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