Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Political Communication: Concepts & Issues
Module Code CM548
School School of Communications
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Kevin Rafter
Semester 2: Kevin Rafter
Autumn: Kevin Rafter
Module TeacherKevin Rafter
NFQ level 8 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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lecture
Lecture24Lecture
Independent learning time226Independent learning time/library/assignment
Independent learning time226Independent 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
None
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentEssay selected from a list of topics - 3,000 words in length (60%) and group-based project (40%).100%Week 12
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
This module is category 1
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
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MAPMA in Political Communication
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM548
Date of Last Revision09-MAY-11
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