The class is taught by former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies.
Some of them are blogging about their experience for actual media outlets. Jen Leventhal, a junior from Doylestown, blogs on the inside politics page at 6abc.com.
"There is so much that goes on besides what gets staged," Leventhal said. "There's panels, and breakfasts, and luncheons. The conventions are really a big pep rally for the party."
They've noticed a difference between the two parties and their conventions.
"Very plain, very straight-forward," said Penn student Kevin Chang, comparing the RNC to the DNC. "The setting is a lot cosier, a lot more comfortable."
They've already learned one of the keys to being a political reporter: Access is everything.
"Being here as a student and not having necessarily all the invites to all the cool things is an experience," Leventhal said. "One day, if I came back I would like to have more credentials to get into things. But I would like to come back."
