This seminar is earmarked for NECD, IP, DR, NP
Description
This seminar examines the interplay of media, public opinion, and politics, with an emphasis on how the public responds to and is affected by mediated messages. The role and function of classic media (newspapers and television), sometimes considered to constitute a ‘fourth branch of government’ in democracies, has been challenged and changing with the proliferation of social media. The latter facilitate the free flow of information and provide citizens with additional opportunities for political expression and participation. At the same time, this change is also associated with negative developments such as the spread of misinformation, political fragmentation, and polarization in modern societies. The seminar will look at existing empirical research on the impact of traditional and social media on public opinion and political behavior, including psychological theories and concepts of information processing, especially how citizens’ responses are shaped by their values, preferences, and experiences. By becoming familiar with theories and methods used in political communication research, students will have the tools to develop their own research questions and to propose research designs that can answer them. Students are expected to attend all seminar meetings, actively engage in class discussions, and complete a number of written (e.g. reaction papers) and oral (e.g. presentations) assignments.
Course objectives
Following the successful completion of this seminar, students will have (the):
Objective 1: Familiarity with classic and current theories and research on the effects of media on public opinion.
Objective 2: Ability to critically and analytically review and evaluate existing research on media and public opinion.
Objective 3: Ability and skills to develop and design their own research on media and public opinion.
Mode of instruction
Short lectures, class discussion, student presentations
Assessment method
Written assignments, presentations, and class participation
Reading list
Journal articles and book chapters.
Registration
See 'Practical Information
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'