Director Ed Rollins. Students will also sit in on a taping of the McLaughlin Group featuring Pat Buchanan, Morton Kondrache, Jack Germond and Fred Barnes. After the taping, students will be able to ask questions. Luntz said the experience will give the students "information they could never get sitting down in a traditional classroom." In the class, entitled Candidates, Campaigns and Consultants, Luntz regularly brings consultants in to the candidates. "It teaches what consultants do, how they operate, what their views are and what is wrong with the electoral system," said College junior Mark Denbo. Luntz said the program will force students to become involved and ask questions. "Nothing I ever do will I just allow students to just sit there," he said. Denbo agreed, saying the class is "entertaining and very informative. I learned a lot about the American electoral system." Students will also talk with experts, including former Senator John Melcher (D-Mont.) about technology's effect on campaigns, negative advertising, and getting a job in the nation's capital. "It will be everything -- intellectual, challenging, and humorous," Luntz said. "I'm also hoping that some of the students will come away with a job or two." Denbo said he was looking forward to the class session away from the University. "It's essentially a field trip," he said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.