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

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