Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title The Public Sphere
Module Code CM568
School School of Communications
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherMark O'Brien
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This provides a theoretical introduction to political communication by exploring the key concept of the public sphere originally developed by Habermas. We analyse the complex interplay of influence between policy-makers, public opinion and the mediation of politics through various media forms.

Learning Outcomes
1. Critically analyse current theoretical approaches to understanding the public sphere and the role of political communication in the creation of an informed citizenry;
2. Identify the ways in which political leaders, the media and citizens all engage in a struggle over meaning and power, as public policy is being shaped;
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scholarly attempts to explain the power of the media to influence public opinion;
4. Identify important sites where political decision-makers and opinion leaders attempt to influence policy outcomes by framing issues in particular ways and controlling media agendas;
5. Deepen his/her understanding of how far the concept of a public sphere can be extended beyond the national level to a European or global context.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Total Workload: 0

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
The Public Sphere.
Theories of the public sphere and critiques of it; the role of political information in the cultivation of an informed citizenry; agenda-setting theory and the influence of media agendas on public and policy agendas; how framing and primary definition of issues operates in news and current affairs; political implications of popular culture; public opinion and media influence on its formation; public opinion in a European and global context..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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
  • Eric Louw: 2006, The Media and Political Process, 1, Sage, London,
  • Brian McNair: 2007, An Introduction to Political Communication, 4, Routledge, London,
  • W. Lance Bennett & Robert Entman: 2001, Mediated Politics, 1, Cambridge University Press, New York,
  • Simon Cottle: 2003, News, Public Relations and Power, 1, Sage, London,
  • Aeron Davis: 2007, The Mediation of Power, 1, Routledge, London,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MICMA in International Communications
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM568
Date of Last Revision31-JAN-12
Archives:
DCU
Address
The Helix
3U
NDP
Government
EU
Disclaimer | Privacy