Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title	Political Communication: Concepts & Issues
Module Code	CM548
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Professor Kevin Rafter	Office Number	C 172
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	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.

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

Key theories and debates in the field of political communications

Understanding of political communication scholarship

The role of news media in political communication

The interplay between politicians, media and the public

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Brian McNair,: 2011, An Introduction to Political Communication, Fifth edition, Routledge, 9780415596442
Louw, Eric: 2010, The Media and Political Process, Second, Sage, London, 9781848604476
Ralph Negrine and James Stanyer: 2007, The Political Communication Reader, Routledge, 9780415359368

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

MAP	MA in Political Communication
MASS	MA in Sexuality Studies

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