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The course provides an understanding of the role of the media in domestic and international politics. It does this by analysing key theoretical assumptions and debates on the role of media institutions in the struggle for power domestically and internationally.
How do political actors such as politicians and civil society groups use the media? What role do journalists and the mass media play in the struggle for power? Do their actions really influence political outcomes? These are some of the key questions that students will be able to answer after completing this course, taking into account the contested positions put forward in the academic literature. Some of the key topics covered in this course include:• Public opinion and media effect• Media and democracy• The public sphere• Impact of new media technology on politics• Politics and entertainment• Political public relations, celebrity and spin• Media and politics in New Zealand• Elections, campaigns and the media• Propaganda and state control• The Propaganda Model• Media and foreign policy• Media, War and Peace
By the end of this course, students should be able to:Explain how journalists and the media industry report politicsUnderstand how political actors attempt to use the mediaArgue a position on media’s power in politics and public opinion formationDescribe media’s role in democracy and democratic processes such as electionsElaborate on how propaganda works and its effectiveness
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
15 points in POLS at 100-level. Students not meeting the prerequisites but with at least a B average in 60 points in appropriate courses may be admitted with the approval of the Department coordinator.
COMS205
Babak Bahador
Bahador, Babak et al; Politics and the media ; Second edition; Auckland University Press, 2016.
Links to readings for each lecture topic are positioned under the lecture on Learn.
Domestic fee $746.00
International fee $3,038.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .