DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Political Communication 1: Concepts & Issues
Module Code CM548
School School of Communications
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Alessio Cornia
Semester 2: Alessio Cornia
Autumn: Alessio Cornia
Module TeachersAlessio Cornia
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Description

The module will introduce students to some of the key theories and debates in the field of political communications while developing an understanding of political communication scholarship that can be applied to contemporary events and issues. The module will examine the role of news media in political communication and will explore relevant theories to understand the interplay between politicians, media and the public.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse political communication scholarship from a range of academic sources in order to demonstrate an understanding of the discipline;
2. Assess theoretical approaches to understanding the public sphere and the role of political communication in the creation of an informed citizenry;
3. Identify the ways in which politicians, media and citizens engage to shape public policy;
4. Identify how political decision-makers and opinion leaders influence policy outcomes by framing issues in specific ways and seek to control media agendas;
5. Assess the role of different models of broadcasting on the public sphere and evaluate the issue of media ownership and market regulation.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lecture
Independent Study226Independent learning time/library/assignment
Lecture24Lecture
Independent Study226Independent learning time/library/assignment
Total Workload: 500

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Topics
• Public Opinion • Political Media and Models of Media and Politics • Media Effects • Leadership • Media and Political Corruption • Celebrity Politics • Election campaigns • Political Advertising • 'Fake News' and Disinformation • Populism and Political Communication

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentEssay 1 (1,700 words)40%Week 8
AssignmentEssay 2 (2,500 words)60%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Brian McNair: 2018, An Introduction to Political Communication, Sixth edition, Routledge,
  • Aeron Davis: 2019, Political Communication: A New Introduction for Crisis Times, Polity,
  • Richard Perloff: 2014, The Dynamics of Political Communication, Routledge,
  • Ralph Negrine and James Stanyer: 2007, The Political Communication Reader, Routledge, 9780415359368
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
CSPDPhD
CSPMMaster of Arts
CSPTPhD-track
MAPMA in Political Communication
MPCSMPhil (Communications)
Date of Last Revision09-MAY-11
Archives:

My DCU | Loop | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement