module specification

This module presents a critical review of key aspects of contemporary theory, research and practice in political communication and the mediatisation of politics. It shows how different actors compose a panorama of political communication that may be challenged and transformed by media and technologies. Using an interdisciplinary perspective, the module examines key theoretical concepts pertaining to political communication as normally understood in the West and also in the Global South. The module ultimately poses normative and empirical questions on how power is negotiated depending on the media, political actors, and their distinct contexts.

The module aims to:

● explore social and political scenarios where the media is an essential component of negotiation with power.
● introduce students to key developments in political communications and social movements in the UK and worldwide.
● make students engage with alternative forms of political communication.
● examine political communication in processes of international relations, citizenship, identity, nation branding, and the market.

The programme of study may include the following topics:
• Political communication and power in several world contexts
• Historical developments in political communication
• Mass media and the professionalisation of political communication
• Political advertising and political PR industries
• Trajectories of protest and activism
• Media and sensationalism: The culture of scandal
• Culture, politics, and power
• Nation branding, propaganda, and globalisation
• Political actors and entertaining politics
• Social movements and collective action
• Global political communications in the age of social media

Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminar discussion, screenings, library sessions and tutorials.  Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars: in the seminars they will at times work in small groups and be given practice in listening to each other’s contributions and offering constructive criticism, and in chairing and reporting discussion to the plenary seminar group. The teaching and learning strategy aims to encourage an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects and values the contributions of individual students, and provides opportunities for individual intellectual development through a variety of learning opportunities.

The module booklet will be available online, as will lecture outlines and some readings. Weblearn or its equivalent will also be used for communication with students individually and as a cohort. In addition to guided reading, students are expected to read and to use variety of sources (primary and secondary) and use seminars and tutorials to raise issues, questions and seek feedback.

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities including on-line discussions, evaluation of online resources, and access to electronic reading packs. The VLE will also be used to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations and other relevant sources.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Apply critiques of existing theories and practices of political communications in relation to the media.
2. Analyse social, political, and cultural theories and their relationship with the media and political communications.
3. Compare and contrast political communication systems in different countries and identify key elements of mediatisation of politics and nation branding.

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