MC404      Half Unit
Political Communication in Democracies

This information is for the 2022/23 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.

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

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars totalling a minimum of 20 hours across Michaelmas Term. 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 1,500 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 LT.

Student performance results

(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 24.3
Merit 60.4
Pass 15.4
Fail 0

Teachers' comment

The course focuses on how politicians communicate with the public, and what developments in this area mean for democracy.

Students' comments

"The lectures are some of the most stimulating and interesting I've had in my education. Fantastic teaching"

"The student-led seminars were great... [I] enjoyed leading on one myself!"

Key facts

Department: Media and Communications

Total students 2021/22: 33

Average class size 2021/22: 17

Controlled access 2021/22: Yes

Lecture capture used 2021/22: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

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