Module: Political Communication 1: Concepts & Issues

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Political Communication 1: Concepts & Issues
Module Code	MCO1050 (ITS: CM548)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

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. The first section of the module will introduce the main theoretical approaches to the study of political communication. It will examine the role of the news media in shaping the relationship between politicians, citizens, and political institutions, with a focus on models of media and politics, comparative perspectives, and debates about media effects on public opinion and democratic processes. The final section of the module will turn to specific issues and challenges in contemporary political communication. Drawing on political communication scholarship, it will examine themes such as the role of the media in political corruption, the communication styles of populist actors, the spread of disinformation, and the dynamics of media production, while encouraging students to connect theoretical debates with current political developments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse political communication scholarship from a range of academic sources to demonstrate an understanding of the discipline;
2. Assess theoretical approaches to the public sphere and evaluate debates on media effects, models of media and politics, and comparative frameworks;
3. Identify how politicians, journalists, and citizens interact in shaping political communication and public opinion
4. Analyse how political actors and opinion leaders seek to frame issues, influence agendas, and control narratives in contemporary democracies
5. Evaluate key issues in political communication, including political corruption, populism, and disinformation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture
Independent Study	226	Independent learning time/library/assignment
Lecture	24	Lecture
Independent Study	226	Independent learning time/library/assignment
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11007	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alessio Cornia	Module Teacher	Kevin Rafter

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Essay 1 (2,400 words)	40%	Week 7
Assignment	Essay 2 (2,600 words)	50%	Sem 1 End
Presentation	Students’ presentations Students will select an academic publication which A) applies one of the theories discussed in class, or B) offers a new or challenging perspective on one of the course topics. Students will present it to the rest of the class. Publications included in the reading list may not be selected.	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 • Models of Media and Politics • Rethinking Comparative Frameworks • Media Effects • Media & Political Corruption • Populism & Political Communication • 'Fake News' & Disinformation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None