JOU6982 - Political Communication

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the relationship between journalists and political sources
Demonstrate understanding of media power and influence with regards to politics
Critically analyse the relationship between journalism, politics and democracy
Critically analyse the effects of trends in journalism and the media that affect these relationships and the academic debates surrounding these issues.

Content:

This module examines the relationship between journalism/the media and democracy and politics. In particular it will analyse trends in modern journalism such as news management, spin, the internet and blogs, and how these are affecting and influencing the news agenda, political campaigning, the electorate, public trust and the public sphere. It will address issues of influence and power in society.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module uses a series of interactive lectures and workshops to help students develop knowledge in this specialised area and to support the development of a proposal for an extended essay. Following submission of the proposal, students are offered feedback and individual supervision during the development of their work.

Workshops, semester 1
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: No more than 30

Tutorials, semester 2
Contact hours: 6
Intended Group size: Individual or group

Guided independent study
Hours: 174

Further details relating to assessment
The proposal will comprise the subject matter and approach, with an outline and list of resources/ bibliography.

Assessment: