Introduction to Political Communication (9024.3)

Please note these are the 2017 details for this unit
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Introduction to Political Communication
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Arts And Design
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Discipline Of Communication And Media Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
This unit introduces the theories and practices of political communication through an examination of the relationships between media, political institutions and the publics they serve. Public affairs practitioners need to know how media work in the context of 'mediatized' politics and how citizens, journalists and politicians use political messages to inform, influence and legitimize decisions. Focusing on the Australian parliament and political reporting, the unit is structured around a series of case studies that explore the roles of the parliament, political journalism, lobbying, government communication, political campaigns, and public opinion. Students consider the practical applications of political communication in these contexts and build a range of political communication skills and tools for analysis.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate and introductory knowledge of the theories of political communication;
2. Understand the relationships between media, political institutions and the public;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the applications of political communications in a variety of contexts;
4. Analyse political communication in a range of contemporary media;
5. Consider the impacts of political communication for Australian democracy;
6. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills; and
7. Demonstrate written and oral communication skills.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

Restrictions: This unit is not open to students who have passed 7005 Political Communication

Equivalent units

7005 Political Communication

Assumed knowledge

NONE
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

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, 6th edition, London, Routledge.
  • Lilleker, D. (2006) Key concepts in political communication, London, Sage.
  • Sanders, K. (2009) Communicating Politics in the 21st 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 4th 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.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

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