All eyes are on the U.S. political landscape heading into the 2018 Midterm Elections in November. With all 435 seats of the House of Representatives and about one-third of Senate spots up for grabs, the next decade of politics lies in the hands of voters. Party control of both the House and the Senate will determine the future of the current presidency. Coming off the controversial 2016 Presidential Election, the midterms will not be without hot topics. From a Supreme Court nomination to potential Supreme Court legislation at risk of being overturned, voters have significant part to play.

On this episode of the Oxford Comment, we are taking a look at how elections are influenced by technology with the help of Jamie Susskind and Siva Vaidhyanathan. From fake news to Cambridge Analytica, the 2016 election was the first look at how digital media will influence modern campaigns. The 2018 midterm elections will amplify the effects seen by social media in the last election and how our current dependence on technology will affect the future political power structure.

Learn more about Siva's book here: https://bit.ly/2xT890m and follow him on Twitter @sivavaid

Learn more about Jamie's book here: https://bit.ly/2CZIoAk and follow him on Twitter @jamiesusskind

Executive Producer/Editor: Nicole Piendel

Host: Erin Meehan

Guest-Host: Nicole Piendel

Associate Producer: Marissa Lynch

Associate Producer: Mackenzie Cutruzzula

Production Coordinators: Katelyn Phillips, Victoria McPherson

Follow @OxfordAcademic on Twitter, Soundcloud, Stitcher and Google Play for new episodes of The Oxford Comment

Don't forget to vote!

© Oxford University Press

Nick Groom explains why there is much more to Frankenstein the novel than we might realise. In comparison with film versions, the novel has much more focus on the monster or ‘being’ itself, a tragic sentient being whose fate makes us think about issues of rights and responsibilities. He uncovers the way Mary Shelley constructed the novel, and invited the readers to consider these profound questions.

Nick Groom, Professor of English at the University of Exeter, talks to broadcaster Nicola Barranger

Learn more: https://bit.ly/2NXtVFT

© Oxford University Press

Nick Groom, famous as ‘The Prof of Goth’ explores what the term ‘gothic’ means. He looks at the difference between Gothic Horror and Gothic Terror; at the essential ingredients of a gothic novel; at the way the genre developed; and at the impact it first made -- and still makes today.

Nick Groom, Professor of English at the University of Exeter, talks to broadcaster Nicola Barranger

Learn more: https://bit.ly/2Amkbl3

© Oxford University Press

For SSA and piano

Grow is a warm and heartfelt setting of words by the composer that celebrate human personal growth, comparing this to the season change from winter to spring. A rocking piano part underpins the eminently singable vocal lines, and a scat section draws the piece to a reflective close.

For SATB unaccompanied

Aspire to God, my soul sets a macaronic text by Canon John Dilnot. This anthem is optimistic and uplifting, with frequently changing time-signatures that convey a rhythmic fluidity and the flexibility to follow the declamation of the words.

For SATB and organ or piano

This setting of St Benedict's 6th-century prayer begins with a gentle recurring figure in the keyboard, building to a rousing climax. The primarily homophonic texture allows the timeless text to shine through, while expansive vocal writing and expressive use of harmony create a sense of awe towards the Almighty God.

For SATB and organ

Written for the Choir of The Cathedral of St John, Albuquerque, Ash Wednesday sets typically fervent verses by Christina Rossetti. The vocal lines are mostly simple and affecting, with some highly individual harmonies, while the organ part is by turns expressive and showy.

For SSA and piano

This work was inspired by the Radcliffe Ladies' Choir and their motto 'friendship through singing'. The lilting vocal lines are underpinned by a delicate piano part, and the opening performance direction, 'contentedly rocking', describes the overall nature of the piece: peaceful, content, and easy-going.

For SATB unaccompanied

This gentle, lilting anthem sets verses from the psalms that speak of devotion to and delight in the Lord. Bednall's sophisticated and appealing musical language gives colour and expression to the text and creates a devotional atmosphere perfectly suited to the psalmists' words.

For SATB and piano or organ

This is a jubilant arrangement of a four-part round by W. A. Mozart, with choral imitation of pealing bells complementing the celebratory text. An English singing translation of the Latin text is provided.