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MC404      Half Unit
Political Communication in Democracies

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Nick Anstead

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Politics and Communication. This course is not available as an outside option.

Pre-requisites

None.

Course content

The aim of the course is to examine the relationship between the media and political processes in comparative perspective. It offers a critical review of key aspects of contemporary theory and research in political communications, examining a range of interconnected issues concerning the relationship between politics and media including: the political influence of the media; public opinion; election and referendum campaigning; political marketing and branding; political reporting; media and public knowledge; and public diplomacy.

Teaching

10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the AT.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of term.

Formative coursework

All students are expected to complete advance reading, prepare seminar presentations, and submit one essay of 1500 words.

Indicative reading

  • Bennett, W. L. & Segerberg, A. 2012. The Logic of Connective Action: Digital Media and the Personalization of Contenious Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Chadwick, A. 2013. The Hybrid Media System: Politics and Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Coleman, S. & Blumler, J. G. 2009. The Internet and democratic citizenship : theory, practice and policy. Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Davis, A. 2019. Political Communication: A New Introduction for Crisis Times. London: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Esser, F. and Pfetsch, B. (Eds). 2004. Comparing Political Communications, New York, Cambridge University Press.
  • Issenberg, S. 2012. The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns: Crown.
  • Norris, P. 2000. Virtuous Circle, Cambridge University Press.
  • Scammell, M. and Semetko, Holli A. 2012. The SAGE Handbook of Political Communication. London: Sage.
  • Scammell, M. 2014. Consumer Democracy: The Marketing of Politics. New York, NY USA: Cambridge University Press.
  • Stromer-Galley, J. 2014. Presidential campaigning in the Internet age. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Willnat, L, and Annette A (Eds) 2009. Political communication in Asia. London ; New York: Routledge.
  • Wring, D., Mortimore, R., & Atkinson, S. 2018. Political Communication in Britain. London: Springer.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the WT.

Key facts

Department: Media and Communications

Total students 2022/23: 38

Average class size 2022/23: 12

Controlled access 2022/23: Yes

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Communication