Introduction to Political Communication (9024.3)

Required texts

There are no required texts for this unit but there are a few recommended texts, which are available on 7-day or 3-hour loan from the University of Canberra:

• McNair, B. (2017) An introduction to political communication, 6^th edition, London, Routledge.
• Lilleker, D. (2006) Key concepts in political communication, London, Sage.
• Sanders, K. (2009) Communicating Politics in the 21^st Century, New York, Palgrave.

Other relevant texts, some of which are available from the University of Canberra.  This is not an exhaustive list, only a selection. Please do independent research in the library to find texts relevant to your work:

• Perloff, R. M. (2018). The dynamics of political communication: Media and politics in a digital age. 2nd edition. Routledge.
• Chadwick, A. (2017). The hybrid media system: Politics and power. Oxford University Press.
• Street, J. (2011) Mass media, politics and democracy, New York, Palgrave.
• Negrine, R. (2008) The transformation of political communication: continuities and change in media and politics. London, Palgrave.
• Singleton, G, Aitkin, D. & Warhurst, J. (2009) Australian political institutions.
• Economou, N. & Tanner, S. (2008) Media, power and politics in Australia, Sydney, Pearson.
• Errington, W. & Miragliotta, N. (2007) Media and politics: an introduction, Melbourne, Oxford.
• Fitzgerald, J. (2008) ‘Seeing beyond the spin: inside the Parliamentary press gallery, Canberra, Clareville.
• Jowett, G. S. & O'Donnell, V. (2005) Propaganda and Persuasion 4^th ed, Thousand Oaks, Sage.
• Jamieson, K. H. (2003) The press effect: politicians, journalists and the stories that shape the political world, Oxford, OUP. (also available as an e-book through the library).
• Jamieson, K. H.  (2006) The interplay of influence: news, advertising, politics and the mass media. Belmont Calif., Wadsworth.
• Tanner, S. (2011) Sideshow: Dumbing Down Democracy. Scribe
• Jericho, G. (2011) The Rise of the Fifth Estate. Scribe.
• Young, S. (2011) How Australia decides: election reporting & the media, Cambridge, CUP. (also available as an e-book through the library).
• Young, S (2007), Government communication in Australia, Melbourne, CUP.

Resources for essay writing, public speaking and critical thinking

• The University of Canberra Academic Skills program has a range of resources and courses. See http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills
• http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Texas-Format-Essay - Many of you might have used Texas format in High School. There are many similarities. Refresh yourself here and then go to the other resources.
• Excellent resources and tips about essay writing and academic research skills can be found at the Communication Learning Resource Centre website: http://www.canberra.edu.au/clrc
• Commonwealth of Australia (2002) Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 6th ed, John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
• Cottrell, S (2005) Critical Thinking Skills: developing effective analysis and argument, Palgrave Macmillan
• Soles, D (2005) The academic essay: how to plan, draft, revise and write essays, Somerset, UK, Studymates. 

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

Students must attempt each assessment item to pass the unit.  Extensions will only be granted if the student provides a medical or counselling certificate. Please discuss any difficulties you are having with your tutor prior to the submission date.  Students will be penalised for late submission of assignments unless an extension has been granted.

Students will lose five per cent (5%) of their grade for each day late.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Participation requirements

For students to get the most out of this unit it is advised they attend class to participate in discussion and exercises.

Students will not be able to successfully complete Assessments 1 and 2 if they do not attend class.

Required IT skills

Students are expected to have basic word processing skills and be familiar with the internet and online environment. Students are encouraged to be active social media users, particularly Twitter, and follow influential people in the field of political communication and political journalism. 

In-unit costs

n/a

No textbook required.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

• Semester 1, 2018, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (176368)
• Semester 1, 2017, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (165235)