As a lively discipline, political science meshes well with the print media. Coverage of recent events by newspapers and magazines can be an outgoing part of the classroom experience. Encouraging students to get personal subscriptions points them toward greater involvement in the learning process.

My initial use of media revolved around single issues of journals in combination with texts. For Introduction to International Relations, I ordered the latest Foreign Affairs and for International Law, I included the most recent American Journal of International Law. One of my best finds, a special issue of International Organization devoted to Canada, rounded out coverage for a special topics seminar on Canada. Student personal copies of journals, sometimes tied to student memberships, proved rewarding in helping juniors and seniors to learn.