Political Communication, Public Relations and Propaganda
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2017 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC2017
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
The module explores the evolution of political communication from the turn of the 20th century and considers its links to the emergence of modern public relations. Starting with the influential work of Edward Bernys, who is widely considered as the father of modern public relations, we will consider how PR has developed and how its tactics and practices have increasingly been co-opted by modern politicians. This will encompass an examination of the various promotional strategies employed by political parties in campaign cycles and during non-election periods, which are sometimes described as news management and spin. This module will also look at the history of modern propaganda campaigns from their early origins during the First and Second World Wars, through to more contemporary examples.
Target Students
Compulsory module for second year students registered on BA International Communications. Available to JYA/Erasmus Students.
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Assignment 1
- 60% Assignment 2
Educational Aims
To familiarize students with the history of political communication and public relationsTo enable students to spot ‘spin’ and propaganda.To enable students to understand the links between public relations, politics and the exercise of power in liberal democracies.Learning Outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding: This module will provide students with:
- an understanding of the historical evolution and contemporary forms of public relations and news management techniques.
- a knowledge of the theoretical debates around the ideological effects of public relations and propaganda campaigns.
- an appreciation of the overt and covert information strategies employed by politicians.
B Intellectual Skills: This module will encourage:
- Application of particular models and theories to concrete real world examples and case studies
- Critical awareness in assessing the forms and ideological impacts of PR and ‘spin’.
- The ability to reflect critically upon one’s own consumption of media messages.
C Transferable (Key) Skills: This module will enhance transferable skills such as:
- Retrieving, presenting and communicating complex information and argument clearly in oral and written forms
- Planning and organization skills, including working to deadline and managing resources
Conveners
- Ms Gayathry S.Venkiteswaran