Dr. Staci L. Beavers, associate professor of political science at California State University, San Marcos, wrote a short essay, "The West Wing as a Pedagogical Tool". She concluded, "While the series' purpose is for-profit entertainment, The West Wing presents great pedagogical potential." The West Wing, in her opinion, gave greater depth to the political process usually espoused only in stilted talking points on shows like Face the Nation and Meet the Press. However, she noted that the merits of a particular argument may be obscured by the viewer's opinion of the character. Beavers also noted that characters with opposing viewpoints were often set up to be "bad people" in the viewer's eyes. These characters were assigned undesirable characteristics having nothing to do with their political opinions, such as being romantically involved with a main character's love interest. In Beavers' opinion, a critical analysis of the show's political views can present a worthwhile learning experience to the viewer.Beavers, Staci L. "The West Wing as a Pedagogical Tool." PS: Political Science & Politics. December 24, 2001. Reprinted in The West Wing: The American Presidency as Television Drama. Edited by Peter C. Rollins and John E. Connor. 2003.
dr staci l beavers associate professor of political science at california state university san marcos wrote a short essay "the west wing as a pedagogical tool" she concluded "while the series' purpose is for-profit entertainment the west wing presents great pedagogical potential" the west wing in her opinion gave greater depth to the political process usually espoused only in stilted talking points on shows like face the nation and meet the press however she noted that the merits of a particular argument may be obscured by the viewer's opinion of the character beavers also noted that characters with opposing viewpoints were often set up to be "bad people" in the viewer's eyes these characters were assigned undesirable characteristics having nothing to do with their political opinions such as being romantically involved with a main character's love interest in beavers' opinion a critical analysis of the show's political views can present a worthwhile learning experience to the viewerbeavers staci l "the west wing as a pedagogical tool" ps political science & politics december 24 2001 reprinted in the west wing the american presidency as television drama edited by peter c rollins and john e connor 2003