166-210 Political Communication

Usually a first-year politics subject.

This subject examines the role of communication systems in the constitution of contemporary political and social life. It pays particular attention to the new modes and means of political communication given the developments in information technologies and global reach. It introduces students to a number of different approaches to the understanding and analysis of political communication in the information age. The subject explores substantive topics such as political consultants and spin-doctoring; civic malaise; virtual war; political scandal; distant emotion; cyberdemocracy; network society; and shock-jock politics. On completion of this subject, students should have an understanding of a number of the key configurations of contemporary political communication.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A research essay of 2000 words 60% (due at the end of semester) and a 2-hour examination 40% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.