A pragmatic approach may be used in teaching undergraduate courses in political communication. The design of such a course takes account of departmental, university, and community contexts, and focuses on the following six approaches: single figure or single issue; genre; media exploitation; print media; electronic media; and candidate image. The 1980 presidential campaign can be used as a situation for studying such media as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, posters, bumper stickers, leaflets, personal appearances, speeches, rallies, and local groups. Activities for such a course might include studying network special news reports and inviting candidates to present personally their views on various issues. (DF)