Politics, Governance and Media
Description
In this course, we address the power and information triangle between politicians, civil servants and the media. In the array of branches of power, the media have secured a firm place. In this light, some scholars even speak of the mediatization of politics and administration. Besides the three actor types mentioned above, a number of additional types of actors have gained importance in our political-administrative system: strategic advisers (e.g., spin doctors) and public affairs professionals (e.g., lobbyists). Led by a number of subthemes, the seminar offers a wide and critical view of this complex environment. The relations between civil servants and the media, and politicians and the media differ from one another. Special attention is given to the role of the media in political scandals and the image-making in the media about politicians and civil service in times of crisis. Also, the rise of social media and their significance for politics and administration will be on the program. The classes will consist of interactive lectures, class presentations and student-led discussions.
The central questions that will be addressed are:
How relate the spheres of politics, administration and the media to one another?
Where are the tensions and how are they addressed, smoothened or exploited by the various actors?
How does information flow among the various actors and how are these flows used strategically by the various actors?
What are the implications of all this for policy making and policy implementation?
What are the implication of all this for the way our societies are governed?
What are the implications of all this for the democratic process and democratic control?
Course objectives
The general objectives of the course are:
to provide students with knowledge of the most important theoretical, empirical and normative debates on the relationship between the media, politics and administration;
to familiarize students with topical research in the field of media, politics and administration, which brings together political science, public administration, journalism and communication studies;
to enhance students’ critical understanding of the potential and limits of various recent approaches to the role of the media;
to stimulate active class participation;
to enhance students academic presenting and writing skills.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
discuss the key characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the subfield of politics, administration and the media;
apply theoretical concepts to concrete instances of politics and administration where there is an connection with the media;
follow and understand debates on institutional, policy, democratic and legitimacy challenges in relation to the role of the media;
build, present and defend well-grounded arguments on the substance, advantages, and challenges of an increased significance of the media in the process of politics and administration.
Timetable
Monday 29-10-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Tuesday 6-11-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Wednesday14-11-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Tuesday 20-11-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Wednesay 28-11-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Tuesday 4-12-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Wednesday12-12-2012 13:00 16:00 CDH-SCHOUW A0.01
Mode of instruction
The course will be taught through interactive lectures, presentations by students, and student-led discussions. Taken together, this course’s teaching methods are interactive, deal with real life situations and challenge students to deliver the best work possible.
Students will do the large majority of the work individually. Presentations will be prepared and delivered in small groups. Group presentations are graded and count as 15 % of the final grade. The other 85 % of the final grade is based on individual performance.
Assessment method
Learning aim: Interactive engagement with course material
Assessment: in-class participation, 15%
Deadline: ongoing, weeks 1 – 7
Learning aim: Finding and processing specific material, group-preparation and delivery of presentation, discussion moderation
Assessment: in-class presentation and discussion-moderation, 15%
Deadline: session 5, 6, 7
Learning aim: Individual understanding and analysis of core readings and extra material
Assessment: reflection paper, 15%
Deadline: to be announced
Learning aim: Understanding of course content
Assessment 1: final paper outline (600w), 15%
Deadline: to be announced
Assessment 2: final paper (2.500w), 40%
Deadline: to be announced
Reading list/Literature
Louw, E. (2010). The Media & Political Process. Los Angeles/London: Sage. 2nd Edition.
Hood, C. (2011) The Blame GameL Spin, Bureaucracy and Self-Preservation in Government
Various articles (to be announced) stressing the particular role of the media for civil servants, policy, and with focus on social media, crisis, etc.
Blackboard
Instructor uses Blackboard. This page is available from of September 20, 2012
Registration
Via USIS
Contact information
For further information, you can contact the coordinator, dr. C.F. van den Berg cberg@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks / Preparation for first session
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