Digital Media and Political Communication

*Kristiania University College*

Introduction

This course will address contemporary issues in media and political communication, primarily from an international and digital perspective. The course will provide knowledge of key theories, empirical findings, and methodological challenges from the dynamic intersection of media studies and political communication research. For candidates interested in leadership and strategic communication in politics and media, this course will be of high relevance.

Current topics such as political campaigning on digital platforms, innovations in digital news media, users’ digital media behaviour, political advertising on digital platforms, data analytics and threats posed by manipulative media content are relevant themes for the course. 

The course will give candidates critical knowledge and analytical tools relevant for jobs in the public sector, private companies and organisations relating to fields such as journalism, media, political communication, and public relations, to mention a few.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the candidate has achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate…

  • has advanced knowledge about communication and leadership issues through knowledge about media systems and political systems in European countries, from a comparative and international perspective, using theories and methods from both social sciences and humanities.
  • has specialized knowledge of the how digitalization has impacted media industries as well as political communication in general.
  • can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, and interpretations of current issues in media and political communication

Skills

The candidate…

  • can apply key theoretical, methodological and ethical issues to media and political communication research.
  • can analyze, evaluate and criticize current research relevant to media and political communication research.
  • can independently design and carry out a research project of high international standard within the field of media and political communication in accordance with relevant research ethics.

General competence

The candidate…

  • can apply advanced knowledge from media and political communication studies to develop innovative research projects.
  • can carry out research with scholarly integrity and sound ethical considerations with a particular focus on work-life relevance, as well as practice-relevant issues within media and political communication.
  • can communicate insights, analysis and results from media and political communication research to the academic community as well as to a larger audience.
  • can communicate extensive independent work and use language and terminology from media and political communication research.

Degree

PhD in Communication and Leadership 

Learning activities

Lectures, presentation of readings, workshops.

Teaching dates: October 30th, November 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. 2024

Student work load

Teaching: 24 hours

Self-study: 50 hours 

Work on exam paper: 70 hours 

Tools

Students need to install Tableau software on their computers. Students will receive information on this process before the course starts. 

Links to industry

Assignments based on current issues relating to the course theme.

Compulsory assignments

Non-verifiable coursework requirements: one or more assignments that must be collectively approved 

Individual qualification: G/IG (approved/not approved) 

Verifiable (right of appeal): no 

Coursework requirements are to be handed in or conducted in accordance with information given by the lecturer and carried out within the duration of the course, as well as registered as approved/not approved at least two weeks before the exam/exam period. 

Approved coursework requirements grant students permission to take exams. Unapproved coursework requirements result in the student’s withdrawal from the exam. 

Compulsory attendance: 80 % participation in classroom activities

Individual qualification: G/IG (approved/not approved) 

Application date: 30 September